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 records the immediate consequence of King Balak's initial attempt to enlist the renowned diviner Balaam to curse the advancing Israelites. This pivotal verse details the return of Balak's high-ranking Moabite princes, who report their failure to persuade Balaam to accompany them, revealing the first obstacle to Balak's desperate scheme and subtly indicating a divine hand at work behind the scenes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point in the narrative arc of Balak and Balaam, which spans 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 reader learns of Balak's profound fear of the numerous Israelites, who had recently defeated the Amorites ([Numbers 21:24](/numbers/21-24 "Numbers 21:24 - Israel Defeats Sihon")). Driven by this terror, Balak dispatched a prestigious delegation of Moabite and Midianite elders to Pethor, seeking Balaam's services to curse Israel ([Numbers 22:4-7](/numbers/22-4 "Numbers 22:4-7 - Balak's Plea to Balaam")). However, God directly intervened, instructing 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 report in [Numbers 22:14](/numbers/22-14 "Numbers 22:14 - Balaam's Initial Refusal"). This refusal sets the stage for Balak's subsequent, more insistent attempts.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Israel's journey through the wilderness towards the promised land, placing them on the plains of Moab, just east of the Jordan River. Moab, a kingdom descended from Lot ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")), perceived Israel's vast numbers and recent military successes as an existential threat. In the ancient Near East, the practice of divination and the belief in the power of curses and blessings were widespread. Figures like Balaam, known as diviners or seers, were highly respected (and feared) for their perceived ability to influence outcomes through supernatural means. Kings often employed such individuals to secure victory or ward off enemies. Balak's dispatch of "princes" (high-ranking officials) and the promise 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.

* **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 and unyielding guardianship over His covenant people. Balaam's initial refusal is not a matter of his own 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 that no human or demonic scheme can thwart God's purposes for Israel. This highlights the **Futility of Opposing God's Will**, as Balak's most strategic move is immediately rendered ineffective by divine intervention. 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 fail to overturn God's blessing. Lastly, it touches upon the **Nature of True Prophecy**, showing 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **princes (Hebrew, שָׂרִים, _sarim'_):** This term denotes high-ranking officials, chiefs, or commanders. Their involvement signifies the seriousness and official nature of Balak's delegation. It was not a casual request but a formal, desperate appeal from the highest levels of Moabite government, underscoring the perceived threat of Israel and the importance Balak placed on Balaam's abilities. The return of these specific individuals emphasizes the weight of their report to the king.
* **refuseth (Hebrew, מֵאֵן, _ma'en'_):** This verb signifies a strong, definitive, and often stubborn refusal or denial. It implies a conscious and unyielding decision not to comply. In this context, while Balaam's refusal is divinely compelled, the word itself conveys a clear and unambiguous "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 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. It marks the end 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 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 accountable to the king for the outcome of their mission. Their journey back to Balak underscores the gravity of the situation and the king's anxious anticipation.
* **"and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us":** This is the core message of the verse, a concise and direct report of Balaam's non-compliance. The simplicity of the statement belies its profound implications. It communicates the immediate failure of Balak's plan to secure a curse against Israel, setting the stage for Balak's subsequent, more desperate attempts. The "us" refers to the princes, indicating that Balaam's refusal was personal and direct to them, despite the underlying divine command.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but effective literary devices. 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 knows that God has forbidden Balaam to go, creating **Dramatic Irony**; Balak and his princes are unaware of the divine intervention, perceiving Balaam's refusal as a personal choice or a matter of higher price, while the audience understands the true, irresistible force at play. The **Conciseness** 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, 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 protection over His covenant people. Even when faced with powerful human opposition and the perceived threat of supernatural curses, 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.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "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 or cunning 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, as Balaam initially did.

#### 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 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 failure of his primary strategy to neutralize the perceived threat of the Israelites. Balak, terrified by Israel's vast numbers and recent military victories ([Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear of Israel")), believed that a powerful curse from a renowned diviner like Balaam was his only hope. In the ancient Near East, curses were believed to have tangible power to weaken enemies and ensure victory. Balaam's reputation was such that his services were highly sought after, and Balak had sent a high-ranking, expensive delegation ([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 weapon against Israel was unavailable, forcing him to escalate his efforts and revealing that a power greater than Balaam was at work, 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, 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 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ disarmed principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), rendering all curses against His redeemed people utterly void. The divine "no" to Balak's scheme finds its ultimate and eternal "yes" in the unchangeable grace and protection offered to all who are in Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of God's unassailable blessing and sovereign rule ([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.