Reader! observe the temporizing conduct of Balaam. He doth in effect say by this apology, that he would gladly have obliged Balak, had he dared. But we have authority to make a larger comment upon Balaam's conduct on this occasion, and to observe, that this time-serving wretch actually taught Balak, that there was but one method by which he could ruin Israel in the favour of GOD, and thereby preserve his own people from ruin; and that was by tempting them to idolatry. If the Reader will consult, Revelation 2:14, he will there learn this unquestionable truth from the word of the LORD JESUS himself. And if he will after this consult Numbers 25:3-4, he will there behold how sadly the poisonous advice of this impious character operated. Alas! what are even the LORD'S Israel, except upheld by the GOD of Israel.
Related Commentaries of Numbers 24:12
Numbers 24:12-13
12 And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?