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 serves as a crucial inflection point in the narrative of Balaam, the renowned Mesopotamian diviner, as he dutifully reports to God the urgent summons from Balak, the fearful king of Moab. This verse meticulously sets the stage for a profound spiritual and moral drama, highlighting the tension between human ambition, divine decree, and the allure of worldly gain, ultimately revealing God's unwavering commitment to protect and bless His chosen people, Israel, against all forms of opposition and spiritual manipulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 22:10 is situated within the broader narrative of Israel's wilderness journey, immediately following their decisive victories over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, detailed in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Victories and Journey"). These conquests have brought Israel to the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho, instilling profound fear in King Balak. The preceding verses ([Numbers 22:1-9](/numbers/22-1-9 "Numbers 22:1-9 - Balak Sends for Balaam")) vividly describe Balak's desperate plea to Balaam, dispatching esteemed elders with substantial divination fees to entice him to curse Israel. Verse 10 captures Balaam's initial, seemingly obedient, act of seeking divine counsel, which directly precedes the explicit divine prohibition found in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel"). This immediate exchange is foundational, establishing God's direct involvement and His clear, unassailable will even before the unfolding of Balaam's complex and morally ambiguous journey.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was deeply steeped in beliefs concerning the efficacy of curses and blessings, which were often invoked by professional diviners or prophets believed to possess spiritual authority to influence outcomes. Kings frequently commissioned such figures to gain strategic advantages in warfare or to neutralize perceived threats. Moab, a Transjordanian kingdom, was a descendant of Lot, as recorded in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab"), and despite this distant kinship, often exhibited hostility towards Israel, notably by refusing passage or provisions earlier in their journey (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3-6 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")). Balak's intense fear was entirely rational given Israel's recent military prowess, and his decision to resort to spiritual warfare through Balaam reflects the common cultural practices of the era, where divine favor or disfavor was considered paramount to success or failure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and powerfully reinforces several enduring themes central to the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Preeminent among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute and unchallengeable control over historical events and the destiny of His people, regardless of human machinations. Balak's desperate attempts to curse Israel are ultimately rendered futile because God's blessing upon His people is inviolable, echoing the foundational promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). The narrative also profoundly highlights the theme of **Temptation and Compromise**, as Balaam, despite initially seeking and receiving clear divine instruction, is subsequently swayed by the allure of wealth and honor, leading him down a tragic path of spiritual declension. Furthermore, the verse subtly but powerfully introduces the theme of **God's Unwavering Protection** of Israel, illustrating that His covenant faithfulness ensures their security and prosperity against all adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Balaam (Hebrew, בִּלְעָם, _Bil'am'_):** This name, possibly meaning "not (of the) people" or "foreigner," refers to a Mesopotamian prophet from Pethor. Though a non-Israelite diviner, he is presented as one capable of hearing and speaking the word of Yahweh. His character is complex, demonstrating an initial, albeit imperfect, obedience to God's explicit commands, yet ultimately succumbing to 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, _Bâlâq'_):** The king of Moab, whose name signifies "waster." He is portrayed as a figure consumed by profound fear and desperation in the face of Israel's overwhelming presence and recent military victories. His actions in seeking Balaam's supernatural assistance underscore his belief in the potent efficacy of curses and his unwavering determination to thwart Israel's progress through spiritual means, highlighting the intense political and spiritual anxieties prevalent among the surrounding nations.
* **Moab (Hebrew, מוֹאָב, _Môwʼâb'_):** A nation whose name literally means "from (her (the mother's)) father," referring to their descent from Lot (cf. [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")). Located east of the Dead Sea, Moab historically maintained a contentious relationship with Israel, characterized by periods of conflict and animosity. In this specific context, Moab represents the hostile nations surrounding Israel, whose profound fear of God's chosen people compels them to employ spiritual warfare tactics, thereby underscoring the persistent opposition Israel faced on its journey toward the Promised Land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balaam said unto God,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the direct and personal 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 operating independently. It implies a recognition of Yahweh's supreme authority, even if Balaam's underlying motives are later revealed to be mixed. This direct address underscores the divine initiative in the subsequent prohibition and sets the stage for a truly theological encounter.
* **"Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me,"**: This segment of the verse meticulously details the specific source and nature of the summons. Balaam clearly identifies Balak, the reigning king of Moab, and the purpose of his delegation: to send for Balaam. The inclusion of "the son of Zippor" adds a formal, almost legalistic, tone to the report, emphasizing the official and weighty nature of the delegation. This precise identification of the sender and his royal status conveys the gravity and immense political significance of the request, which Balaam is now presenting to God for divine adjudication.
* **"[saying],"**: This final, implied phrase (often supplied by translators to complete the thought) indicates that Balaam is about to relay the precise message or request from Balak. It functions as a crucial transition, setting up the content of Balak's demand, which has been fully articulated in the preceding verses ([Numbers 22:5-6](/numbers/22-5-6 "Numbers 22:5-6 - Balak's Urgent Request to Balaam")) and which Balaam is now dutifully reporting to God for explicit divine guidance. This reporting mechanism is indispensable for the narrative's progression, as it enables God to issue His direct and unambiguous prohibition against cursing Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and narrative impact. **Foreshadowing** is subtly evident as Balaam's initial, seemingly obedient interaction with God (reporting Balak's request) hints at the deeper spiritual conflict and profound moral struggle that will come to define his character throughout the unfolding narrative. The very act of a non-Israelite diviner consulting Yahweh introduces a profound element of **Irony**, as the one hired to curse God's people is compelled by divine power to acknowledge and even pronounce God's blessing upon them. Furthermore, the detailed description of Balak's overwhelming fear and Balaam's subsequent actions contribute to a strong sense of **Characterization**, vividly portraying 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 theological and narrative implications, also demonstrates **Conciseness** as an effective narrative technique, packing significant plot development and thematic depth into a few carefully chosen words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:10 serves as a foundational moment, powerfully 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 by any human machination or spiritual opposition. This encounter profoundly underscores that true power resides not in human schemes, political alliances, or spiritual manipulation, but solely in the divine decree. It powerfully demonstrates that those whom God has blessed cannot be cursed by any human agency, thereby reinforcing the profound theme of divine protection and the unassailable security of Israel's covenant status.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This brief yet profound verse offers invaluable insights for contemporary believers navigating a complex world. Balaam's initial act of bringing Balak's urgent request directly to God models a crucial spiritual principle: in the face of significant pressure, compelling temptation, or paralyzing fear, our immediate and primary response should always be to consult the Lord. Even when the world offers enticing rewards or demands compromising actions that seem advantageous, seeking God's counsel through prayer and His Word provides unparalleled clarity, divine protection, and moral fortitude. The narrative powerfully reminds us that God's "no" is often a far greater blessing than any "yes" we might desire, shielding us from paths that lead to destruction, spiritual compromise, or a deviation from His perfect will. It also profoundly encourages us to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's sovereign protection over our individual lives and over His collective church. Just as He meticulously guarded ancient Israel from a formidable spiritual attack, He continues to faithfully guard His people from all forms of opposition, ensuring that His ultimate purposes of redemption and blessing will prevail. Our ultimate security and peace rest not in our own strength, wisdom, or strategic planning, but solely in His unfailing faithfulness and omnipotent power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently facing significant pressure or temptation to compromise your faith or values?**
* **How consistently do you, like Balaam, genuinely seek God's counsel before making major decisions, particularly when worldly gain or approval is involved?**
* **What profound truths does Numbers 22:10 reveal about God's absolute sovereignty and His protective care over His people today?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, more abiding trust in God's "no" as a manifestation of His perfect wisdom, boundless love, and ultimate good for your life?**

### FAQ

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

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

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

Answer: Yes, the biblical text unequivocally indicates that God, Yahweh, directly communicated with Balaam. [Numbers 22:9-12](/numbers/22-9-12 "Numbers 22:9-12 - God Comes to Balaam") explicitly states that "God came unto Balaam" and provided him with clear, specific instructions. This direct divine communication with a non-Israelite is not unique in scripture; God has, at various times and through diverse means, revealed Himself or communicated through dreams and visions to individuals outside the covenant community (e.g., Abimelech in [Genesis 20:3](/genesis/20-3 "Genesis 20:3 - God Warns Abimelech"), Pharaoh in [Genesis 41:25](/genesis/41-25 "Genesis 41:25 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dream"), Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries to Nebuchadnezzar")). While Balaam's motives and ultimate actions were deeply flawed, God sovereignly used him as an instrument to declare His unchangeable will and the inviolability of His blessing on Israel, thereby demonstrating that His omnipotent power and divine purposes transcend national, ethnic, and even religious boundaries.

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

Answer: Balaam's act of reporting Balak's urgent request directly to God in [Numbers 22:10](/numbers/22-10 "Numbers 22:10 - Balaam Reports to God") is profoundly significant. It demonstrates an initial, commendable level of spiritual discernment and a recognition of a higher divine authority. Despite being a diviner from a pagan background, Balaam understood the immense gravity of the request to curse a nation that was clearly under the powerful protection of Yahweh. His conscious decision to seek divine counsel before acting on such a weighty matter shows that he grasped the necessity of God's permission and guidance. This initial, albeit temporary, obedience sets the stage for the explicit divine prohibition in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Explicit Command to Balaam"), highlighting God's clear and unyielding will and making Balaam's subsequent disobedience even more culpable. Furthermore, it underscores the overarching theological truth that God's sovereign plan for Israel would not be thwarted by any human or spiritual opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intricate narrative of Balaam and Balak, initiated by Numbers 22:10, finds its most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Balaam, a prophet who was supernaturally compelled by God to pronounce blessings upon Israel rather than curses, ultimately foreshadows the ultimate, unchangeable, and eternal blessing embodied in Christ. While Balak desperately sought to bring a curse upon God's chosen people through a human agent, Jesus, the true [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") and the Living Word, came into the world not to curse but to bring the ultimate blessing of salvation, reconciliation, 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"), who perfectly reversed the curse of sin and death that originated in Eden (cf. [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on Humanity and the Ground")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus willingly became the curse for us (as powerfully declared in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), thereby liberating all who believe from the condemning power of sin and the law's judgment. Thus, the divine protection and the unassailable blessing promised to Israel in the Old Testament, which Balaam was divinely forced to declare, are fully realized and eternally extended to all nations—Jew and Gentile alike—through saving faith in Christ, the one who truly cannot be cursed and whose blessing is everlasting (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). He stands as the Prophet greater than Balaam, whose words are absolute truth and whose blessings are eternal and inexhaustible.

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.