10 Then Balak's anger burned against Balaam , and he struck his hands together ; and Balak said to Balaam , "I called you to curse my enemies , but behold , you have persisted in blessing them these three times ! 11 "Therefore, flee to your place now . I said I would honor you greatly , but behold , the Lord has held you back from honor ." 12 Balaam said to Balak , " Did I not tell your messengers whom you had sent to me, saying , 13 'Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold , I could not do anything contrary to the command of the Lord , either good or bad , of my own accord . What the Lord speaks , that I will speak '? 14 "And now , behold , I am going to my people ; come , and I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the days to come ."
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.