Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed is that Balaam isn't just reporting a Divine decree; he's acknowledging an internal compulsion. He received "to bless," meaning God had put this directive within him, not just as an external command, making it impossible for him to do otherwise.
Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Balak has brought Balaam to a high place, hoping he will curse Israel, but Balaam has already declared God's blessing upon them twice. Now, as Balaam prepares for a third attempt, he confesses to Balak that he has been commanded by God to bless Israel, and this divine decree cannot be altered.
Imagine a king issuing a decree that cannot be undone. This is the kind of power God wields over His promises.
In Numbers 23:20, Balaam is stunned because, despite Balak's desire for him to curse Israel, God has commanded him to bless them. Balaam states, 'he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.' This highlights a crucial attribute of God: His faithfulness and immutability. When God blesses, His decree is final. This isn't about Balaam's personal opinion or ability; it's about God's sovereign will. His blessings are not subject to human whim or cancellation. This is a profound comfort to us, knowing that the blessings God bestows upon those in covenant with Him are secure.
Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel, a clear attempt to thwart God's plan. Yet, God's word ultimately won.
The entire narrative surrounding Balaam is a testament to God's sovereignty over human machinations. Balak, the king of Moab, sought to destroy Israel by hiring the sorcerer Balaam to curse them. Balak believed Balaam's curses were potent enough to defeat God's people. However, God directly intervened, placing His own words into Balaam's mouth. Balaam is forced to declare blessings instead of curses, repeatedly stating that he can only speak what God commands him. This demonstrates that no human plan, no matter how well-resourced or seemingly powerful, can ultimately stand against God's declared will and promises. God's purposes will always be fulfilled.
Understand the original words
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barak · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the act of God bestowing favor, protection, or supernatural benefit upon His people. It expresses His active will for their flourishing and success according to His covenant purposes.
This event occurs during Israel's conquest of Canaan, a pivotal moment when their future as a nation in the Promised Land is being secured, demonstrating that God's protection extends even to His people's enemies' attempts to curse them.
c. 1440 BC
Israel Exits Egypt
Led by Moses, the Israelites depart from slavery in Egypt, beginning their journey to the Promised Land. This event establishes them as a distinct nation under God's protection.
c. 1400 BC
Israel Enters Canaan
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites under Joshua begin conquering the land of Canaan, displacing its inhabitants.
c. 1380 BC
Moab Fears Israel
Having settled east of the Jordan River, the Moabites, along with the Midianites, witness Israel's growing strength and begin to fear their expansion.
c. 1380 BC— this verse
Balak Hires Balaam
Balak, the king of Moab, attempts to hire the foreign prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, believing that a curse would lead to Moab's victory.
c. 1380 BC
Balaam's Oracles
Despite his intention to curse Israel, Balaam, under divine compulsion, utters blessings instead, acknowledging God's protection and favor towards His people.
This verse directly links to Balaam's pronouncement, as God's promise to Abraham was 'in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed,' which Balaam, despite his intentions, could only confirm and not revoke.
Numbers 24:9This is the subsequent verse where Balaam elaborates on the blessing, stating 'Blessed is everyone who blesses you, and cursed is everyone who curses you,' reinforcing the idea that the blessing is divinely ordained and unalterable.
Romans 11:29Paul echoes the unchangeable nature of God's gifts and calling, stating 'the gifts of God and his calling are irrevocable,' mirroring Balaam's confession that the divine blessing on Israel cannot be reversed.
1 Samuel 15:29This passage highlights God's immutable character, stating 'the Glory of Israel will not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind,' which is a foundational truth Balaam's forced confession testifies to.
gillNumbers 23:20: "Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it."
Behold, I have received commandment to bless,.... The people of Israel, to pronounce a blessing upon them, to declare them a happy people: and he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it; God has blessed them, has determined to bless them, has promised to bless them, has blessed them in the victories he has given them, and will complete the blessing of them, by bringing them into the land h…
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…
What's easily missed is that Balaam isn't just reporting a Divine decree; he's acknowledging an internal compulsion. He received "to bless," meaning God had put this directive within him, not just as an external command, making it impossible for him to do otherwise.
Balak has brought Balaam to a high place, hoping he will curse Israel, but Balaam has already declared God's blessing upon them twice. Now, as Balaam prepares for a third attempt, he confesses to Balak that he has been commanded by God to bless Israel, and this divine decree cannot be altered.
Balak has brought Balaam to a high place, hoping he will curse Israel, but Balaam has already declared God's blessing upon them twice. Now, as Balaam prepares for a third attempt, he confesses to Balak that he has been commanded by God to bless Israel, and this divine decree cannot be altered.
"Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it." — What's easily missed is that Balaam isn't just reporting a Divine decree; he's acknowledging an internal compulsion. He received "to bless," meaning God had put this directive within him, not just…
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Last reviewed October 2026