Old Testament

Numbers 23:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Balaam, a prophet, recounts how he was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

Then Balaam spoke his prophetic message: "Balak, king of Moab, brought me all the way from Aram, from the eastern mountains. He said, 'Come, put a curse on Jacob for me. Come, denounce Israel.'

KJVKing James Version

And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Balaam, a prophet, recounts how he was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab. Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites, who were seen as a threat to his kingdom. Balaam's journey from Aram, a region to the east, signifies the lengths to which Balak went to seek help against Israel. This moment highlights the tension between Israel and surrounding nations, as well as the belief in the power of curses and blessings in ancient times. Balaam's role as a prophet indicates that he has a connection to the divine, and his words carry weight. The request to curse Jacob (another name for Israel) reflects the fear and hostility that other nations felt towards Israel, who were seen as favored by God. This sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of Balaam's interactions with God and the eventual outcome of his mission, which will reveal the sovereignty of God over the plans of men. Explore related prophecy.

How to apply Numbers 23:7 to your life

This verse reminds us that seeking to harm others through curses or negative intentions is futile when God is involved. Instead, we should focus on blessings and positive interactions, trusting in God's protection and guidance over our lives and the lives of others.

Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Numbers 23:7 mean?

Numbers 23:7 describes Balaam, a prophet, recounting how Balak, the king of Moab, summoned him to curse the Israelites. This highlights the conflict between Israel and surrounding nations and emphasizes the power of prophetic words.

What is the significance of Balaam in Numbers 23:7?

Balaam is significant in this verse as a prophet who has been called upon to curse Israel. His role illustrates the belief in the influence of blessings and curses in ancient times and sets the stage for God's sovereignty over such attempts.

What does Balak want from Balaam in Numbers 23:7?

In Numbers 23:7, Balak wants Balaam to curse Jacob, which refers to the Israelites. This request reflects Balak's fear of Israel's power and his desire to protect his kingdom from what he perceives as a threat.

How does Numbers 23:7 relate to the theme of divine sovereignty?

Numbers 23:7 relates to divine sovereignty by showing that despite Balak's attempts to curse Israel, God's plans cannot be thwarted. Balaam's prophetic role indicates that God ultimately controls the outcomes, regardless of human intentions.

The Book of Numbers
Book Summary

The Book of Numbers

Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders

The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.

Premium

Unlock the full Numbers summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Numbers — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 36 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Numbers summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.