And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more. (Numbers 22:18)
Literally, “a thing small or great,” meaning “anything at all” (see 1 Sam. 20:2; 22:15; 25:36). Balaam knew that God could control his actions, even though He could not control his thoughts.
I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God.
Literally, “Not am I able to pass by the mouth of Jehovah my God.” Such an expression implies personal acquaintance with the God of heaven.
Silver and gold.
A reflection of Balaam’s thoughts, now set on worldly wealth. Avarice was his besetting sin.
His house full.
Compare the experience of the unnamed prophet in 1 Kings 13:8.