Keraia
Numbers 22

Numbers 22:8

Balak Summons Balaam · Numbers 22:1–21
Read Numbers 22

Translations

Modern
“Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.
Traditional
And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
Literal
And he said to them, “Lodge here the night, and I will bring back to you word as YHWH speaks to me.” And the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.
Latin
…ille respondit: Manete hic nocte, et respondebo quidquid mihi dixerit Dominus. Manentibus illis apud Balaam, venit Deus, et ait ad eum:

Original

Hebrew
English
“Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

Notes

Numbers 22:8

  • Spend the night here: Balaam expected to receive a message from God at night (22:9, 19–20; compare Job 4:12–16; Zechariah 1:8).

  • the LORD (Hebrew Yahweh): Balaam knew about Yahweh, the God of Israel, and expected a message from him about what to do.

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

Places

Moab: Ancient kingdom east of the Dead Sea in Jordan

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) Zippor

Topics

Prayer: Imprecatory