Num 23:23 | NET2full | STEP | For there is no spell against Jacob , nor is there any divination against Israel . At this time it must be said of Jacob and of Israel , ‘Look at what God has done !’

‏ Numbers 23:23

23 For there is no spell ^{▼▼tn The words נַחַשׁ (nakhash, “magic curse, omen”) and קֶסֶם (qesem, “prediction, divination”) describe two techniques of consulting gods. The first concerns omens generally, perhaps the flight of birds (HALOT 690 s.v.). The second relates to casting lots, sometimes done with arrows (Ezek 21:26). See N. H. Snaith, Leviticus and Numbers (NCB), 295-296.} against ^{▼▼tn The ASV says “with Jacob,” but most translations use “against” (both are theoretically possible) because of the context, esp. v. 20.} Jacob,
nor is there any divination against Israel.
At this time ^{▼▼tn The form is the preposition “like, as” and the word for “time”—according to the time, about this time, now.} it must be said ^{▼▼tn The Niphal imperfect here carries the nuance of obligation—one has to say in amazement that God has done something marvelous or “it must be said.”} of Jacob
and of Israel, ‘Look at ^{▼▼tn The words “look at” are not in the Hebrew text but have been added in the translation for clarity.} what God has done!’