Numbers 22:40

And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that [were] with him.

And Balak {H1111} offered {H2076} oxen {H1241} and sheep {H6629}, and sent {H7971} to Balaam {H1109}, and to the princes {H8269} that were with him.

Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, then sent to Bil'am and the princes with him.

Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.

And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.

Commentary

Numbers 22:40 describes King Balak's immediate actions upon the arrival of Balaam and his entourage. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation between human intent and divine will, as Balak seeks to employ Balaam's prophetic abilities to curse the approaching Israelites.

Context

This verse is situated in the narrative following the Israelites' successful journey through the wilderness and their encampment in the plains of Moab. Balak, the king of Moab, was gripped by intense fear due to the vast numbers and recent victories of the Israelite nation. Believing in Balaam's renowned power to bless or curse, Balak sent envoys to summon him from Pethor. Despite initial divine warnings and a miraculous encounter with a talking donkey (see Numbers 22:28), Balaam ultimately arrived. The "oxen and sheep" offered by Balak represent a lavish feast, a significant act of hospitality, and perhaps a sacrificial offering, meant to honor Balaam and secure his full cooperation before the intended curses against Israel.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Measures: Balak's actions are driven by his profound fear and desperation. He is willing to go to great lengths, including summoning a foreign diviner and providing lavish provisions, to protect his kingdom from what he perceives as an existential threat.
  • Hospitality and Inducement: The provision of "oxen and sheep" serves as a welcoming gesture, but it also functions as a powerful inducement. Balak is attempting to win Balaam's favor and ensure his cooperation by showering him with honor and resources, hoping to influence the outcome of the prophetic endeavors.
  • The Futility of Opposing God's Will: This entire episode in Numbers highlights the ultimate futility of human attempts to thwart God's sovereign plan. Despite Balak's elaborate preparations and Balaam's initial intentions, God continuously intervenes, turning Balaam's intended curses into blessings for Israel (as seen later in Numbers 23:11 and Numbers 24:10).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "offered oxen and sheep" translates the Hebrew verb zavach (Χ–ΦΈΧ‘Φ·Χ—), which means "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." While zavach can refer to religious sacrifices, in this context, it primarily indicates the slaughtering of animals for a grand feast. This act was a common practice in the ancient Near East for honoring important guests, celebrating significant events, or solidifying alliances, underscoring the high regard Balak wished to convey to Balaam.

Practical Application

Numbers 22:40 serves as a powerful reminder of how fear and perceived threats can lead individuals to take desperate and often misguided actions. Balak's willingness to invest so heavily in an effort to curse God's chosen people illustrates the human tendency to try and manipulate spiritual power for selfish or political gain. For believers, this narrative reinforces the truth that if God is for us, who can be against us? No human scheme, worldly power, or even prophetic utterance (if not from God) can ultimately thwart God's purposes for His people. It encourages trust in divine protection and reliance on God's sovereignty rather than human machinations.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 23:14

    And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on [every] altar.

  • Proverbs 1:16

    For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

  • Genesis 31:54

    Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

  • Numbers 23:2

    And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on [every] altar a bullock and a ram.

  • Numbers 23:30

    And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on [every] altar.
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