Numbers 22:6

So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed."

Study Bible

So please come now and put a curse on this people
This request is made by Balak, the king of Moab, to Balaam, a diviner. The Moabites were descendants of Lot and had a history of conflict with Israel. The act of cursing was believed to invoke supernatural power to harm or weaken an enemy. In ancient Near Eastern culture, words were considered powerful, and a curse was thought to have tangible effects. This reflects the belief in the power of spoken words, a theme seen throughout Scripture, such as in Genesis 12:3, where God promises to bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who curse him.

because they are too mighty for me
The Israelites, having recently defeated the Amorites, were seen as a formidable force. Balak's fear highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a great nation (Genesis 12:2). The Moabites' fear also underscores the reputation of Israel's God, who had delivered them from Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness. This fear is reminiscent of Rahab's words in Joshua 2:9-11, where she acknowledges the dread that Israel's God instilled in the hearts of their enemies.

Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land
Balak's hope to drive Israel out reflects the territorial conflicts common in the ancient Near East. The land was a critical resource, and control over it was essential for survival and prosperity. This desire to expel Israel contrasts with God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 15:18-21). The struggle for the land is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing the broader spiritual battle between God's people and the forces opposed to His purposes.

for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed
Balak acknowledges Balaam's reputation as a powerful seer whose blessings and curses are effective. This reflects the belief in the efficacy of prophetic words, a concept seen in the patriarchal blessings in Genesis, such as Isaac's blessing of Jacob (Genesis 27). The statement also echoes God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, indicating a recognition, albeit misguided, of the divine principle that God's chosen people are under His protection. This phrase foreshadows the ultimate futility of Balak's plan, as God's blessing on Israel cannot be overturned by human schemes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Balak
The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and past victories. He seeks to hire Balaam to curse the Israelites.

2. Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless and curse. Balak believes Balaam's words have power over the fate of nations.

3. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea. The Moabites are descendants of Lot and are often in conflict with Israel.

4. Israelites
The people of God, who are journeying to the Promised Land. Their presence and victories cause fear among neighboring nations.

5. Curse
A spoken word intended to invoke harm or misfortune. In the ancient Near East, curses were believed to have real power.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Curses and Blessings
God's promises to His people cannot be thwarted by human intentions or curses. He is sovereign over all words spoken against His people.

The Power of Words
Words have power, but God's will prevails. We should be mindful of our words and trust in God's ultimate authority over our lives.

Fear and Faith
Balak's fear led him to seek a curse against Israel. In contrast, believers are called to trust in God's protection and promises, even when facing overwhelming odds.

God's Protection
Just as God protected Israel from Balaam's curse, He protects His people today. We can find comfort in His faithfulness and care.

The Futility of Opposing God's People
Attempts to harm God's people are ultimately futile. God turns curses into blessings, demonstrating His power and love for His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Balak's request to Balaam reflect his understanding of spiritual power and authority?

2. In what ways does God's response to Balaam's curse demonstrate His faithfulness to His promises in Genesis 12:3?

3. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty over curses and blessings to our own lives today?

4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of trusting in God's protection rather than succumbing to fear?

5. How can we ensure that our words align with God's will and purpose, especially when speaking about or to others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:3
God's promise to Abraham that those who bless him will be blessed, and those who curse him will be cursed. This highlights the futility of Balak's request to curse Israel.

Deuteronomy 23:4-5
This passage recounts how God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, demonstrating God's sovereignty and protection over His people.

Proverbs 26:2
This verse speaks to the idea that an undeserved curse does not come to rest, reinforcing the protection God provides to His people.