Numbers 22:10

KJV

And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, [saying],

KJV (with Strong's)

And Balaam {H1109} said {H559} unto God {H430}, Balak {H1111} the son {H1121} of Zippor {H6834}, king {H4428} of Moab {H4124}, hath sent {H7971} unto me, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible

Bil'am said to God, "Balak the son of Tzippor, king of Mo'av, has sent me this message:

Berean Standard Bible

And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:

American Standard Version

And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:10 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam, a renowned diviner, as he reports to God the urgent summons from Balak, the fearful king of Moab. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between human will, divine decree, and the allure of worldly gain, revealing God's unwavering commitment to protect and bless His chosen people, Israel, even in the face of powerful opposition and spiritual manipulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 22:10 is embedded within the larger narrative of Israel's journey through the wilderness, specifically following their decisive victories over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, as detailed in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Victories over Sihon and Og"). These victories have brought Israel to the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan from Jericho, instilling great fear in King Balak. The preceding verses (Numbers 22:1-9) describe Balak's desperate plea to Balaam, sending esteemed elders with divination fees to entice him to curse Israel. Verse 10 represents Balaam's initial, seemingly obedient, report to God, setting up the divine prohibition that follows in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Command to Balaam"). This immediate exchange is crucial, as it establishes God's direct involvement and His clear will before Balaam's subsequent, more complex interactions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was rife with beliefs in the power of curses and blessings, often invoked by professional diviners or prophets who were believed to possess spiritual authority to influence outcomes. Kings frequently employed such figures to gain advantage in warfare or to neutralize perceived threats. Moab, a Transjordanian kingdom, was a descendant of Lot (as seen in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")), and while related to Israel, they often acted with hostility, as evidenced by their refusal to provide Israel with passage or provisions earlier in their journey (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")). Balak's fear was not unfounded, given Israel's recent military successes, and his resort to spiritual warfare through Balaam reflects the common cultural practices of the time, where divine favor or disfavor was considered paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes that permeate the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over events and His people's destiny, irrespective of human machinations. Balak's attempts to curse Israel are ultimately futile because God's blessing on His people is unassailable, echoing the promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). The narrative also highlights the theme of **Temptation and Compromise**, as Balaam, despite initially seeking and receiving God's clear instruction, is later swayed by the allure of wealth and honor, leading to a tragic trajectory. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's Unwavering Protection** of Israel, illustrating that His covenant faithfulness ensures their security against all adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Balaam (Hebrew, בִּלְעָם, _Bil'am'_):** This name, possibly meaning "devourer of the people" or "not of the people," refers to a non-Israelite diviner from Pethor in Mesopotamia. He is portrayed as a figure who, despite his pagan background, is capable of hearing and speaking the word of Yahweh. His character is complex: initially obedient to God's explicit command, yet ultimately driven by greed and a desire for worldly recognition, leading him to advise Balak on how to tempt Israel into sin (as seen in [Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Wicked Counsel")).
* **Balak (Hebrew, בָּלָק, _Balaq'_):** The king of Moab, whose name likely means "devastator" or "waster." He is presented as a figure consumed by fear and desperation due to Israel's overwhelming presence and recent victories. His actions in seeking Balaam's help underscore his belief in the efficacy of curses and his determination to thwart Israel's progress by supernatural means, highlighting the political and spiritual anxieties of the surrounding nations.
* **Moab (Hebrew, מוֹאָב, _Mo'av'_):** A nation descended from Lot (Genesis 19:37), located east of the Dead Sea. Historically, Moab had a contentious relationship with Israel, marked by periods of conflict and animosity. In this context, Moab represents the hostile nations surrounding Israel, whose fear of God's chosen people leads them to employ spiritual warfare tactics, underscoring the constant opposition Israel faced in its journey toward the Promised Land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balaam said unto God,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the direct communication between Balaam and God. It highlights Balaam's initial posture of seeking divine counsel, which is commendable and sets him apart from a mere pagan sorcerer. It implies a recognition of Yahweh's authority, even if his motives are later revealed to be mixed. This direct address underscores the divine initiative in the subsequent prohibition.
* **"Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me,"**: This part of the verse details the specific source and nature of the summons. Balaam clearly identifies Balak, the king of Moab, and his purpose: to send for Balaam. The mention of "the son of Zippor" adds a formal, almost legalistic, tone to the report, emphasizing the official nature of the delegation. This precise identification of the sender and his royal status conveys the gravity and political significance of the request, which Balaam is now presenting to God.
* **"[saying],"**: This final, implied phrase (often supplied by translators) indicates that Balaam is about to relay the specific message or request from Balak. It acts as a transition, setting up the content of Balak's demand, which is fully articulated in the preceding verses (Numbers 22:5-6) and which Balaam is now dutifully reporting to God for divine guidance. This reporting mechanism is crucial for the narrative's progression, as it allows God to issue His direct prohibition.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Balaam's initial, seemingly obedient interaction with God (reporting Balak's request) hints at the deeper spiritual conflict and moral struggle that will define his character throughout the narrative. The very act of a non-Israelite diviner consulting Yahweh introduces an element of **Irony**, as the one hired to curse God's people is forced to acknowledge and even speak God's blessing. Furthermore, the detailed description of Balak's fear and Balaam's subsequent actions contribute to strong **Characterization**, revealing Balak as desperate and manipulative, and Balaam as a complex figure torn between divine revelation and personal ambition. The concise nature of the verse, despite its rich implications, also demonstrates **Conciseness** as a narrative technique, packing significant plot development into a few words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:10 serves as a foundational moment, illustrating God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Despite the formidable power of a king and the renowned spiritual authority of a diviner, God's will cannot be thwarted. This encounter underscores that true power resides not in human schemes or spiritual manipulation, but in the divine decree. It powerfully demonstrates that those whom God has blessed cannot be cursed by human agency, reinforcing the theme of divine protection and the security of Israel's covenant status.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Blessing on Abraham")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though brief, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Balaam's initial act of bringing Balak's request to God models a crucial principle: in the face of significant pressure, temptation, or fear, our first response should always be to consult the Lord. Even when the world offers enticing rewards or demands compromising actions, seeking God's counsel provides clarity and protection. The narrative reminds us that God's "no" is often a greater blessing than any "yes" we might desire, shielding us from paths that lead to destruction or compromise our spiritual integrity. It also encourages us to trust in God's sovereign protection over our lives and His church. Just as He protected Israel from a spiritual attack, He continues to guard His people from all forms of opposition, ensuring that His ultimate purposes prevail. Our security rests not in our own strength or strategies, but in His unfailing faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing pressure or temptation to compromise your faith?**
* **How often do you, like Balaam, genuinely seek God's counsel before making significant decisions, especially when worldly gain is involved?**
* **What does Numbers 22:10 teach you about God's sovereignty and His protection over His people today?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's "no" as a manifestation of His perfect wisdom and love?**

### FAQ

**Why did Balak send for Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner?**

Answer: Balak, the king of Moab, was utterly terrified by the sheer size and recent military victories of the Israelites (as described in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear of Israel")). In the ancient Near East, it was common practice for kings to employ renowned diviners or prophets to invoke curses upon their enemies or blessings upon themselves. Balak believed that Balaam, who had a reputation for powerful blessings and curses (mentioned in [Numbers 22:6](/numbers/22-6 "Numbers 22:6 - Balak's Request to Balaam")), possessed the spiritual authority to neutralize the perceived threat of Israel. He sought to defeat Israel not through military might, which he likely knew was insufficient, but through supernatural means, believing that a divine curse would weaken or destroy them.

**Did God truly communicate with Balaam, a non-Israelite?**

Answer: Yes, the biblical text clearly indicates that God, Yahweh, directly communicated with Balaam. [Numbers 22:9-12](/numbers/22-9 "Numbers 22:9-12 - God Speaks to Balaam") explicitly states that "God came unto Balaam" and gave him specific instructions. This is not unique in scripture; God has, at various times, revealed Himself or communicated through dreams and visions to non-Israelites (e.g., Abimelech in [Genesis 20:3](/genesis/20-3 "God's Warning to Abimelech"), Pharaoh in [Genesis 41:25](/genesis/41-25 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dream"), Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "God Reveals Mysteries to Nebuchadnezzar")). While Balaam's motives and ultimate actions were flawed, God used him as an instrument to declare His sovereign will and the inviolability of His blessing on Israel, demonstrating that His power transcends national and religious boundaries.

**What is the significance of Balaam reporting back to God in this verse?**

Answer: Balaam's act of reporting Balak's request directly to God in [Numbers 22:10](/numbers/22-10 "Numbers 22:10 - Balaam Reports to God") is highly significant. It demonstrates an initial, commendable level of spiritual discernment and obedience. Despite being a diviner from a pagan background, Balaam recognized the gravity of the request to curse a nation that was clearly under the protection of a powerful deity, Yahweh. His decision to seek divine counsel before acting shows that he understood the need for God's permission and guidance in such a weighty matter. This initial obedience sets up the divine prohibition in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "God's Explicit Command"), highlighting God's clear will and making Balaam's subsequent disobedience even more culpable. It also underscores that God's plan for Israel would not be thwarted by human or spiritual opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Balaam and Balak, initiated by Numbers 22:10, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Balaam, a prophet who was compelled by God to bless Israel rather than curse them, ultimately foreshadows the ultimate, unchangeable blessing embodied in Christ. While Balak sought to bring a curse upon God's people through a human agent, Jesus, the true [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), came not to curse but to bring the ultimate blessing of salvation and eternal life. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), reversing the curse of sin and death that originated in Eden (cf. [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on Humanity and the Ground")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the curse for us (as seen in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), liberating all who believe from the power of sin and the law's condemnation. Thus, the divine protection and blessing promised to Israel in the Old Testament, which Balaam was forced to declare, are fully realized and extended to all nations through faith in Christ, the one who truly cannot be cursed and whose blessing is eternal (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")). He is the Prophet greater than Balaam, whose words are truth and whose blessings are everlasting.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.