Numbers 22:19

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Numbers 22:19 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet or 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 tension between obedience and personal ambition.

Context

The Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, and Balak, fearing their vast numbers, sought Balaam to curse them. In an initial encounter, God explicitly told Balaam, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12). Despite this clear prohibition, Balak sent a second, more prestigious delegation with promises of greater honor and riches (Numbers 22:15). It is to this persistent delegation that Balaam speaks the words of Numbers 22:19, asking them to "tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more." This indicates a desire for God to reverse or modify His earlier, unambiguous command.

Key Themes

  • Testing God's Will: Balaam's request to "know what the LORD will say unto me more" is not a genuine inquiry for initial guidance, but rather a hopeful plea for God to change His mind. It illustrates the human tendency to seek a different answer when God's first response is not what we desire, especially when tempted by external rewards.
  • The Lure of Riches and Honor: The underlying motivation for Balaam's persistence is the enticing offer from King Balak. This narrative serves as a powerful warning against allowing greed and worldly ambition to corrupt spiritual discernment. The New Testament later cites Balaam as an example of those who "loved the wages of unrighteousness" (2 Peter 2:15) and "ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward" (Jude 1:11).
  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Disobedience: While God does eventually permit Balaam to go with the men (Numbers 22:20), it is under strict conditions and ultimately leads to Balaam's public humiliation via the talking donkey, and a series of blessings upon Israel instead of curses. This demonstrates that God's ultimate purposes for His people cannot be thwarted, even when human agents attempt to manipulate divine will for selfish gain.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "what the LORD will say unto me more" (Hebrew: Χ’Χ•ΦΉΧ“, 'od) is significant. It implies a desire for an additional or different word from God, suggesting that Balaam was not content with the initial, clear directive. This "more" indicates his struggle with accepting God's plain "no" when a lucrative opportunity presented itself.

Practical Application

Numbers 22:19 offers a timeless lesson for believers today. Once God has clearly communicated His will, whether through His inspired Word, prayer, or the counsel of godly wisdom, we must be careful not to "re-ask" Him hoping for a more convenient answer. This verse encourages us to:

  • Trust God's initial clear guidance: When God has spoken, obedience is paramount, even if it means sacrificing personal gain or comfort.
  • Guard against covetousness: Be vigilant against the subtle influence of wealth, status, or external pressure that can tempt us to compromise our convictions or distort our spiritual judgment.
  • Understand God's unchanging character: While God may permit certain actions, His fundamental character and purposes remain steadfast. Our attempts to manipulate Him for our own ends often lead to unforeseen consequences and reveal our true motives.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 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 β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ΒΆ 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.
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