Definition: Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 23:5. It's a really important and slightly complex verse, so we’ll go through it step by step: The Basic Situation: Balaam was offering a curse to a man. Balaam was a priest of God who was tasked with delivering judgments – essentially, cursing people who were disobeying God. God heard Balaam's judgment and refused to allow it. This is the core of the verse. God didn’t obey Balaam’s decree. What Happened Next? The LORD turned the curse into a blessing. This is where it gets interesting. The Lord, in response to God’s refusal, changed Balaam's judgment. Instead of a curse, the Lord decided to bless Balaam. God loved Balaam. This is the crucial part – God’s love for Balaam overrides the negative outcome of the curse. What Does This Mean? This verse speaks to a few important ideas: God's Sovereignty: It highlights that God is in complete control and doesn’t always obey human will. He has the power to change things, even when people try to defy him. Divine Justice & Love: It shows that God isn't just about punishing wrongdoers; He also desires to show mercy and restore good. The Lord’s decision to bless Balaam demonstrates a deep love for someone who was acting in defiance of God. In simpler terms, it means God didn't just stop the curse; He reversed it and gave Balaam a chance to be blessed. Think of it like this: Imagine you accidentally break your friend’s favorite vase. You don’t punish them – you decide to replace it with something equally beautiful. That's essentially what God is doing here, showing compassion and restoring balance even when someone makes a mistake. Does this have any deeper meaning for you? Would you like me to: Explain another part of the passage? Connect this verse to a specific story or event in the Bible?