Numbers 22:39

KJV

And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Balaam {H1109} went {H3212} with Balak {H1111}, and they came {H935} unto Kirjathhuzoth {H2351}{H7155}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bil'am went with Balak. When they arrived at Kiryat-Hutzot,

Berean Standard Bible

So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.

American Standard Version

And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kiriath-huzoth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:39 marks the climactic arrival of Balaam, the Mesopotamian diviner, and Balak, the king of Moab, at Kirjathhuzoth. This seemingly innocuous geographical detail signifies a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it positions Balaam to begin the series of oracles Balak desperately sought to curse Israel, yet which God would supernaturally transform into blessings, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over human intentions and prophetic utterances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and revelatory encounter between Balaam and the Angel of the Lord, mediated by Balaam's donkey. Despite God's initial prohibition against going with Balak's envoys ([Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's initial command to Balaam")), Balak's persistent entreaties and increased rewards led God to permit Balaam to go, but with the strict caveat that he was to speak only what God commanded ([Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God permits Balaam to go") and [Numbers 22:35](/numbers/22-35 "Numbers 22:35 - The Angel's instruction to Balaam")). The journey itself was fraught with divine intervention, culminating in the Angel of the Lord confronting Balaam directly, revealing the donkey's supernatural sight and reiterating the divine mandate. Thus, the arrival at Kirjathhuzoth is not just a geographical marker but the culmination of a divinely orchestrated journey, setting the stage for the prophetic pronouncements that will dominate the subsequent chapters of [Numbers 23](/numbers/23 "Numbers 23 - Balaam's Oracles") and [Numbers 24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Further Oracles").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was common for kings to employ diviners, seers, or prophets to gain an advantage in warfare, often by invoking curses upon enemies or blessings upon their own armies. Balak, as the king of Moab, was deeply fearful of the numerous Israelites encamped on his border, having witnessed their victories over the Amorites ([Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel defeats Sihon and Og")). His decision to hire Balaam, a renowned diviner from Pethor on the Euphrates, reflects this cultural practice and his desperate attempt to counter Israel's perceived threat through spiritual means. Kirjathhuzoth, meaning "city of streets" or "city of villages," likely implies a prominent or accessible location, suitable for a public declaration of curses, which would have been the expected ritual. This setting underscores Balak's intention for a public, potent spiritual assault on Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Balaam and Balak, culminating in this arrival, powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Control** is paramount; despite Balak's human machinations and Balaam's initial mercenary inclinations, God remains in absolute control of the prophetic word, turning intended curses into blessings. This highlights that no human will or power can thwart God's purposes for His chosen people. Secondly, the **Conflict of Motives** within Balaam is evident: he is drawn by the allure of Balak's rewards ([2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's love of money") and [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The error of Balaam")), yet he is supernaturally constrained to speak only God's truth. This tension between personal gain and divine obedience serves as a cautionary tale. Lastly, the arrival at Kirjathhuzoth signifies **Preparation for Prophecy**, marking the transition from Balaam's journey and internal struggle to the public delivery of God's word, which would profoundly bless Israel and reveal future messianic hope ([Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star and Scepter Prophecy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Balaam (Hebrew, _Bil'am'_):** A non-Israelite prophet or diviner from Pethor in Mesopotamia, whose reputation for powerful blessings and curses was widespread. His character is complex: he acknowledges the Lord and seeks His will, yet he is also driven by greed and ultimately advises Balak on how to tempt Israel into sin ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's counsel to entice Israel")). His journey and oracles are a testament to God's ability to use even compromised individuals to accomplish His divine purposes.
* **Balak (Hebrew, _Balaq'_):** The king of Moab, son of Zippor. He represents the fearful and hostile nations surrounding Israel, attempting to use spiritual means to counter the perceived threat of the advancing Israelites. His persistent efforts to induce Balaam to curse Israel, and his subsequent frustration, highlight the futility of opposing God's plan.
* **Kirjathhuzoth (Hebrew, _Qiryath Chutzoth'_):** Literally meaning "city of streets" or "city of villages." This name suggests a prominent or perhaps open and public location, rather than a secluded one. Its significance lies in its function as the designated place from which Balaam was expected to perform his divinations and pronounce the curses, emphasizing the public and official nature of the impending confrontation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Balaam went with Balak":** This clause signifies the successful completion of Balak's mission to bring Balaam to Moab. It marks the culmination of the intense negotiations and the dramatic encounter with the Angel of the Lord. Despite the divine warnings and Balaam's initial reluctance, he has now fully committed to accompanying the king, setting the stage for the direct confrontation between Balak's will and God's sovereign plan.
* **"and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth":** This specifies the destination, a "city of streets," implying a public and visible location. Their arrival at this particular place is crucial as it is from here that Balaam will begin to utter his oracles. The choice of location underscores Balak's intention for a public, ritualistic cursing of Israel, believing that the physical proximity and the diviner's pronouncements would be effective. However, the narrative will soon reveal the irony of Balak's plans, as this public stage will become the platform for God's public blessing of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Setting** is paramount, as the arrival at Kirjathhuzoth provides the physical backdrop for the dramatic prophetic pronouncements that are about to unfold. The name itself, "city of streets," subtly suggests a public arena, enhancing the sense of anticipation. There is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as this arrival directly precedes Balaam's oracles, building narrative tension. The reader knows that Balaam is under divine constraint, creating an **Irony** between Balak's expectations of a curse and the divinely mandated blessings that will actually be delivered. The simple declarative statement of their arrival belies the profound theological and narrative significance of this moment, serving as a **Transition** point from the journey to the prophetic action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:39, though brief, serves as a powerful theological pivot, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over human plans and even over the words of a diviner. It underscores the truth that no weapon formed against God's chosen people can prosper if God is for them. Balak's desperate attempt to manipulate spiritual forces for political gain is utterly subverted by divine will, revealing that God's purposes for Israel are unassailable. This narrative prefigures the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and His protective hand over His covenant people throughout history, reminding believers that divine promises are inviolable and God's control extends to every circumstance, even those seemingly orchestrated by adversaries.

* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against you will prosper")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The arrival of Balaam and Balak at Kirjathhuzoth is a profound reminder that even when human intentions are set against God's will, His ultimate plan cannot be thwarted. We often face situations where adversaries, or even our own misguided desires, seem to be setting us up for failure or harm. This verse powerfully illustrates that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even the seemingly mundane details of travel and location. It encourages us to trust in God's protective hand over our lives and His church, knowing that He can turn intended curses into blessings. Like Balaam, we may be tempted by worldly gain or pressure to compromise our integrity, but true wisdom and peace are found in submitting to God's direction, speaking only what He commands, and resting in His unwavering faithfulness to His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the narrative of Balaam's journey, culminating in this arrival, challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty in seemingly chaotic or adversarial situations?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to compromise your faith or integrity for worldly gain, similar to Balaam's initial motivations?**
* **How does knowing that God can turn intended curses into blessings strengthen your trust and reliance on Him when facing opposition?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Kirjathhuzoth in this narrative?**

Answer: Kirjathhuzoth, meaning "city of streets" or "city of villages," is significant primarily as the designated location from which Balak intended Balaam to pronounce curses upon Israel. Its name suggests a public or accessible place, implying that Balak desired a public, ritualistic cursing. However, its true significance lies in the **irony** of its purpose: what was intended as a platform for curses became the stage for God's divinely mandated blessings, demonstrating His absolute control over Balaam's words and His unwavering protection of Israel. It serves as a physical marker for the transition from the journey and anticipation to the actual prophetic pronouncements.

**Why did Balaam go with Balak despite God's initial command not to?**

Answer: God's initial command to Balaam was unequivocally "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's initial prohibition")). However, Balak persisted, sending more distinguished and numerous officials with greater promises of reward. Balaam, though he claimed to only speak God's word, was clearly tempted by the allure of wealth and honor ([2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's love of money")). When Balaam pressed God again, God permitted him to go, but with the strict caveat that he must "do only what I tell you" ([Numbers 22:20](/numbers/22-20 "Numbers 22:20 - God permits Balaam to go with conditions")). This permission was not an endorsement of Balaam's greed but a demonstration of God's ability to use even a compromised individual to fulfill His purposes, turning Balaam's journey into a profound lesson in divine sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Balaam, culminating in his arrival at Kirjathhuzoth, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate authority and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God supernaturally controlled Balaam's tongue, turning every intended curse into a blessing for Israel, so too does Christ possess all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All authority has been given to Me")). He is the true prophet, not constrained by human greed or external pressure, but speaking the very words of God ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus speaks what the Father commanded")). The protection God afforded Israel from Balaam's curses foreshadows the ultimate security and blessing found in Christ for His church, the new Israel. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ bore the ultimate curse of sin on the cross, ensuring that no curse can stand against those who are in Him ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), transforming the curse of death into the blessing of eternal life. Thus, Balaam's inability to curse God's people points forward to Christ's definitive victory over all spiritual opposition, securing an eternal blessing for all who believe.

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.