Numbers 23:19-20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 23:13-30

Here is, I. Preparation made the second time, as before, for the cursing of Israel. 1. The place is changed, Num. 23:13. Balak fancied that Balaam, having so full a prospect of the whole camp of Israel, from the top of the rocks (Num. 23:9), was either so enamoured with the beauty of it that he would not curse them or so affrighted with the terror of it that he durst not; and therefore he would bring him to another place, form which he might see only some part of them, which would appear more... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:19

God is not a man, that he should lie ,.... Man is a creature consisting of a body of flesh and blood, and of a soul, a created and finite spirit; but God, though he has the parts of an human body ascribed to him in a figurative sense, yet is not to be conceived of in a corporeal manner; and though he is a Spirit, yet eternal, immense, and infinite; and much less is as a sinful man, who goes astray from the womb speaking lies; no, let God be true, and every man a liar: he is God, that cannot... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:20

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 he has given them: so the blessings which God has designed for his spiritual Israel, and bestows... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 23:19

God is not a man, that he should lie - This seems to be spoken to correct the foregoing supposition of Balak that God could change his mind. Even the heathen would not allow that their supreme god could be caught in a falsity. Hence Aeschylus, in Prometh. vinct. 1068: - Ψευδηγορειν γαρ ουκ επισταται στομαπ Το Διον, αλλα παν επος τελει . "The mouth of Jove knows not to frame a lie; But every word finds full accomplishment." read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 23:20

Verse 20 20.Behold I have received commandment to bless. He signifies that a command to bless had been given him, antl a positive law laid down for him. For, as has been said, he was not free and independent in this matter; but God had bound him to exercise the prophetic office, even against his own will. Hence he declares that it is not in his power to alter the revelation, of which he is the minister and witness. But there is a remarkable expression introduced in the midst of his declaration,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 23:20

I have received commandment to bless. The word "commandment "is not wanted here. Balaam had received, not instructions, but an inward revelation of the Divine will which he could not contravene. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 23:20

I have received commandment to bless - literally, “I have received to bless.” The reason of his blessing lay in the augury which he acknowledged, and in the divine overruling impulse which he could not resist, not in any “commandment” in words. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 23:19

Numbers 23:19. That he should lie Break his promise made to his people for their preservation and benediction. Neither the son of man that he should repent Change his counsels or purposes, as men change theirs, either because they are not able to execute them, or because they are better informed, or their minds are changed by some unexpected occurrence, or by their passions, none of which things have place in God. When the inspired writers speak of God’s repenting, as Jeremiah 18:8, and... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:1-30

Balaam’s announcements (22:36-24:25)Balak welcomed Balaam and took him to a high place where he could see the vastness of the Israelite camp. Balak no doubt hoped that Balaam, on seeing this, would be convinced that the Israelites were a serious threat and would put a destructive curse upon them (36-41). But Balaam announced God’s approval of the Israelites. Their vast number, their place in history and their present migration were according to God’s will. Balaam comforted himself with the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Numbers 23:19

Hath He said. Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . read more

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