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Numbers 22:6
Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for theyare too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail,that we may smite them, andthat I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessestis blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

Numbers 24:1
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

against or in according

Psalm 44:1-3
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us,what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old…

Psalm 136:13-20
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercyendureth for ever: …

Isaiah 63:9-12
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old…

what hath

Psalm 31:19
Oh how greatis thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee;which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

Psalm 64:9
And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

Psalm 126:2,3
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them…

and no divination against Israel.
Divination was a practice used to seek knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. In the context ofNumbers 23, Balaam, a prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, attempts to curse Israel through divination. However, God intervenes, demonstrating His control over all spiritual realms and His commitment to Israel's welfare. This phrase underscores the futility of any attempt to use divination against God's chosen people. It also highlights the theme of God's omnipotence and His ability to thwart human plans, as seen inIsaiah 54:17, where it is stated that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper.

It will now be said of Jacob and Israel,
This anticipates a future recognition of God's mighty works on behalf of Israel. The repetition of "Jacob" and "Israel" emphasizes the continuity of God's promises from the patriarch Jacob to the nation of Israel. It suggests a testimony that will be acknowledged by others, reflecting the idea that God's actions on behalf of His people will be so evident that they will be spoken of widely. This is reminiscent of the Exodus narrative, where God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt became known among the nations (Joshua 2:10).

‘What great things God has done!’
This exclamation points to the miraculous and mighty acts of God in the history of Israel. It is a declaration of praise and recognition of God's intervention and blessings. The phrase echoes the sentiment found inPsalm 126:3, where the psalmist declares, "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." It also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and redemption found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises made to Israel and extends God's blessings to all nations. This acknowledgment of God's deeds serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and the assurance that His purposes will be accomplished.

Balaam opens with an unflinching statement: “For there is no spell against Jacob”. God Himself declares that no occult power can override His promise.

• This is not wishful thinking; the context shows Balak hired Balaam to curse, yet God literally blocked it (Numbers 22–24).

•Proverbs 26:2 notes that “an undeserved curse does not come to rest,” underscoring God’s overruling hand.

•Deuteronomy 23:5 explains why Balaam’s curse failed: “the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you.”

•Isaiah 54:17 applies the same principle broadly: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”

God’s covenant love places His people beyond the reach of spells; the verse asserts real, historic protection, not a metaphor.

The second phrase doubles down: “and no divination against Israel”.

• Divination is specifically forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) and powerless where God reigns (Acts 16:18 shows Paul casting out a spirit of divination).

•1 John 4:4 reassures, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”

•Colossians 2:15 celebrates Christ having “disarmed the powers and authorities.”

By pairing Jacob and Israel, the verse covers the whole covenant community. The literal takeaway: occult schemes simply cannot penetrate God’s sovereign shield.

The focus shifts to testimony: “It will now be said of Jacob and Israel”. Outsiders will talk about what they observe.

• After the Red Sea, surrounding nations trembled (Exodus 15:14).

• Later, Jeremiah foresees a day when “all the nations… will fear and tremble at all the good” God does for His people (Jeremiah 33:9).

• Jesus echoes the pattern: let your light shine so people “see your good works and glorify your Father” (Matthew 5:16).

God’s intent is public recognition of His faithfulness, not private comfort only.

The verse climaxes with praise: “‘What great things God has done!’”.

•Psalm 126:2-3 records the same exclamation when the captives returned: “The LORD has done great things for us.”

• InMark 5:19, the delivered man is told, “declare… how much the Lord has done for you.”

•Acts 2:11 reports astonished listeners hearing “the wonders of God” in their own tongues.

When God overrules curses, He turns the spotlight onto His own greatness; His people become living billboards for His glory.

Numbers 23:23 celebrates God’s unbreakable protection, exposes the impotence of every occult threat, and promises a worldwide chorus marveling at His mighty acts. The verse is a literal assurance that God’s covenant people cannot be hexed, a reminder that He publicly vindicates them, and an invitation to join the praise: “What great things God has done!”