Keraia
Numbers 22

Numbers 22:37

The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey · Numbers 22:22–41
Read Numbers 22

Translations

Modern
And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to reward you richly?”
Traditional
And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?
Literal
And Balak said to Balaam, “Was it not that I earnestly sent to you to call for you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not truly able to honor you?”
Latin
Dixitque ad Balaam: Misi nuntios ut vocarent te: cur non statim venisti ad me? an quia mercedem adventui tuo reddere nequeo?

Original

Hebrew
English
And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to reward you richly?”

Notes

Numbers 22:37

Balak thought Balaam did not understand how urgent the situation was nor how great the offered payment.

Numbers 22:21–41

This passage clearly uses humor to make fun of Balaam, the professional diviner. The story shows that his spiritual understanding and obedience to God were less than those of his own donkey.

Numbers 22:2–24:25

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

Theme notes and profiles

Balaam Moab and Ammon

People

Balaam: A prophet hired to curse Israel but blessed them instead Balak: King of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of False Prophets Jannes and Jambres Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Prophets, False Shittim (Place)

Topics

Christian Minister: Incorruptible: Balaam Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Return to the Plains of Moab: Balaam not Permitted to Curse Israel