Numbers 22:14

KJV

And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the princes {H8269} of Moab {H4124} rose up {H6965}, and they went {H935} unto Balak {H1111}, and said {H559}, Balaam {H1109} refuseth {H3985} to come {H1980} with us.

Complete Jewish Bible

The princes of Mo'av got up, returned to Balak and said, "Bil'am refuses to come with us."

Berean Standard Bible

And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”

American Standard Version

And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:14 serves as a concise yet pivotal report, marking the immediate outcome of King Balak's initial attempt to engage the renowned diviner Balaam. This verse details the return of Balak's high-ranking Moabite delegation, who convey Balaam's definitive refusal to accompany them, thereby revealing the first significant obstacle to Balak's desperate scheme to curse Israel and subtly hinting at a divine hand orchestrating events behind the scenes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial juncture in the unfolding narrative of Balak and Balaam, a dramatic segment spanning from [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balak and Balaam") through [Numbers 24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Oracles"). Immediately preceding [Numbers 22:14](/numbers/22-14 "Numbers 22:14 - Balaam's Initial Refusal"), the text establishes Balak's profound fear of the numerous Israelites, who had recently triumphed over the Amorites ([Numbers 21:24](/numbers/21-24 "Numbers 21:24 - Israel Defeats Sihon")). Driven by this terror, Balak dispatched a prestigious delegation comprising Moabite and Midianite elders to Pethor, seeking Balaam's services to curse Israel ([Numbers 22:4-7](/numbers/22-4-7 "Numbers 22:4-7 - Balak's Plea to Balaam")). However, God directly intervened, issuing a clear prohibition to Balaam: "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed" ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel")). Consequently, Balaam, at this initial stage, obeyed the divine command and sent the princes away ([Numbers 22:13](/numbers/22-13 "Numbers 22:13 - Balaam Sends Princes Away")), leading directly to their succinct report in [Numbers 22:14](/numbers/22-14 "Numbers 22:14 - Balaam's Initial Refusal"). This initial refusal sets the stage for Balak's subsequent, more persistent and desperate attempts.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balak and Balaam") unfold as Israel journeys through the wilderness, positioning them on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. Moab, a kingdom with a lineage tracing back to Lot ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")), perceived Israel's immense numbers and recent military victories as an imminent existential threat. In the broader ancient Near East, the practices of divination and the belief in the efficacy of curses and blessings were deeply ingrained cultural norms. Figures like Balaam, known as diviners or seers, were highly esteemed (and often feared) for their supposed ability to influence outcomes through supernatural power. Kings frequently employed such individuals to secure military victories or avert impending disasters. Balak's decision to send "princes" (high-ranking officials) and the explicit mention of "rewards of divination" ([Numbers 22:7](/numbers/22-7 "Numbers 22:7 - Rewards for Divination")) underscore the gravity of the situation and the immense value placed on Balaam's reputed powers. The fear of a numerically superior and divinely favored people like Israel was a common geopolitical concern in the region, prompting such desperate measures.

* **Key Themes:** [Numbers 22:14](/numbers/22-14 "Numbers 22:14 - Balaam's Initial Refusal") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and broader biblical theology. Foremost among these is **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, demonstrating God's active, unwavering, and unassailable guardianship over His covenant people. Balaam's initial refusal is not a product of his own independent will, but a direct consequence of God's explicit command ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel")), illustrating unequivocally that no human or demonic scheme can ultimately thwart God's purposes for Israel. This highlights the **Futility of Opposing God's Will**, as Balak's most strategic and desperate move is immediately rendered ineffective by divine intervention, showcasing the limits of human power against divine decree. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Human Persistence vs. Divine Purpose**, foreshadowing Balak's continued, more intense efforts to persuade Balaam, which will ultimately prove futile in overturning God's blessing. Lastly, it touches upon the **Nature of True Prophecy**, demonstrating that even a renowned diviner like Balaam is ultimately subservient to the will of the one true God, especially when dealing with His chosen nation, whose destiny is divinely secured.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **princes (Hebrew, שָׂרִים, _sarim'_):** This term (H8269) denotes high-ranking officials, chiefs, or commanders. Their involvement in Balak's delegation signifies the extreme seriousness and official nature of the king's request. It was not a casual overture but a formal, desperate appeal from the highest echelons of Moabite government, underscoring the perceived existential threat of Israel and the immense importance Balak placed on Balaam's reputed abilities. The return of these specific, authoritative individuals emphasizes the weight and credibility of their report to the king.
* **refuseth (Hebrew, מֵאֵן, _ma'en'_):** This verb (H3985) signifies a strong, definitive, and often stubborn refusal or denial. It implies a conscious and unyielding decision not to comply. In this specific context, while Balaam's refusal is ultimately divinely compelled, the word itself conveys a clear, unambiguous, and absolute "no" to the princes, leaving no room for misinterpretation of his stance at that moment. It highlights the immediate and decisive failure of Balak's initial, high-stakes overture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the princes of Moab rose up":** This phrase indicates the completion of their overnight stay with Balaam and their subsequent departure from his residence. It marks the formal conclusion of the first phase of Balak's mission, signifying that the delegation had received Balaam's answer and was now returning to their king to deliver the news. The act of "rising up" suggests a formal conclusion to their visit and the commencement of their journey back.
* **"and they went unto Balak":** This clause emphasizes the direct and immediate return of the delegation to their sovereign. It highlights the urgency and importance of their report, as they were directly accountable to the king for the outcome of their critical mission. Their journey back to Balak underscores the gravity of the situation and the king's anxious anticipation of their findings.
* **"and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us":** This is the core message of the verse, a concise, direct, and unambiguous report of Balaam's non-compliance. The simplicity of the statement belies its profound implications, communicating the immediate and complete failure of Balak's initial plan to secure a curse against Israel. This terse report sets the stage for Balak's subsequent, more desperate and intense attempts. The "us" refers specifically to the princes, indicating that Balaam's refusal was personal and direct to them, despite the underlying divine command that truly dictated his response.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but effective literary devices that enhance its narrative impact. There is a clear element of **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, as Balaam's initial refusal, though divinely mandated, sets up the dramatic tension for Balak's subsequent, more insistent attempts to persuade him. The reader, having been privy to God's explicit command to Balaam in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel"), experiences **Dramatic Irony**; Balak and his princes are unaware of the divine intervention, perceiving Balaam's refusal as a personal choice or a matter of negotiation, while the audience understands the true, irresistible divine force at play. The **Conciseness** and directness of the princes' report ("Balaam refuseth to come with us") adds to its impact, highlighting the immediate and undeniable failure of the initial strategy without elaborate explanation, thereby leaving Balak to ponder the implications of this unexpected setback.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:14 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering sovereignty and His active, protective hand over His covenant people. Even when faced with powerful human opposition, perceived supernatural threats, and the machinations of a desperate king, God's will cannot be thwarted. Balaam's initial refusal, though seemingly a human decision, was a direct consequence of divine command, demonstrating that God can even direct the actions of those outside His immediate covenant to accomplish His purposes. This verse underscores the theological truth that God's plans for His people are unassailable, and no human scheme or spiritual power can ultimately prevail against His divine decree. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises and the security of those He has blessed, often working in ways unseen by human eyes.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple report from the Moabite princes carries profound implications for our faith and daily lives. It reminds us that God's purposes for His people are unshakeable, regardless of the strength, cunning, or desperation of the opposition. In a world often filled with fear, uncertainty, and perceived threats, [Numbers 22:14](/numbers/22-14 "Numbers 22:14 - Balaam's Initial Refusal") encourages us to place our trust firmly in God's sovereign hand. He is actively at work, often behind the scenes, directing circumstances and even influencing the decisions of others to ensure the well-being and ultimate triumph of His children. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep confidence in God's protective power, knowing that His "no" to our enemies is a powerful "yes" to His promises for us. It also serves as a subtle reminder of the importance of heeding God's clear instructions, even when faced with tempting offers or intense pressure, just as Balaam initially did, demonstrating that true obedience yields divine protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse encourage our faith in God's protection in the face of perceived threats or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our own lives?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be tempted to "force" an outcome or rely on human strategies, rather than trusting God's sovereign will to prevail?**
* **What does Balaam's initial obedience, even if temporary, teach us about responding to God's clear commands, even when they go against our perceived self-interest or worldly gain?**

### FAQ
**Why was Balaam's refusal so significant to King Balak?**

Answer: Balaam's refusal was critically significant to Balak because it represented the immediate and complete failure of his primary strategy to neutralize the perceived threat of the Israelites. Balak, consumed by terror due to Israel's vast numbers and recent military victories ([Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3-4 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear of Israel")), firmly believed that a powerful curse from a renowned diviner like Balaam was his only hope for survival. In the ancient Near East, curses were widely believed to possess tangible power to weaken enemies and ensure victory. Balaam's reputation was such that his services were highly sought after, and Balak had invested heavily by sending a high-ranking, expensive delegation with "rewards of divination" ([Numbers 22:7](/numbers/22-7 "Numbers 22:7 - Rewards for Divination")) to secure him. Therefore, Balaam's simple "no" meant that Balak's most potent spiritual weapon against Israel was unavailable, forcing him to escalate his efforts and revealing that a power greater than Balaam was at work, actively protecting Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The inability of Balaam to curse Israel, as initially reported in [Numbers 22:14](/numbers/22-14 "Numbers 22:14 - Balaam's Initial Refusal"), powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and unassailable blessing that God bestows upon His people through Jesus Christ. Just as the "blessed" status of Israel ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel")) could not be overturned by any human or demonic power, so too the spiritual blessings of believers in Christ are eternally secure. Jesus is the true prophet, far greater than Balaam, who came not to curse but to bless, ultimately taking upon Himself the curse of the law so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ triumphed over and disarmed principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), rendering all curses and accusations against His redeemed people utterly void. The divine "no" to Balak's scheme finds its ultimate and eternal "yes" in the unchangeable grace, protection, and sovereign rule offered to all who are in Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of God's unassailable blessing for all eternity ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")).

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.

Cross-References

Numbers 22:37

And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?

Numbers 22:13

And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.