Definition: And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 22:38. It's a really fascinating and somewhat dramatic passage about a man named Balaam. Here’s a simple explanation: What happened? Balaam was an Israelite priest who was leading a group of men to observe the Tabernacle. He was tasked with offering sacrifices, but he stumbled upon a demonic spirit (a demon) that was tempting him to curse the people. The spirit whispered in Balaam’s ear, telling him to say something negative and harmful. What did Balaam do? Balaam, overwhelmed by this temptation, stopped speaking. He essentially said, “I don't have any power – I don’t know what to say.” He was paralyzed with fear and the influence of the demon. What was he doing? He was performing a ritual – offering sacrifices – but he was completely focused on resisting the demonic influence. He was essentially willingly submitting to the spirit's will. What’s the significance? This is a powerful example of: Submission: Balaam chose to yield to the power of evil, rather than fight it. Faith & Obedience: His refusal to speak, even when terrified, shows a deep trust in God. He recognized that God had placed him in a position where he needed to be obedient. Protection: It’s often interpreted as a protective act – Balaam was shielding the people from harm by not speaking negatively. In short: Balaam was tricked and paralyzed by a demon, but he chose to remain silent and submit to God's will, demonstrating faith and obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the symbolism of this passage?