Numbers 23:12

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Numbers 23:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which Jehovah putteth in my mouth?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which Jehovah putteth in my mouth?
Numbers 23:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Numbers 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which Jehovah putteth in my mouth?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he answered and said, etc.] By reply to Balak: must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put in my mouth? pretending a great regard to the word of God, and to great carefulness to speak it, exactly and punctually as he received it, whereas he was forced to it, and could not do otherwise.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Must I not - Ought I not? Is it not my duty? Canst thou blame me for it? Numbers 23:13”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Num 23:20, Num 23:26, Num 22:38, Num 24:13; Pro 26:25; Rom 16:18; Tit 1:16 Numbers 23:13”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification