במדבר, פרק כ״ג, פסוק כ׳

Standing before King Balak, who waits impatiently for his report, Balaam firmly establishes his complete helplessness against the Divine will. Replying directly to the king's earlier question about what God had spoken, Balaam begins by announcing that he is delivering the exact message God placed in his mouth [רש"י, גור אריה, מזרחי]. He declares that he has received a direct command from God to bless the Israelites. The primary approach among commentators is that this reception was not a physical taking, but rather the acceptance of a spiritual mission and destiny, much like a student receiving wisdom from a teacher [רבנו בחיי, רש"ר הירש]. Some commentators point out that he is essentially stating he has acquired a tangible blessing from heaven to deliver [אבן עזרא, שפתי חכמים, נתינה לגר].

As the declaration continues, a fascinating perspective emerges regarding who is actually performing the blessing. The primary approach among commentators is that God Himself has already blessed the Israelites. In this view, Balaam is merely using his lips to express a reality that God has already brought into existence [רש"י, אבן עזרא, ספורנו, רשב"ם, רלב"ג, דברי דוד]. On the other hand, a different perspective suggests that Balaam is referring to his own ongoing action. According to this view, Balaam is declaring his own personal obligation to complete the blessing that he had initiated previously [בכור שור, נתינה לגר, אוהב גר, העמק דבר, אדרת אליהו לר' יוסף חיים].

Ultimately, Balaam confesses his complete inability to reverse or alter the situation. This powerlessness operates on multiple levels. On a physical and prophetic level, God has entirely removed Balaam's free will regarding his speech. By placing a spiritual barrier over his mouth, God forces him to bless the Israelites even against his own desires, proving that the power of speech rests exclusively in His hands [אור החיים, רבנו בחיי]. On a deeper, essential level, God's blessing is not a mere passing statement, but a fully completed act. Because God is not a human being who changes His mind or experiences regret, His blessing creates a permanent reality that is impossible to cancel [מלבי"ם, אדרת אליהו]. Furthermore, this permanence is not arbitrary. God refuses to withdraw His blessing because He dwells among the Israelites with deep affection and friendship, choosing to overlook their sins. This profound bond of love and companionship ensures that His blessing remains forever secure [דעת זקנים, חזקוני, הדר זקנים, חתם סופר].