King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which [is] by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
Complete Jewish Bible:
He sent messengers to Bil'am the son of B'or, at P'tor by the [Euphrates] River in his native land, to tell him, "Listen, a people has come out of Egypt, spread over all the land and settled down next to me.
Berean Standard Bible:
he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.
American Standard Version:
And he sent messengers unto Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
He sent{H7971} messengers{H4397} therefore unto Balaam{H1109} the son{H1121} of Beor{H1160} to Pethor{H6604}, which is by the river{H5104} of the land{H776} of the children{H1121} of his people{H5971}, to call{H7121} him, saying{H559}, Behold, there is a people{H5971} come out{H3318} from Egypt{H4714}: behold, they cover{H3680} the face{H5869} of the earth{H776}, and they abide{H3427} over against{H4136} me:
Cross-References (KJV):
Deuteronomy 23:4
- Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
Micah 6:5
- O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.
Joshua 24:9
- Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:
Jude 1:11
- Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Revelation 2:14
- But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Numbers 23:7
- And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, [saying], Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
Joshua 13:22
- Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Numbers 22:5
**Numbers 22:5** is part of the narrative involving Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, and his interactions with Balak, the king of Moab. The historical context of this verse is set during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, as they are encamped on the plains of Moab.
**Themes and Summary:**
1. **Fear of the Israelites**: Balak, the king of Moab, is alarmed by the presence of the Israelites, who have recently defeated powerful nations like the Amorites. The Moabites are intimidated by the size and strength of the Israelite community, which is why Balak describes them as covering the face of the earth.
2. **Divine Power and Providence**: The Israelites' success and the fear they inspire are depicted as a result of God's power and faithfulness to His people. Their presence and the reactions of neighboring nations illustrate the theme of divine providence in guiding and protecting Israel.
3. **Balaam's Role**: Balaam is introduced as a prophet whom Balak believes has the power to curse or bless nations. Balak's decision to summon Balaam indicates a recognition of supernatural influence over human affairs, although Balaam's character and the morality of his actions are complex and ambivalent throughout the narrative.
4. **Israel's Reputation**: The verse reflects the reputation of the Israelites, which has preceded them. Their emergence from Egypt and their victories have become well-known, striking fear into the surrounding nations.
5. **Interaction with Foreign Nations**: This event is one of many in the Pentateuch that depicts interactions between Israel and its neighbors, setting the stage for themes of election, covenant, and holiness that are central to Israel's identity and mission.
In summary, Numbers 22:5 captures the tension between the emerging nation of Israel and the neighboring kingdom of Moab. It highlights the fear that the Israelites inspire in other nations due to their association with divine power, and it introduces Balaam, whose role will be significant in the unfolding story of Israel's journey to the Promised Land.
*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: 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: H4397
There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֲלְאָךְ
Transliteration: mălʼâk
Pronunciation: mal-awk'
Description: from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher); ambassador, angel, king, messenger. - 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: H1121
There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בֵּן
Transliteration: bên
Pronunciation: bane
Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. - Strong's Number: H1160
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּעוֹר
Transliteration: Bᵉʻôwr
Pronunciation: beh-ore'
Description: from בָּעַר (in the sense of burning); a lamp; Beor, the name of the father of an Edomitish king; also of that of Balaam; Beor. - Strong's Number: H6604
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פְּתוֹר
Transliteration: Pᵉthôwr
Pronunciation: peth-ore'
Description: of foreign origin; Pethor, a place in Mesopotamia; Pethor. - Strong's Number: H5104
There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָהָר
Transliteration: nâhâr
Pronunciation: naw-hawr'
Description: from נָהַר; a stream (including the sea; expectation the Nile, Euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity; flood, river. - Strong's Number: H776
There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶרֶץ
Transliteration: ʼerets
Pronunciation: eh'-rets
Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. - Strong's Number: H5971
There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַם
Transliteration: ʻam
Pronunciation: am
Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people. - Strong's Number: H7121
There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרָא
Transliteration: qârâʼ
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. - Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H3318
There are 992 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָצָא
Transliteration: yâtsâʼ
Pronunciation: yaw-tsaw'
Description: a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.; [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. - Strong's Number: H4714
There are 602 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִצְרַיִם
Transliteration: Mitsrayim
Pronunciation: mits-rah'-yim
Description: dual of מָצוֹר; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt; Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. - Strong's Number: H3680
There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּסָה
Transliteration: kâçâh
Pronunciation: kaw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare כָּשָׂה. - Strong's Number: H5869
There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַיִן
Transliteration: ʻayin
Pronunciation: ah'-yin
Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). - Strong's Number: H3427
There are 980 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָשַׁב
Transliteration: yâshab
Pronunciation: yaw-shab'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry; (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. - Strong's Number: H4136
There are 34 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוּל
Transliteration: mûwl
Pronunciation: mool
Description: or מוֹל; (Deuteronomy 1:1), or מוֹאל; (Nehemiah 12:38), or מֻל; (Numbers 22:5), from מוּל; properly, abrupt, i.e. a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite; (over) against, before, (fore-) front, from, (God-) ward, toward, with.