God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
God's very nature is the foundation of His promises. Unlike humans, whose words can shift due to forgetfulness, changing circumstances, or even malicious intent, God's faithfulness is absolute, stemming from His unchanging character. Therefore, His spoken word isn't just a statement of intent, but a guarantee of fulfillment.
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Balak has brought Balaam to a high place to curse the Israelites, but after building altars and making sacrifices, Balaam finds himself compelled by God to bless them instead. This second attempt at cursing, described in this passage, also results in a blessing, forcing Balaam to declare that God's faithfulness to Israel is absolute and unchangeable.
Balaam, hired to curse Israel, is forced to declare God's immutable nature. Why is this distinction between God and humanity so crucial?
Balaam confronts Balak's flawed assumptions about God by highlighting God's absolute truthfulness and constancy.
Beyond Human Flaws
The Certainty of God's Word
This contrast underscores that God's faithfulness isn't conditional on human whims, but rooted in His own perfect being.
Ask a follow-up
Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel, but Balaam had to admit God's decree to bless is unstoppable. What does this reveal about God's power over human plans?
Balaam's oracle, compelled by God, reveals that human attempts to thwart God's purposes are ultimately futile.
Divine Will vs. Human Schemes
The Certainty of Fulfillment
Understand the original words
El · Hebrew Noun
The supreme Creator and Sustainer of the universe, possessing divine attributes such as sovereignty, holiness, and omniscience that distinguish Him from created beings.
kazab · Hebrew Verb
The attribute of God whereby He remains true to His character and promises; He is incapable of falsehood or deception. His words are absolute and inherently trustworthy.
This verse, spoken by Balaam under divine constraint, highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, contrasting His immutable nature with the fickleness of humankind. It serves as a profound reassurance to Israel, amidst their perilous journey, that God's covenant is secure.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites leave Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, God miraculously led the Israelites out of Egypt under Moses, initiating their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
The Israelites decisively defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, securing territory east of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC
Moab faces Israelite threat
The Moabites, led by King Balak, watched as the powerful Israelite nation arrived at their borders, fearing they would be conquered like the Amorites.
c. 1400 BC
Balak hires Balaam
Balak sent messengers to summon the sorcerer Balaam from Mesopotamia, offering payment to curse the Israelites and avert disaster.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Balaam's first attempt to curse
Balaam, after being permitted by God, traveled to Moab and was brought to a high place to curse Israel, but God put a blessing on his lips instead.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's second attempt to curse
Balak moved Balaam to another location, hoping for a different outcome, but again Balaam could only pronounce blessings upon Israel.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's final prophecy
From a third vantage point, Balaam delivered a final prophecy concerning Israel's future, including the coming of a star from Jacob, before returning home.
This passage directly echoes Numbers 23:19, with Samuel telling Saul that Israel's strength is not human but divine, and God does not lie or change His mind, highlighting the immutability of God's promises and character.
Titus 1:2Paul speaks of God promising eternal life 'before the ages began' and states that 'God, who never lies,' made this promise, directly reinforcing the truth that God's word is certain and unchanging, just as Balaam declared.
Hebrews 6:17-18This passage explains that God gave promises to Abraham and confirmed them with an oath, emphasizing that because God cannot lie, His promises are a strong encouragement for believers to hold onto hope.
Malachi 3:6The prophet Malachi declares, 'I the Lord do not change,' underscoring the unchanging nature of God that Balaam proclaimed, assuring His people that His faithfulness remains constant.
calvinNumbers 23:1-30: "And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams."
And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all; and curse me them from thence.
Tunc dixit ad cum Balac: Veni obsecro mecum ad alterum locum, unde videas illum (tantummodo extremum ejus vidisti, et totum ipsum non vidisti) et ei maledic mi…
pooleNumbers 23:19: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
That he should lie, i.e. break his faith and promises made to his people for their preservation and benediction. That he should repent, . e. change his counsels or purposes; which men do, either because they are not able to execute them, or because they are better informed and their minds changed by some une…
God's very nature is the foundation of His promises. Unlike humans, whose words can shift due to forgetfulness, changing circumstances, or even malicious intent, God's faithfulness is absolute, stemming from His unchanging character. Therefore, His spoken word isn't just a statement of intent, but a guarantee of fulfillment.
Balak has brought Balaam to a high place to curse the Israelites, but after building altars and making sacrifices, Balaam finds himself compelled by God to bless them instead. This second attempt at cursing, described in this passage, also results in a blessing, forcing Balaam to declare that God's faithfulness to Israel is absolute and unchangeable.
Balak has brought Balaam to a high place to curse the Israelites, but after building altars and making sacrifices, Balaam finds himself compelled by God to bless them instead. This second attempt at cursing, described in this passage, also results in a blessing, forcing Balaam to declare that God's faithfulness to Israel is absolute and unchangeable.
"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" — God's very nature is the foundation of His promises. Unlike humans, whose words can shift due to forgetfulness, changing circumstances, or even malicious intent, God's faithfulness is absolute, stemm…
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Last reviewed October 2026