10 Then Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and behold, thou hast altogether blessed [them] these three times! 11 And now flee thou to thy place; I said I would very highly honour thee, and behold, Jehovah has kept thee back from honour. 12 And Balaam said to Balak, Did I not also speak to thy messengers whom thou sentest to me, saying, 13 If Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the commandment of Jehovah to do good or bad out of my heart: what Jehovah shall say, that will I speak? 14 And now behold, I go to my people: come, I will admonish thee what this people will do to thy people at the end of days.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 24:10-14
Commentary on Numbers 24:10-14
(Read Numbers 24:10-14)
This vain attempt to curse Israel is ended. Balak broke out into a rage against Balaam, and expressed great vexation. Balaam has a very full excuse; God restrained him from saying what he would have said, and constrained him to say what he would not have uttered.