Numbers 22:16

KJV

And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came {H935} to Balaam {H1109}, and said {H559} to him, Thus saith {H559} Balak {H1111} the son {H1121} of Zippor {H6834}, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder {H4513} thee from coming {H1980} unto me:

Complete Jewish Bible

They went to Bil'am and said to him, "Here is what Balak the son of Tzippor says: 'Please don't let anything keep you from coming to me.

Berean Standard Bible

They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me,

American Standard Version

And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:16 marks a critical escalation in King Balak of Moab's desperate attempts to secure Balaam's services to curse the advancing Israelites. Following God's initial prohibition, Balak dispatches a second, more prestigious delegation with an even more insistent and seemingly open-ended offer, pleading with Balaam to overcome any obstacle and come to him. This verse encapsulates Balak's profound fear and his unwavering belief in Balaam's power, setting the stage for Balaam's internal struggle between divine command and worldly enticement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Israel's journey through the wilderness, specifically after their decisive victories over Sihon and Og, as recounted in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Victories and Journey"). Having encamped on the plains of Moab, the sheer sight and recent successes of the Israelite multitude fill King Balak with overwhelming dread, as expressed in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Balak's Great Fear"). Balak's initial attempt to hire Balaam, a renowned diviner from Pethor, to curse Israel was met with God's direct and unequivocal command to Balaam: "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed" ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel")). Balaam relayed this refusal to Balak's first delegation ([Numbers 22:13-14](/numbers/22-13 "Numbers 22:13-14 - Balaam's Initial Refusal")). Undeterred, and perhaps interpreting Balaam's refusal as a negotiation tactic, Balak sends a second, larger, and more honorable delegation, as described in [Numbers 22:15](/numbers/22-15 "Numbers 22:15 - Balak's Second Delegation"), leading directly to the intensified plea of verse 16.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East (ANE) was steeped in beliefs concerning the power of curses and blessings, often mediated by diviners, seers, or prophets. Kings frequently employed such figures to influence the outcome of battles or to protect their realms from perceived threats. Balaam, though not an Israelite, was recognized as a powerful figure whose pronouncements carried significant spiritual weight, even by God Himself ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel")). Balak's actions reflect the common ANE practice of seeking supernatural intervention against enemies. The sending of a "more honorable" delegation, as mentioned in [Numbers 22:15](/numbers/22-15 "Numbers 22:15 - Balak's Second Delegation"), was a standard diplomatic protocol to convey increased urgency, respect, and the promise of greater reward, signaling that no expense would be spared to achieve the desired outcome. The geographical setting of Moab, bordering the Israelite encampment, underscores the immediate and tangible threat Balak perceived.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Schemes**. Despite Balak's persistent and desperate efforts to thwart God's plan for Israel, the narrative consistently demonstrates God's ultimate control, ensuring that His people remain blessed and protected. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Temptation and Greed**, as Balak's intensified offer serves as a profound test for Balaam, foreshadowing his eventual yielding to the "wages of unrighteousness" ([2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - The Error of Balaam")). Balak's plea, "Let nothing... hinder thee," implicitly suggests an offer of immense wealth and honor designed to overcome any moral or divine restraint. Thirdly, it underscores the **Power of the Word**, whether spoken by God or through His chosen instruments. Balak believes in the power of a curse, but the narrative will ultimately reveal the immutable power of God's blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hinder (Hebrew, _māna'_):** The Hebrew verb מָנַע (_māna'_) means "to withhold," "to restrain," "to keep back," or "to refuse." In this context, Balak's plea, "Let nothing... hinder thee," is a strong entreaty for Balaam to remove any and all obstacles, whether internal (conscience, fear of God) or external (lack of sufficient reward), that might prevent his coming. It conveys a sense of urgency and a desire for Balaam's unreserved compliance.
* **I pray thee (Hebrew, _nā'_):** The particle נָא (_nā'_) is an interjection used to express entreaty, urgency, or polite request. Its inclusion here, despite the preceding "Thus saith Balak," softens the royal command with a plea, highlighting Balak's desperation and his awareness that Balaam is not merely a servant but a powerful figure whose cooperation must be actively sought, even begged for.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came to Balaam, and said to him":** This clause signifies the arrival of the second, more prestigious delegation sent by Balak. Their presence underscores Balak's elevated desperation and commitment, as he has sent more numerous and honorable princes than before, indicating a willingness to go to greater lengths to secure Balaam's cooperation.
* **"Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor":** This is the formal opening of a royal message, lending authority and weight to the words that follow. By identifying Balak as "the son of Zippor," it emphasizes his royal lineage and status, making the command or plea even more significant. It's a direct communication from the highest authority in Moab.
* **"Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me":** This is the core of Balak's intensified message. The phrase is a desperate plea, urging Balaam to overcome any reluctance or obstacle. It implies an open-ended offer of reward or honor, suggesting that Balak is prepared to meet any condition necessary to ensure Balaam's arrival. The urgency conveyed reveals Balak's profound fear and his conviction that Balaam's presence and power are essential for his kingdom's survival.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in Balak's repeated attempts to enlist Balaam, emphasizing his unwavering desperation and refusal to accept God's initial prohibition. This persistence also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the immense temptation that Balaam faces and the internal conflict that will ultimately lead to his moral compromise, despite his prophetic gifts. There is also a clear **Contrast** between the human will and divine sovereignty: Balak's fervent efforts to curse Israel stand in stark opposition to God's unchangeable purpose to bless His people. Finally, the verse sets up an **Irony** that will unfold in subsequent chapters: Balak's intense desire for a curse will ultimately result in Balaam being compelled by God to utter powerful blessings upon Israel, turning the king's scheme on its head.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:16 profoundly illustrates the futility of human schemes when they stand in opposition to God's sovereign will. Balak's escalating desperation and his belief in the power of a human diviner to alter divine decree highlight a fundamental theological truth: God's plans for His people are immutable, and no human or demonic force can ultimately thwart His purposes. The verse also underscores the insidious nature of temptation, particularly when it appeals to greed and worldly honor, as Balaam's subsequent actions reveal. Despite the allure of Balak's offer and the pressure exerted, God remains in control, demonstrating His ability to use even the most compromised individuals to accomplish His divine will, ultimately turning curses into blessings.

* [Numbers 23:8](/numbers/23-8 "Numbers 23:8 - Balaam's Inability to Curse")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - God Directs Our Steps")
* [2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - The Error of Balaam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:16 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, reflecting the persistent nature of temptation in our lives. Just as Balak did not relent after Balaam's initial refusal, so too do worldly enticements often return with greater intensity, more attractive offers, or from more influential sources, seeking to "hinder" our obedience to God. This verse calls us to recognize that true steadfastness is not merely an initial refusal, but a continuous commitment to God's Word, even when the pressure mounts and the rewards for compromise seem immense. It reminds us that our spiritual integrity is constantly tested by the allure of wealth, power, or recognition that might pull us away from divine alignment. Ultimately, it reinforces the comforting truth that despite human machinations and our own weaknesses, God's sovereign plan for His people will always prevail, urging us to trust in His unshakeable purpose rather than succumbing to fear or worldly gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I see persistent temptations in my life that seek to "hinder" my obedience to God's clear commands?**
* **How does Balak's desperate persistence challenge my understanding of God's unshakeable plan for His people, even amidst opposition?**
* **What "rewards" or "honors" might I be tempted to pursue that could compromise my spiritual integrity or allegiance to Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why was Balak so persistent despite Balaam's initial refusal?**

Answer: Balak's persistence stemmed from a profound and overwhelming fear of the Israelites, whom he saw as an existential threat to his kingdom, as described in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Balak's Great Fear"). He believed that Balaam possessed a unique spiritual power to curse or bless, and he was convinced that only such a curse could avert the perceived disaster. His continued efforts, including sending a more prestigious delegation and making an even more urgent plea, indicate that he likely interpreted Balaam's initial refusal as either a negotiation for higher compensation or a temporary setback, rather than an unalterable divine prohibition. His desperation outweighed any initial discouragement, driving him to offer increasingly attractive inducements.

**What does "Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee" reveal about Balak's strategy?**

Answer: This phrase reveals Balak's determination to remove any and all obstacles, whether perceived or real, that might prevent Balaam from coming. It's a strategic move that combines a royal command with a desperate plea ("I pray thee"). Balak's strategy was to overwhelm Balaam with the prestige of the delegation, the urgency of the situation, and the implicit promise of immense, unspecified rewards. He wanted to convey that no cost was too great, and no excuse would be accepted. This open-ended invitation was designed to appeal to Balaam's potential greed and desire for honor, aiming to overcome any moral or divine reservations Balaam might have had after his initial encounter with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Balaam, particularly Balak's desperate attempts to secure a curse that God ultimately turns into blessings, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Balaam, despite his intentions, was compelled by God to bless Israel, so too does Christ embody the ultimate blessing for humanity. He is the one who took upon Himself the curse of sin, becoming a curse for us, so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). While Balak sought to use a human diviner to manipulate spiritual forces, Christ, as the true Prophet and Son of God, definitively disarmed all spiritual powers and authorities through His cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")), rendering all curses powerless against those who are in Him. Every spiritual blessing is now ours in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")), fulfilling the divine promise of blessing that Balak so desperately tried to undo. Jesus is the ultimate "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who takes away the sin of the world, transforming the curse of separation from God into the blessing of eternal communion.

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.