Numbers 22:15

ยถ And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.

And Balak {H1111} sent {H7971} yet again {H3254} princes {H8269}, more {H7227}, and more honourable {H3513} than they.

Balak again sent princes, more of them and of higher status than the first group.

Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers.

And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 22:15

Numbers 22 details the dramatic encounter between Balak, the king of Moab, and Balaam, a renowned diviner from Mesopotamia. As the Israelites, after their wilderness wandering, approached the plains of Moab, Balak became terrified of their immense numbers and recent victories (Numbers 22:3). Believing that a curse from a powerful prophet could stop their advance, Balak sent messengers to hire Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22:6). However, God directly intervened, forbidding Balaam from going or cursing His people (Numbers 22:12). Balaam initially relayed this refusal to Balak's first delegation (Numbers 22:13). This verse, Numbers 22:15, marks Balak's response to this initial setback: he escalated his efforts, refusing to accept God's "no."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persistence of Opposition: Balak's actions here demonstrate a stubborn refusal to accept divine will. Despite Balaam's clear message about God's prohibition, Balak intensifies his pressure, believing that greater status and perhaps a larger reward will sway Balaam. This highlights the relentless nature of opposition against God's purposes.
  • Increased Temptation and Pressure: By sending "more, and more honourable" princes, Balak was employing a common tactic of applying greater diplomatic and financial pressure. These higher-ranking officials would likely carry more authority and perhaps offer more enticing incentives, appealing to Balaam's known weakness for gain.
  • God's Unchanging Purpose: Despite Balak's desperate attempts and increased pressure, the narrative ultimately reveals that God's plan for Israelโ€”to bless them and lead them to the Promised Landโ€”cannot be thwarted by human machinations or curses. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that confirm God's protective hand over His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "more, and more honourable than they" emphasizes the qualitative and quantitative increase in Balak's delegation. The Hebrew word for "honourable" (ื›ึผึฐื‘ึตื“ึดื™ื, k'vedim) implies not just social status but also wealth and influence. This was a deliberate strategy by Balak to make the offer irresistible and to impress upon Balaam the gravity and importance of the king's request, underscoring the immense pressure Balaam was now under.

Practical Application

Numbers 22:15 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Recognizing Persistent Temptation: We often face temptations or pressures that, like Balak's persistence, don't disappear after an initial refusal. This verse reminds us to be vigilant, as the enemy may return with "more honourable" and enticing offers.
  • The Steadfastness of God's Promises: Just as God's blessing on Israel could not be reversed by Balak's schemes, believers can find assurance in the unchangeable nature of God's promises and His protective care (Deuteronomy 23:5).
  • The Danger of Worldly Pressure: The narrative of Balaam serves as a cautionary tale about the allure of wealth and status, and how it can compromise one's commitment to divine instruction. This verse highlights the moment the pressure truly mounted for Balaam.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 10:7

    And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

  • Acts 10:8

    And when he had declared all [these] things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

  • Numbers 22:7

    And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

  • Numbers 22:8

    And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
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