King James Version
What Does Numbers 23:21 Mean?
“He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.”
Context
19
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
20
Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
21
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
22
God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
23
Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought! against: or, in
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(21) **He hath not beheld iniquity . . . —**The same combination of the words *aven *(iniquity, or injustice) and *amal *(perverseness, or, rather, suffering or grievance) occurs in Habakkuk 1:3.
**The shout of a king.—**The word which is rendered shout (*teruah*) is the same which occurs in Leviticus 23:24, and which is there rendered *blowing of trumpets. *(Comp. Joshua 6:5; Joshua 6:20, where the same word is rendered *shout *as here.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 23:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 23:21
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge