Numbers 23:11-15 - What have you done to me?

23:11,12

Balak is not best pleased. Balaam answers by repeating that he can only give what God gives him. Balak thought that Balaam was in control, that the power resided within Balaam. Therefore, if he “bought” Balaam he could use this power for his own purposes, namely cursing Israel. However, the power resided with God, not with Balaam. Now at this stage Balaam, for all his faults, seems to recognise this as well. Balaam is a somewhat enigmatic figure.

23:13-15

Many of the “gods” that the various peoples had were thought to be limited to particular spheres or locations. Therefore Balak thinks that by going to a different place they might get better results, for God may not have power in this other place. Of course, his thinking is completely wrong. Once again seven altars were built with the corresponding sacrifices. Balak once again goes to seek the Lord. If Balaam had been a true servant of the Lord he would have known that God is Lord of all the earth, but he is just acting in a mercenary manner.