Definition: And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed [them] altogether.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 23:11. It's a really surprising and complex story! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Balaam is a Priest: Balaam was a spiritual leader (a priest) who was speaking to a group of people. Balaam is Called to Curse: He was tasked with cursing the enemies of Israel – people who were attacking and harming them. Balaam Gets a Surprise: Instead of cursing them, Balaam blessed them! He actually offered them comfort and protection. What’s happening – It's a Twist: This is where it gets interesting. The verse says, “And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed [them] altogether.” Let's unpack that: “Balak said unto Balaam…” – This is a formal address. It’s like saying “Balaam, please explain this.” “…What hast thou done unto me?” - This is a question from Balaam, trying to understand why he was being called to curse someone. He's curious about the reason for his action. “I took thee to curse mine enemies…” – Balaam was actually tasked with cursing these people. “…and, behold, thou hast blessed [them] altogether.” - This is the key part! Balaam’s response is that he didn't curse them, but he blessed them entirely . "Wholeheartedly" means fully and unconditionally. The Meaning – It’s a Paradox: This story raises a lot of questions: Why did Balaam do this? The Bible doesn't say exactly. Maybe he was feeling sorry for the people, maybe he had a moment of compassion, or perhaps it was a complex situation. It’s a Test: The story is often interpreted as a test of Balaam's character and his loyalty to God. It suggests that even when faced with difficult choices, he could show mercy and kindness. Important Note: The exact reason for this blessing is debated among scholars. Some believe it was a moment of repentance or a shift in his perspective. In short, the verse describes a situation where Balaam's actions were unexpectedly beneficial, turning him into a figure of grace. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Talk about the context of the story (like why it was important in the Old Testament)?