Joshua 24:10-11
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What's really striking here is that God highlights Balaam's inability to curse Israel, not just his own refusal to listen. The text emphasizes that Balaam tried to curse them, but God overruled him, turning what should have been a curse into a blessing, ultimately proving His power to protect His people even from potent magical threats.
but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand. And you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho, and the leaders of Jericho fought against you, and also the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And I gave them into your hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel throughout their history, this time focusing on a specific moment when King Balak of Moab hired the prophet Balaam to curse them. Despite Balaam's attempts, God would not allow him to curse Israel, instead compelling him to bless them and ultimately delivering the Israelites from Balak's scheme. This event is presented as another powerful example of God's protection and power on their behalf.
Imagine a hired hand trying to curse God's chosen people, but God Himself steps in to make sure it doesn't happen. That's the incredible scene here!
Joshua recounts a pivotal moment where God directly intervened to protect Israel from a planned curse. The prophet Balaam, hired by King Balak, was notorious for his ability to invoke curses.
A Divine Refusal
Balaam was brought in specifically to curse Israel, but God wouldn't allow it. The text says, 'I would not listen to Balaam.' This wasn't just Balaam failing to curse; it was God actively preventing the curse from taking hold. He saw the wicked intention behind the hired prophet and overruled it entirely.
The Blessing That Couldn't Be Stopped
Instead of a curse, Balaam ended up blessing Israel. This wasn't a neutral outcome; it was a divinely orchestrated reversal. God took a situation designed for harm and turned it into a declaration of favor. This shows God's absolute sovereignty, even over those who try to manipulate spiritual forces for evil.
Ever felt like you were on the brink of something bad, only for circumstances to shift unexpectedly? God’s power to 'deliver' is still active today.
Joshua isn't just recounting ancient history; he's reminding Israel (and us!) of God's active, protective power.
More Than Just Luck
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The phrase 'so I delivered you out of his hand' speaks volumes. It signifies God's direct action to rescue them from Balaam's influence and Balak's malicious plans. This wasn't a passive observation; it was an intervention.
God's Will Prevails
Even when people try to use their influence or supposed spiritual gifts to bring harm, God’s purposes stand firm. Balaam was known for his spiritual prowess, but his power was limited by God’s will. Israel’s deliverance shows that God’s plan for His people cannot be thwarted by human or even spiritual opposition when God Himself is guarding them.
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 highlights God's powerful intervention to protect His people, even from spiritual threats. Balaam's hired curses were thwarted by God's determination to bless Israel, demonstrating that no opposition can overcome God's plans for His chosen people.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites in Egypt
Generations after Abraham's family settled in Egypt, the Israelites became enslaved. God raised up Moses to lead them out of bondage.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus and Wilderness Journey
God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and pursued them, but ultimately destroyed Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea. They then wandered for 40 years.
c. 1390 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
As Israel approached the Promised Land from the east, they defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, securing territory east of the Jordan River.
c. 1390 BC
Balaam Hired by Balak
King Balak of Moab hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel, fearing their numbers and military might. This event took place as Israel camped on the plains of Moab.
c. 1390 BC— this verse
Balaam's Four Blessings
Despite multiple attempts and altars built for cursing, Balaam could only bless Israel. God's sovereign will prevented him from fulfilling Balak's wishes.
c. 1380 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, Israel crossed the Jordan River and conquered the land of Canaan, driving out its inhabitants and dividing the land among the tribes.
c. 1370 BC
Joshua's Farewell Address
As Joshua nears the end of his life, he gathers all Israel at Shechem to recount God's faithfulness and urge them to commit to serving Him alone.
This passage details the entire account of Balak hiring Balaam to curse Israel, directly preceding and explaining the events Joshua references. It shows God's direct intervention to prevent Balaam's curse and turn it into a blessing.
This passage is a direct reference by Moses to the Balaam incident, emphasizing God's power to prevent curses and turn them into blessings for Israel. It reinforces the idea that Israel's well-being was divinely protected, not due to any merit of their own.
Micah 6:5The prophet Micah recalls God's intervention with Balaam, framing it as a pivotal moment where God demonstrated His faithfulness and protection of Israel from perceived threats. This highlights the ongoing theme of God's defense of His people.
Psalm 105:44This psalm recounts God's mighty acts for Israel, including how He 'gave them the lands of the nations,' which implies overcoming opposition. The victory over Balaam's intended curse is part of this broader narrative of God securing their inheritance.
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…
What's really striking here is that God highlights Balaam's inability to curse Israel, not just his own refusal to listen. The text emphasizes that Balaam tried to curse them, but God overruled him, turning what should have been a curse into a blessing, ultimately proving His power to protect His people even from potent magical threats.
Joshua is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel throughout their history, this time focusing on a specific moment when King Balak of Moab hired the prophet Balaam to curse them. Despite Balaam's attempts, God would not allow him to curse Israel, instead compelling him to bless them and ultimately delivering the Israelites from Balak's scheme. This event is presented as another powerful example of God's protection and power on their behalf.
Joshua is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel throughout their history, this time focusing on a specific moment when King Balak of Moab hired the prophet Balaam to curse them. Despite Balaam's attempts, God would not allow him to curse Israel, instead compelling him to bless them and ultimately delivering the Israelites from Balak's scheme. This event is presented as another powerful example of God's protection and power on their behalf.
"but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand. And you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho, and the leaders of Jericho fought against you, and also the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaa…" — What's really striking here is that God highlights Balaam's inability to curse Israel, not just his own refusal to listen. The text emphasizes that Balaam tried to curse them, but God overruled h…
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Last reviewed October 2026
