No Cursing
Numbers 23-25
Balaam responds to King Balak. ”But how can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom the Lord has not condemned?” Numbers 23:8 NLT Seems logical.
But the king isn’t about logic, actually he gets very defensive. “…What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies. Instead, you have blessed them!’ But Balaam replied, ‘I will speak only the message that the Lord puts in my mouth.’” Numbers 23:11-12 NLT
Notice the pushback when Balaam doesn’t go against God? The king explodes. “‘Fine, but if you won’t curse them, at least don’t bless them!’ But Balaam replied to Balak, ‘Didn’t I tell you that I can do only what the Lord tells me?’“ Numbers 23:25-26 NLT
But just like a classic manipulator the king tries bartering for another opportunity to change Balaam’s mind. ”…Come, I will take you to one more place. Perhaps it will please God to let you curse them from there.” Numbers 23:27 NLT He doesn’t give up, does he? 😜