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 captures a pivotal moment in King Balak of Moab's escalating attempts to compel Balaam, a renowned Mesopotamian diviner, to curse the advancing Israelites. Following God's explicit prohibition against Balaam accompanying Balak's first delegation, this verse details the arrival of a second, more esteemed group of princes bearing an even more urgent and seemingly limitless offer. Balak's desperate plea, "Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me," underscores his profound fear of Israel's power and his unwavering conviction in Balaam's ability to alter their destiny, setting the stage for Balaam's critical moral and spiritual test.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Israel's wilderness journey, specifically following their decisive victories over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, as detailed in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Victories and Conquests"). Having encamped on the plains of Moab, the sheer size and recent military successes of the Israelite multitude instill overwhelming dread in King Balak, a fear vividly expressed in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3-4 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Balak's Great Fear of Israel"). Balak's initial strategy involved hiring Balaam to curse Israel, but this was directly thwarted by God's 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 divine prohibition to Balak's first delegation ([Numbers 22:13-14](/numbers/22-13-14 "Numbers 22:13-14 - Balaam's Initial Refusal")). Undeterred, and perhaps misinterpreting Balaam's refusal as a negotiation for greater reward, Balak dispatches a second, larger, and more honorable delegation, as described in [Numbers 22:15](/numbers/22-15 "Numbers 22:15 - Balak's Second, More Prestigious Delegation"), culminating in the intensified and urgent plea found in verse 16.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East (ANE) was characterized by widespread belief in the efficacy of curses and blessings, often mediated through diviners, seers, or prophets. Kings frequently employed such figures to influence military outcomes, protect their realms, or secure prosperity. Balaam, though not an Israelite, was recognized across the region as a powerful figure whose pronouncements carried significant spiritual weight, a fact acknowledged even by God Himself ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Acknowledgment of Balaam's Power")). Balak's actions in seeking Balaam's services reflect the common ANE practice of seeking supernatural intervention against perceived threats. The dispatch of a "more honorable" delegation, as mentioned in [Numbers 22:15](/numbers/22-15 "Numbers 22:15 - Balak's Renewed Effort"), was a standard diplomatic protocol designed to convey increased urgency, profound respect, and the implicit promise of greater reward, signaling that no expense or honor would be spared to achieve the desired outcome. The geographical proximity of Moab to the Israelite encampment further underscores the immediate and tangible nature of the threat Balak perceived.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:16 serves as a crucial point in the development of several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty versus Human Schemes**. Despite Balak's persistent, desperate, and increasingly lavish efforts to thwart God's plan for Israel, the narrative consistently demonstrates God's ultimate and unassailable control, ensuring that His covenant people remain blessed and protected, as He promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Blessing"). Secondly, the verse introduces and intensifies the theme of **Temptation and Greed**. Balak's escalated offer presents 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")), even if he initially adheres to God's word. 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 it is God's immutable decree or the pronouncements of His chosen instruments. Balak believes in the power of a curse, but the narrative will ultimately reveal the immutable and superior power of God's blessing, particularly through Balaam's divinely compelled oracles in [Numbers 23-24](/numbers/23 "Numbers 23 - Balaam's First and Second Oracles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hinder (Hebrew, _mânaʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb מָנַע (_mânaʻ_) carries the meaning "to withhold," "to restrain," "to keep back," or "to refuse." In Balak's desperate entreaty, "Let nothing... hinder thee," it expresses an urgent desire for Balaam to remove any and all impediments, whether they be internal (such as conscience or fear of divine retribution) or external (such as insufficient reward or logistical challenges). This conveys Balak's profound urgency and his expectation of Balaam's unreserved compliance, indicating a willingness to meet any demand that would remove such obstacles.
* **coming (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** The Hebrew verb הָלַךְ (_hâlak_) is a primitive root meaning "to walk" or "to go," used in a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, it refers to Balaam's physical journey to Balak. Balak's insistence that nothing hinder Balaam's "coming" emphasizes his belief that Balaam's physical presence is indispensable for the curse to be effective. It highlights the king's desperation to bring the diviner to Moab, where he could perform the ritual against Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came to Balaam, and said to him":** This clause marks the arrival of the second, more distinguished delegation dispatched by King Balak. The act of sending a more numerous and honorable group of princes than before signifies Balak's heightened desperation and his unwavering commitment to securing Balaam's services. Their presence underscores the gravity of the situation and the lengths to which Balak is willing to go.
* **"Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor":** This is the formal and authoritative opening of a royal message, common in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy. By identifying Balak as "the son of Zippor," the message emphasizes his royal lineage and established status, lending immense weight and solemnity to the words that follow. It signifies a direct communication from the highest authority in Moab, demanding attention and respect.
* **"Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me":** This is the core of Balak's intensified and desperate appeal. The phrase is a fervent plea, urging Balaam to overcome any reluctance, obstacle, or previous divine prohibition. The inclusion of "I pray thee" (a particle of entreaty) softens the royal command with a tone of earnest supplication, highlighting Balak's profound fear and his conviction that Balaam's presence and power are absolutely essential for the survival of his kingdom. It implicitly suggests an open-ended offer of reward or honor, indicating Balak's readiness to meet any condition necessary to ensure Balaam's arrival.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and advance the narrative. **Repetition** is evident in Balak's persistent and escalating attempts to enlist Balaam, emphasizing his unwavering desperation and his refusal to accept God's initial prohibition as final. This persistence also functions as a powerful 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 a stark **Contrast** established between human will and divine sovereignty: Balak's fervent efforts to curse Israel stand in direct opposition to God's unchangeable purpose to bless His people. This sets up a profound **Irony** that will unfold in subsequent chapters: Balak's intense desire for a curse will ultimately result in Balaam being divinely compelled to utter powerful blessings upon Israel, completely subverting the king's scheme.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:16 profoundly illustrates the futility of human schemes when they stand in direct 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 increasingly attractive offer and the immense pressure exerted, God remains in absolute control, demonstrating His ability to use even the most compromised individuals to accomplish His divine will, ultimately turning intended curses into blessings. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring His people's protection and prosperity.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:16 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, reflecting the persistent and often escalating nature of temptation in our lives. Just as King 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's clear commands. This verse calls us to recognize that true steadfastness is not merely an initial refusal, but a continuous and unwavering 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. Our greatest security lies not in avoiding temptation, but in consistently choosing God's way.

#### 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 formidable 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 perceived as an existential threat to his kingdom, as vividly described in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3-4 "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 and the perceived immediacy of the threat outweighed any initial discouragement, driving him to offer increasingly attractive inducements to secure Balaam's services.

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

Answer: This phrase reveals Balak's absolute 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, almost pleading tone ("I pray thee"). Balak's strategy was multifaceted: 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 powerfully 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, thus ensuring his compliance.

### 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 and the king's inducements, was compelled by God to bless Israel, so too does Christ embody the ultimate and eternal blessing for humanity. He is the one who took upon Himself the curse of sin, becoming a curse for us on the cross, so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham and the Spirit through faith ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). While Balak sought to use a human diviner to manipulate spiritual forces for destructive ends, Christ, as the true Prophet, Priest, and King, definitively disarmed all spiritual powers and authorities through His triumph on the 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")), perfectly 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 and life.

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.