Numbers 22:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:15 details King Balak of Moab's intensified efforts to secure the services of the prophet Balaam, dispatching a second, more prestigious delegation after his initial attempt to hire Balaam to curse Israel was rejected. This verse marks a pivotal moment of escalating pressure and temptation, revealing Balak's stubborn refusal to accept God's initial prohibition and setting the stage for the unfolding drama where divine will ultimately triumphs over human machinations and persistent opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 22:15 is situated within the broader narrative of Balak's desperate attempts to thwart Israel's advance towards the Promised Land. The preceding verses establish the initial encounter: Balak, terrified by Israel's size and recent victories, sends messengers to Balaam to curse them, believing such a curse would weaken them for battle, as seen in [Balak's fear and initial request](/numbers/22-3-6 "Numbers 22:3-6 - Balak's Fear and First Summons of Balaam"). God explicitly forbids Balaam from going or cursing His people, stating, "[You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel")". This divine prohibition is then relayed by Balaam to the first delegation, leading to their departure, as described in [Balaam's initial refusal](/numbers/22-13-14 "Numbers 22:13-14 - Balaam's Initial Refusal to Go"). Verse 15 thus represents Balak's immediate and determined response to this setback, highlighting his unwillingness to accept God's "no" and his resolve to escalate his efforts, believing that greater inducements and status might sway the prophet. It sets the stage for God's subsequent, complex interaction with Balaam, where conditional permission is granted, leading to the famous narrative of [Balaam and the talking donkey](/numbers/22-22-35 "Numbers 22:22-35 - Balaam and the Talking Donkey").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, were strategically significant as Israel approached the Promised Land. Balak, as king of Moab, perceived the Israelites as an existential threat, particularly given their recent victories over the Amorites. In the ancient Near East, the practice of hiring professional diviners or prophets to pronounce curses or blessings was common, as it was widely believed that such pronouncements, especially from powerful figures, could supernaturally influence the outcome of battles or events. These individuals were thought to possess potent spiritual power, acting as intermediaries with the divine. Balak's strategy of sending "princes, more, and more honourable" was a standard diplomatic tactic in the ancient world: higher-ranking emissaries carried greater authority, conveyed the king's earnestness and desperation, and were often empowered to offer more substantial rewards, appealing to the prophet's potential greed or desire for prestige. This cultural understanding underscores the immense pressure Balaam was placed under, as refusing such a high-level delegation could have political repercussions beyond mere financial loss, potentially incurring the wrath of a powerful king.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Numbers 22 and the broader book. It vividly illustrates the **persistence of opposition** against God's chosen people and His divine plan, as Balak refuses to yield despite clear divine intervention. His renewed efforts highlight the relentless nature of spiritual warfare and human resistance to God's will. It also underscores the theme of **temptation and compromise**, as Balaam is increasingly pressured by worldly allurements and status, testing his obedience to God's initial command. This narrative arc explores the dangers of covetousness and the struggle between divine instruction and personal gain. Furthermore, it powerfully foreshadows the **sovereignty of God** and His unchangeable purpose, demonstrating that no human scheme or curse can ultimately thwart His will to bless Israel, as later affirmed in Balaam's divinely inspired oracles, where he declares, "[How can I curse whom God has not cursed?](/numbers/23-8 "Numbers 23:8 - Balaam's Inability to Curse Israel")" and "[Behold, I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it](/numbers/23-20 "Numbers 23:20 - God's Blessing on Israel")". The narrative underscores that God's protective hand over His covenant people cannot be overcome by external forces or the most potent curses.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** Derived from H7971, this verb signifies a deliberate act of dispatching or sending forth with a specific purpose. Its repetition from Balak's initial attempt in [Numbers 22:5](/numbers/22-5 "Numbers 22:5 - Balak's First Dispatch") emphasizes Balak's renewed and determined effort, indicating not a casual request but a persistent, strategic move to achieve his objective. This "sending" is an act of calculated pressure.
* **yet again (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** From H3254, this adverbial phrase means "to add or augment," indicating a continuation or repetition of an action. In this context, it highlights Balak's stubborn refusal to accept God's initial prohibition. He is not merely trying again, but "adding" to his previous effort, demonstrating an intensified resolve and an unwillingness to yield to divine decree.
* **honourable (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** From H3513, the root of the word translated "honourable" (kavedim), this term literally means "to be heavy" or "weighty." In a good sense, it implies not just social status but also wealth, influence, gravitas, and importance. The phrase "more, and more honourable than they" indicates a qualitative and quantitative escalation. These new delegates possessed greater prestige, presumably carried more enticing offers, and represented a more formidable diplomatic force, designed to make Balaam's refusal exceedingly difficult and appealing to his desire for material gain and social standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balak sent yet again princes,"**: This clause immediately signifies Balak's determined persistence and his refusal to accept the divine "no" communicated through Balaam. The phrase "yet again" (Hebrew _yâçaph_) emphasizes not just a repeat action, but an intensified, augmented effort. Despite the clear divine prohibition, Balak refuses to yield, indicating a heightened level of commitment to his objective of cursing Israel. This reveals his stubborn will and his attempt to circumvent God's authority through human means.
* **"more, and more honourable than they."**: This phrase describes the qualitative and quantitative increase in the second delegation. "More" (Hebrew _rab_) implies a larger number of emissaries, signifying increased urgency and a show of force. "More honourable" (Hebrew _kavedim_) indicates that these new princes held higher status, greater influence, and likely carried more attractive inducements and promises of prestige than the previous group. This was a deliberate and calculated strategy by Balak to apply greater pressure, appeal to Balaam's greed or ambition, and make the king's request appear irresistible, thereby testing Balaam's resolve and obedience to God to an even greater degree.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 22:15 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and dramatic tension. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the act of "sending" and the concept of "more." Balak "sent yet again" (repetition of action), and the princes were "more, and more honourable" (repetition and intensification of quantity and quality). This repetition emphasizes Balak's stubborn persistence and his escalating efforts to achieve his goal despite divine intervention. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Balak's increased pressure foreshadows the intense spiritual battle Balaam will face, the divine intervention through the talking donkey, and the ultimate revelation of God's unthwartable will to bless Israel. The verse also sets up a stark **Contrast** between Balak's relentless human will, driven by fear and opposition, and God's sovereign, unchanging purpose, which will be dramatically demonstrated in the subsequent narrative as Balaam is compelled to bless rather than curse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:15 vividly illustrates the persistent nature of opposition to God's divine plan and the subtle, yet powerful, allure of worldly temptation. Balak's refusal to accept God's initial "no" to Balaam's journey underscores a common human tendency to resist divine will when it conflicts with personal desires or perceived threats. This escalation of pressure, through "more honourable" princes and presumably greater rewards, serves as a profound theological warning about how temptation often returns with increased intensity or more attractive guises after an initial refusal. Yet, the narrative ultimately affirms God's unwavering sovereignty and His protective care over His people, demonstrating that no human scheme or curse can overturn His blessing. This divine reversal of intended harm into blessing is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

* [Deuteronomy 23:4-5](/deuteronomy/23-4-5 "Deuteronomy 23:4-5 - God Turned Balaam's Curse into a Blessing")
* [Nehemiah 13:2](/nehemiah/13-2 "Nehemiah 13:2 - God Turned Balaam's Curse into a Blessing")
* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - He Who Is Often Rebuked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:15 serves as a profound reminder that the forces opposing God's will, both external and internal, often do not retreat after an initial setback; instead, they may return with greater intensity, more appealing offers, or more influential voices. For believers, this verse prompts vigilance against persistent temptations and pressures that seek to divert us from obedience to God. Just as Balak refined his strategy, so too can the challenges to our faith adapt and intensify. It calls us to examine our own hearts: are we susceptible to the allure of greater status, wealth, or influence, even when we know it contradicts God's clear directives? The steadfastness of God's promises, however, remains our ultimate assurance. Even in the face of overwhelming pressure, God's purposes for His people cannot be thwarted by human machinations. We are called to stand firm, trusting in His unchangeable word and His protective hand, knowing that He can turn even intended curses into blessings for those who walk in His ways. This passage encourages us to cultivate spiritual discernment and an unwavering commitment to God's revealed will, recognizing that true honor and reward come from obedience, not compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I currently facing persistent pressure or temptation that resembles Balak's renewed efforts?**
* **How do I respond when an initial "no" to temptation is met with a "more honorable" or enticing offer?**
* **What specific "honorable" things (e.g., status, wealth, approval, comfort) might subtly compromise my commitment to God's clear commands?**
* **How does the unwavering sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in this narrative, strengthen my resolve to resist ungodly pressures?**

### FAQ
**Why did Balak send "more, and more honourable" princes, and what was his strategy?**

Answer: Balak sent a second delegation of "more, and more honourable" princes because his initial attempt to hire Balaam to curse Israel had failed. God had explicitly forbidden Balaam from going or cursing His people, a message Balaam conveyed to the first group, as recorded in [Numbers 22:12-14](/numbers/22-12-14 "Numbers 22:12-14 - God's Prohibition and Balaam's First Refusal"). Balak's strategy was multifaceted and culturally astute:
1. **Increased Pressure:** A larger, more prestigious delegation conveyed the king's extreme earnestness and the gravity of the situation, making it significantly harder for Balaam to refuse without appearing to disrespect a powerful monarch.
2. **Higher Status and Influence:** The term "honourable" (Hebrew _kavedim_) implies greater social standing, wealth, and political influence. These princes could likely offer more substantial financial rewards and promises of prestige, appealing directly to Balaam's known weakness for gain.
3. **Diplomatic Weight:** In ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, sending higher-ranking officials was a sign of profound respect and serious intent, designed to impress and persuade. Balak hoped that such an impressive delegation would overcome Balaam's initial refusal, effectively trying to buy off divine will or at least tempt Balaam into disobedience, believing that enough human incentive could override a divine command.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 22:15, with Balak's persistent and escalating opposition to God's plan for Israel, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Balak's futile attempts to curse God's chosen people foreshadow the world's persistent, yet ultimately powerless, opposition to Christ and His church. Just as Balak sent "more, and more honourable" princes, the forces of darkness continually employ varied and intensified strategies to thwart God's redemptive purposes, from the direct temptations Christ faced in the wilderness, as recounted in [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus"), to the relentless persecution of His followers throughout history, exemplified by the early church's trials in [Acts 4:1-22](/acts/4-1-22 "Acts 4:1-22 - Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin"). Yet, the narrative of Balaam ultimately demonstrates that God's blessing on His people cannot be reversed, and indeed, He turns curses into blessings, as declared in [Deuteronomy 23:5](/deuteronomy/23-5 "Deuteronomy 23:5 - God Turned Balaam's Curse into a Blessing"). This finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ, who became a curse for us on the cross, redeeming us from the curse of the law, as highlighted in [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse"). He is the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice not only negates all curses but brings eternal life and reconciliation. Through His death and resurrection, Christ definitively triumphed over all the powers of darkness, making a public spectacle of them, as proclaimed in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"), establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken and ensuring that God's blessings on His new covenant people, the church, are unassailable.

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

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.