King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that [were] with him.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, then sent to Bil'am and the princes with him.
Berean Standard Bible:
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.
American Standard Version:
And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And Balak{H1111} offered{H2076} oxen{H1241} and sheep{H6629}, and sent{H7971} to Balaam{H1109}, and to the princes{H8269} that were with him.
Cross-References (KJV):
Numbers 23:14
- And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on [every] altar.
Proverbs 1:16
- For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
Genesis 31:54
- Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
Numbers 23:2
- And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on [every] altar a bullock and a ram.
Numbers 23:30
- And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on [every] altar.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Numbers 22:40
1. Themes:
- Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Desire: The narrative of Balaam and Balak underscores the tension between human intentions and divine will. Balak, the king of Moab, desires to curse the Israelites to prevent them from overtaking his land, while God's sovereignty is demonstrated through His control over Balaam's words and actions.
- Prophecy and Revelation: Balaam's role as a prophet is central to the story. Despite his initial resistance, he eventually speaks only the blessings that God puts in his mouth, highlighting the theme of true prophecy as a conduit for divine revelation.
- Materialism and Spirituality: The offerings of oxen and sheep by Balak represent an attempt to manipulate or entice Balaam with material wealth. This contrasts with the spiritual obedience that Balaam is ultimately called to exhibit.
2. Historical Context:
- The Israelites' Journey: Numbers 22:40 is set during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. They are encamped on the plains of Moab, posing a perceived threat to the Moabite king, Balak.
- Moabite Fear and Strategy: The Moabites are fearful of the Israelites because of their recent victories over other nations. Balak, in response, seeks to employ Balaam, a renowned diviner, to curse the Israelites and thereby weaken them.
- Balaam's Reputation: Balaam is known outside of Israel for his ability to bless or curse, which is effective because it is believed that his words can influence divine powers. Balak's invitation to Balaam, accompanied by lavish sacrifices, reflects the value placed on such spiritual services in the ancient world.
In summary, Numbers 22:40 reflects the broader themes of the Balaam narrative, highlighting the struggle between human agency and divine providence, the nature of true prophecy, and the tension between material inducements and spiritual integrity. It is set against the historical backdrop of the Israelites' sojourn in the wilderness and the Moabites' attempts to resist their advance through spiritual means.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1111
There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּלָק
Transliteration: Bâlâq
Pronunciation: baw-lawk'
Description: from בָּלַק; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king; Balak. - Strong's Number: H2076
There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: זָבַח
Transliteration: zâbach
Pronunciation: zaw-bakh'
Description: a primitive root; to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. - Strong's Number: H1241
There are 172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּקָר
Transliteration: bâqâr
Pronunciation: baw-kawr'
Description: from בָּקַר; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd; beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. - Strong's Number: H6629
There are 247 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צֹאן
Transliteration: tsôʼn
Pronunciation: tsone
Description: or צאוֹן; (Psalm 144:13), from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men); (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). - Strong's Number: H7971
There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלַח
Transliteration: shâlach
Pronunciation: shaw-lakh'
Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). - Strong's Number: H1109
There are 57 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בִּלְעָם
Transliteration: Bilʻâm
Pronunciation: bil-awm'
Description: probably from בַּל and עַם; not (of the) people, i.e. foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine; Balaam, Bileam. - Strong's Number: H8269
There are 368 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שַׂר
Transliteration: sar
Pronunciation: sar
Description: from שָׂרַר; a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward.