but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to see Balaam as just a bad guy trying to curse Israel, but this verse reveals something subtler: God wouldn't listen to Balaam's intent to curse. The original Hebrew phrasing implies a deliberate, even forceful, prevention, showing God actively intervening to make Balaam bless Israel instead, thereby thwarting Balak's entire plan.
but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, reminding them of His mighty acts throughout their history. He specifically highlights how God protected them from the plots of Balak, king of Moab, who hired the prophet Balaam to curse them, but God intervened to turn those curses into blessings. This event is presented as another example of God's power to deliver His people, even from spiritual threats.
Imagine hiring a 'professional' to curse your greatest enemy, only for them to bless you instead! That's exactly what happened with Balaam.
Joshua recounts a pivotal moment where God's sovereign will decisively overruled the malicious intentions of both Balak, the king of Moab, and Balaam, a diviner.
A Plot to Destroy
Balak hired Balaam specifically to curse Israel (Numbers 22:5-6). This wasn't just a wish; it was a calculated plan to invoke supernatural harm against God's people.
God's Unwavering 'No'
Balaam, despite his wicked desire to curse Israel, repeatedly found himself unable to do so. The text emphasizes that God would not listen to Balaam's desires for cursing. God's purpose to bless and protect Israel was firm, and no amount of wicked scheming could change His mind.
The Turnaround Blessing
Because God would not permit the curse, Balaam could only offer blessings. This wasn't a change of heart by Balaam but a demonstration of God's power to redirect even the most malicious words into acts of favor for His people.
God didn't just stop Balaam; He actively delivered Israel from the entire scheme. What does this look like in practical terms?
The story of Balaam isn't just about a failed curse; it's a powerful example of God's active deliverance.
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More Than Just Words
Balaam's attempt was more than just verbal abuse; it was part of a larger threat orchestrated by King Balak. Balak's plan involved mobilizing his forces, intimidated by Israel's growing presence, and seeking supernatural aid to defeat them. God's intervention meant deliverance not just from prophetic curses, but from military defeat.
God's Hand at Work
The verse states, 'So I delivered you out of his hand.' This 'hand' represents the encompassing threat from both Balaam's magical influence and Balak's political and military power. God's deliverance meant Israel was kept safe from the immediate danger posed by Moab and their hired prophet.
Foundation for Trust
Recounting this event in Joshua's farewell address served as a vital reminder to Israel. They were to remember that their safety and survival were not due to their own strength, but to God's direct intervention. This history built a foundation of trust for their future.
Understand the original words
barak · Hebrew Verb
To bestow favor, prosperity, or divine privilege upon someone. A blessing from God signifies His enabling power, multiplication, and favor upon His people, overriding human attempts to harm them.
natsal · Hebrew Verb
To set free, rescue, or provide safety from danger. Biblically, God is the ultimate Deliverer who intervenes to save His people from enemies and oppression.
This verse recalls a critical moment when Israel's enemies, even through a hired prophet, were forced to acknowledge God's protection over His people. It highlights that Israel's survival and prosperity were not due to their own strength but to God's direct intervention against those who sought their harm.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a foundational event marking their liberation and the beginning of their journey as a nation.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin the conquest of the Promised Land, defeating various Canaanite nations.
c. 1406 BC
Balak hires Balaam
Balak, king of Moab, hires the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites as they camp near his borders, fearing their numbers and power.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Balaam blesses Israel
Despite multiple attempts and altars prepared for curses, Balaam is compelled by God to bless Israel instead, thwarting Balak's plans.
c. 1406 BC
Israel settles in Canaan
After years of wandering and conquest, the Israelites finally begin to settle and divide the land of Canaan amongst the twelve tribes.
c. 1375 BC
Joshua's final address
As Joshua nears the end of his life, he gathers all Israel at Shechem to recount God's faithfulness and call them to a renewed covenant commitment.
This is the detailed account of the very event Joshua refers to, showing Balaam's intent to curse Israel and God's intervention to turn his curses into blessings.
This passage recounts God's prohibition against the Moabites and Ammonites hiring Balaam to curse Israel, highlighting God's protective will over His people.
Micah 6:5This verse directly references the story of Balaam and Balak, asking 'Remember what counsel Balaam the son of Beor gave, and what he was answered from Shittim to Gilgal, that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord,' urging reflection on God's faithfulness even in the face of treachery.
Psalm 44:2-3This psalm echoes Joshua's reminder of God's deliverance, stating that Israel 'did not get the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them,' a sentiment directly applicable to God's intervention through Balaam.
calvinJoshua 24:1-14: "And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God."
And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.
Congregavit itaque [194] Josue omnes tribus Israel in Sichem, vocavi…
gillJoshua 24:10: "But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand."
But I would not hearken unto Balaam,.... Who was very solicitous to get leave of the Lord to curse Israel, which he knew he could not do without; he had a goodwill to it but could not accomplish it: therefore he blessed you still; went on blessing Israel to the last, when Balak hoped every time he would have cursed them; and Balaam himself was very desirous of doing it; but c…
It's easy to see Balaam as just a bad guy trying to curse Israel, but this verse reveals something subtler: God wouldn't listen to Balaam's intent to curse. The original Hebrew phrasing implies a deliberate, even forceful, prevention, showing God actively intervening to make Balaam bless Israel instead, thereby thwarting Balak's entire plan.
Joshua is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, reminding them of His mighty acts throughout their history. He specifically highlights how God protected them from the plots of Balak, king of Moab, who hired the prophet Balaam to curse them, but God intervened to turn those curses into blessings. This event is presented as another example of God's power to deliver His people, even from spiritual threats.
Joshua is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, reminding them of His mighty acts throughout their history. He specifically highlights how God protected them from the plots of Balak, king of Moab, who hired the prophet Balaam to curse them, but God intervened to turn those curses into blessings. This event is presented as another example of God's power to deliver His people, even from spiritual threats.
"but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand." — It's easy to see Balaam as just a bad guy trying to curse Israel, but this verse reveals something subtler: God wouldn't listen to Balaam's intent to curse. The original Hebrew phrasing implies a d…
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Last reviewed October 2026