Numbers 22:19

KJV

Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore, I pray you, tarry {H3427} ye also here this night {H3915}, that I may know {H3045} what the LORD {H3068} will say {H1696} unto me more {H3254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, please, you too, stay here tonight; so that I may find out what else ADONAI will say to me."

Berean Standard Bible

So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what Jehovah will speak unto me more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:19 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, as he interacts with the messengers of Balak, the king of Moab. This verse reveals Balaam's persistent desire to re-consult the LORD, even after receiving clear divine instruction, highlighting a profound tension between obedience to God's explicit will and the powerful allure of personal ambition and worldly honor. It sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between human willfulness and divine sovereignty, ultimately demonstrating God's unthwartable plan for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The narrative in Numbers 22-24 focuses on Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, and his encounters with Balak, the king of Moab. Immediately preceding [Numbers 22:19](/numbers/22-19 "Numbers 22:19 - Balaam's Second Consultation"), Balak has sent a more numerous and prestigious delegation of princes, offering greater honor and riches to persuade Balaam to curse Israel. This follows God's initial, unequivocal command to Balaam in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God Forbids Balaam to Curse Israel"): "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed." Balaam's request in verse 19, to "tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more," is a direct response to Balak's intensified pressure and serves as a test of God's previously stated will, rather than a genuine seeking of initial guidance. It foreshadows the subsequent events where God, in His sovereignty, permits Balaam to go but under strict conditions, leading to the famous talking donkey episode in [Numbers 22:22-35](/numbers/22-22 "Numbers 22:22-35 - The Talking Donkey") and Balaam's eventual inability to curse Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, as the Israelites are poised to enter the Promised Land, as detailed in [Numbers 22:1](/numbers/22-1 "Numbers 22:1 - Israel's Encampment in Moab"). Balak, as king of Moab, perceives the vast Israelite encampment as an existential threat, fearing their numbers and potential conquest. In the ancient Near East, it was common practice for kings to employ diviners or prophets to invoke curses or blessings upon their enemies or allies, believing that such pronouncements held supernatural power. Balaam, though not an Israelite, was recognized as a powerful diviner whose blessings and curses were believed to be effective ([Numbers 22:6](/numbers/22-6 "Numbers 22:6 - Balak's Request to Balaam")). This cultural belief explains Balak's desperate pursuit of Balaam and Balaam's own perceived authority. The offers of "great honor" and "riches" were standard forms of remuneration for such services, highlighting the material temptation Balaam faced.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Balaam, particularly [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and Balak"), powerfully explores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the **tension between divine will and human willfulness**. God's initial command is clear, yet Balaam's desire for personal gain leads him to seek a "second opinion," illustrating the human tendency to rationalize disobedience when tempted. Secondly, the story underscores the **irrevocability of God's blessing upon Israel**. Despite Balak's machinations and Balaam's initial intentions, God's covenantal promises to His people cannot be thwarted. Balaam ultimately blesses Israel, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even those who oppose His plans. Thirdly, it serves as a potent **warning against covetousness and spiritual compromise**. Balaam's "error" or "way" is later condemned in the New Testament as motivated by "the wages of unrighteousness," as seen in [2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Greed") and [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Error of Balaam"). This narrative vividly portrays how worldly ambition can corrupt spiritual discernment and lead one astray from God's explicit commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tarry (Hebrew, _lîn_):** This verb means "to lodge," "to spend the night," or "to remain." In this context, it signifies Balaam's instruction for Balak's messengers to stay overnight, allowing him time to re-consult the LORD. It implies a pause or delay, not for genuine deliberation, but for an opportunity to receive a different, more favorable divine word.
* **more (Hebrew, _‘ôd_):** This adverb means "again," "still," "yet," or "in addition." Its presence is highly significant. It indicates Balaam's dissatisfaction with God's initial, clear "no" and his hope that God might change His mind or provide a different instruction. It betrays a subtle but profound resistance to God's revealed will, driven by the desire for the promised rewards.
* **know (Hebrew, _yāda‘_):** While typically meaning "to know" or "to perceive," here it carries the nuance of "to ascertain" or "to learn." Balaam wishes to ascertain what new instruction the LORD might give. This is not a humble seeking of wisdom but a strategic attempt to elicit a desired response, revealing a manipulative posture towards divine communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night":** Balaam addresses the second, more prestigious delegation from Balak. His request for them to stay overnight is a strategic move. It is not an act of genuine humility or a desire for deeper spiritual communion, but rather a calculated delay designed to give him another opportunity to approach God. This pause is motivated by the hope that God's previous, unambiguous prohibition might be rescinded or modified in light of the increased pressure and greater rewards offered by Balak.
* **"that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more":** This clause reveals Balaam's true intent. The word "more" (Hebrew _‘ôd_) is crucial, indicating that Balaam is not seeking initial guidance but rather a supplementary or different word from God. He is not content with God's clear "no" from [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Command to Balaam"). This phrase exposes Balaam's struggle with obedience and his underlying desire for the riches and honor promised by Balak. He hopes that God might be persuaded to change His mind, or at least provide a loophole, revealing a dangerous presumption about God's character and immutability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony** and **Foreshadowing**. The **Irony** lies in Balaam's stated piety—"that I may know what the LORD will say"—juxtaposed with his clear defiance of God's already revealed will. He presents himself as a devout seeker of divine instruction, but his actions betray a heart swayed by worldly gain, hoping God will conform to his desires rather than the other way around. This sets up a profound dramatic irony for the reader, who knows God's initial command. The phrase "what the LORD will say unto me more" also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**. It hints at a further divine encounter, which indeed occurs in [Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God Permits Balaam to Go"), where God paradoxically permits Balaam to go but under strict conditions, ultimately leading to the unfolding drama of the talking donkey and Balaam's inability to curse Israel. This foreshadows God's sovereign control over even a disobedient prophet, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled despite human machinations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:19 serves as a profound theological lesson on the nature of divine communication and human response. It highlights the danger of seeking a "second opinion" from God when His will has already been clearly revealed, especially when motivated by personal gain or external pressure. Balaam's persistent inquiry, despite God's unequivocal "no," reveals a heart that values worldly reward over divine obedience. This narrative underscores God's sovereignty, demonstrating that while He may permit certain actions (as He does with Balaam going with the men), His ultimate purposes and character remain steadfast, and He will not be manipulated. It teaches that true faith involves trusting and obeying God's initial, clear word, rather than attempting to coerce Him into aligning with our desires.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice"): "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
* [James 1:6-8](/james/1-6 "Doubting and Instability"): "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "The Way That Seems Right"): "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:19 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for believers today. In an age where spiritual guidance is often sought for personal convenience or validation of pre-existing desires, Balaam's error serves as a stark warning. When God has spoken clearly, whether through the explicit teachings of Scripture, the discernible leading of the Holy Spirit, or the wise counsel of the godly, our posture should be one of humble obedience, not persistent re-inquiry fueled by covetousness or ambition. This verse compels us to examine our motivations when we pray or seek God's will. Are we genuinely seeking His perfect plan, or are we hoping He will rubber-stamp our own agenda, especially when significant worldly benefits are at stake? True spiritual maturity involves embracing God's "no" with as much faith and submission as His "yes," trusting that His wisdom and goodness always surpass our limited understanding and desires. It calls us to cultivate a heart that prioritizes God's glory and His revealed truth above all personal gain or external pressures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly seeking a "second opinion" from God after He has already given clear guidance?**
* **What worldly temptations (e.g., money, status, comfort) might be influencing my desire for God to change His mind on a particular issue?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's initial, clear commands, even when they require personal sacrifice or go against my immediate desires?**
* **What does Balaam's story teach me about the immutability of God's character and His sovereign plan, even when faced with human disobedience?**

### FAQ

**Why did God eventually allow Balaam to go with the men, even after initially forbidding it?**

Answer: God's permission for Balaam to go in [Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God Permits Balaam to Go") is a complex theological point, often interpreted as God giving Balaam over to his own stubborn desire, but with strict conditions that ensured God's ultimate purpose would be fulfilled. It was not a reversal of God's will, but rather a sovereign act allowing Balaam to pursue his chosen path, knowing that God would nevertheless control the outcome. This can be seen as a form of divine judgment or "hardening," similar to Pharaoh's heart in Exodus, where God permits a course of action that will ultimately reveal His power and sovereignty. Balaam was told, "yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do." This demonstrates that Balaam would be a mere instrument, unable to curse Israel, thus ensuring God's blessing on His people remained inviolable. It highlights that God's ultimate plan cannot be thwarted by human disobedience or manipulation.

**What is the "error of Balaam" mentioned in the New Testament?**

Answer: The "error of Balaam" (or "the way of Balaam") is referenced in [2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Greed") and [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Error of Balaam"). It primarily refers to Balaam's motivation: he "loved the wages of unrighteousness" and "ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward." This signifies spiritual corruption driven by covetousness and material gain. Balaam was willing to compromise his prophetic integrity and attempt to curse God's people for money and honor. The New Testament uses him as a cautionary tale for false teachers and those who exploit spiritual gifts for personal profit, leading others astray for selfish motives. It's a warning against allowing greed to distort one's spiritual discernment and lead to apostasy.

**Does God ever change His mind?**

Answer: This is a profound theological question. Scripture presents God as immutable, meaning He does not change in His character, nature, or ultimate purposes ([Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change"); [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "God is Unchanging")). However, there are passages where God "relents" or "changes His mind" in response to human repentance or prayer (e.g., [Exodus 32:14](/exodus/32-14 "Exodus 32:14 - God Relents from Disaster"); [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents for Nineveh")). This apparent paradox is often understood in terms of God's covenantal relationship with humanity. When God states a consequence for sin, and people repent, His "change of mind" is consistent with His unchanging character of mercy and justice. In Balaam's case, God did not change His mind about blessing Israel or His initial prohibition on cursing them. Instead, He permitted Balaam to go under conditions that ensured His original, unchanging purpose would be fulfilled. Balaam's desire for God to change His mind was rooted in his own greed, not in a genuine repentance that would elicit divine mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Balaam, particularly his attempt to manipulate God's will in [Numbers 22:19](/numbers/22-19 "Numbers 22:19 - Balaam's Persistent Inquiry"), finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human self-interest and divine self-sacrifice. Balaam, driven by "the wages of unrighteousness" ([2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Greed")), sought to alter God's decree for personal gain. In profound contrast, Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, perfectly embodied obedience to the Father's will, even when it led to immense suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus in Gethsemane")). Unlike Balaam, who sought a "more" convenient word, Jesus embraced the Father's difficult will, demonstrating complete submission and trust. Furthermore, Balaam's inability to curse Israel, instead being compelled to bless them, foreshadows Christ's ultimate work. Jesus did not come to curse humanity but to bless it by taking away its sin ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He secured an eternal blessing for all who believe, a blessing far greater and more enduring than any Balaam could have pronounced, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Blessing")). Thus, Balaam's flawed pursuit of a changed divine word ultimately points to the perfect obedience and redemptive blessing found only 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.

Cross-References

Jude 1:11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

2 Peter 2:15

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

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.