Numbers 22:40

Translation
King James Version
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
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KJV (with Strong's)
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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, then sent to Bil'am and the princes with him.
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Berean Standard Bible
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.
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American Standard Version
And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
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World English Bible Messianic
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Balak offred bullockes, and sheepe, and sent thereof to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
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Young's Literal Translation
and Balak sacrificeth oxen and sheep, and sendeth to Balaam, and to the princes who are with him;
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See also
Numbers 23:14Proverbs 1:16Genesis 31:54Numbers 23:2Numbers 23:30
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Balak and Balaam
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In the KJVVerse 4,416 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 22:40 describes King Balak's immediate and lavish reception of Balaam and his accompanying princes, marked by the offering of oxen and sheep. This act of grand hospitality, far from being a mere welcome, serves as a calculated overture designed to honor Balaam, secure his favor, and induce his cooperation in cursing the Israelite nation. The verse thus dramatically sets the stage for the unfolding of Balak's desperate scheme to thwart God's purposes for Israel, highlighting the futility of human attempts to manipulate spiritual power against divine will.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam, following the Israelites' successful journey through the wilderness and their encampment in the plains of Moab, opposite Jericho. Balak, the king of Moab, deeply intimidated by Israel's vast numbers and recent victories, sought to counter their perceived threat through supernatural means. He dispatched envoys to summon Balaam, a renowned diviner from Pethor, to curse Israel. Despite initial divine warnings to Balaam (as seen in Numbers 22:12) and a miraculous encounter with a talking donkey that revealed God's anger at Balaam's persistence (vividly described in Numbers 22:22-35), Balaam ultimately pressed on to meet Balak. Verse 40 marks Balaam's arrival and Balak's immediate, grand gesture, signaling the commencement of their fateful encounter and the beginning of Balak's direct attempts to influence Balaam.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the offering of "oxen and sheep" (or other livestock) for feasting was a common and significant practice, especially when receiving important guests, cementing alliances, or preparing for crucial consultations. Such lavish provisions served multiple purposes: they demonstrated profound hospitality, conferred honor upon the guest, and often functioned as a form of inducement or payment for services rendered. For a king like Balak, this was a display of wealth and power, intended to impress Balaam and secure his loyalty and full cooperation. The historical backdrop is the late Bronze Age, where small city-states like Moab faced existential threats from larger, migrating peoples. Balak's fear of the Israelites, a formidable and numerous nation on his border, was a genuine geopolitical concern, leading him to resort to what he believed was the most potent spiritual weapon available: a diviner's curse.
  • Key Themes: Numbers 22:40 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores Desperate Measures taken by those who oppose God's people; Balak's profound fear (referenced in Numbers 22:3-4) drives him to extraordinary lengths, including summoning a foreign diviner and providing lavish provisions. Secondly, it highlights Hospitality and Inducement as tools of human manipulation; the feast is not merely a welcome but a calculated attempt by Balak to win Balaam's favor and ensure his prophetic utterances align with Balak's desires. Lastly, and most significantly, this verse sets the stage for the Futility of Opposing God's Sovereign Will. Despite Balak's elaborate preparations and Balaam's initial intentions, God consistently intervenes, turning intended curses into blessings for Israel (as demonstrated later in Numbers 23:11-12 and Numbers 24:10).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Balak (Hebrew, Bâlâq', H1111): From the root meaning "waster," Balak is identified as the Moabitish king who initiated the plot against Israel. His name itself, perhaps ironically, hints at his destructive intent, which ultimately proves futile. In this verse, he is the active agent, demonstrating his power and resources through the offering, underscoring his desperation and his central role in the narrative.
  • Offered (Hebrew, zâbach', H2076): This primitive root means "to slaughter an animal," often in the context of sacrifice, but also for food. Here, it denotes the killing of animals for a grand feast or meal. The use of zâbach emphasizes the ceremonial and significant nature of Balak's provision, indicating a lavish expenditure intended to honor Balaam and his entourage, and to set a tone of deference and expectation for the serious business that was to follow. It was more than just a meal; it was a strategic act of welcome and a prelude to a significant consultation.
  • Oxen (Hebrew, bâqâr'), Sheep (Hebrew, tsôʼn', H1241): These terms refer to beef cattle and a collective name for flocks of sheep or goats, respectively. As the primary sources of meat in the ancient world, offering both oxen and sheep signifies a particularly opulent and generous provision. It underscores Balak's wealth and his willingness to expend considerable resources to achieve his objective. The sheer quantity implied by "oxen and sheep" suggests a feast for a large assembly, including Balaam and the "princes that were with him," further emphasizing the public and ceremonial nature of the reception and Balak's desire to impress.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And Balak offered oxen and sheep": This clause describes Balak's immediate and grand gesture upon Balaam's arrival. The act of "offering" (slaughtering animals for a feast) signifies both lavish hospitality and a strategic attempt to honor and influence Balaam. It demonstrates Balak's desperation and his willingness to invest heavily in his plan to curse Israel, setting a tone of expectation and obligation.
  • "and sent to Balaam": This indicates that the provisions were not merely prepared but actively delivered or presented to Balaam. It highlights Balak's direct engagement and personal attention to Balaam, reinforcing the immense importance he placed on the diviner's presence and anticipated cooperation. This was a personal, kingly gesture.
  • "and to the princes that [were] with him": Balaam did not arrive alone; he was accompanied by his own retinue, likely including servants, guards, and perhaps other dignitaries or assistants, signifying his status. Balak's generosity extended to this entire entourage, further cementing the impression of his wealth and the high esteem in which he held Balaam. This also suggests the public nature of the event, with witnesses to Balak's efforts and the solemnity of the occasion.

Literary Devices

Numbers 22:40 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. Foreshadowing is evident as Balak's lavish offering immediately signals his desperate intent to manipulate Balaam, setting the stage for the subsequent attempts to curse Israel. This act of hospitality, ostensibly benign, is tinged with the darker purpose of coercion. There is also Symbolism in the "oxen and sheep" themselves; they represent not just a meal but Balak's wealth, power, and his willingness to sacrifice considerable resources in his futile attempt to thwart God's plan. The feast symbolizes his desperate investment in a scheme that is ultimately doomed to fail. Furthermore, the entire narrative context surrounding this verse is steeped in Irony. Balak's elaborate preparations and generous offerings are designed to secure a curse, yet they ultimately become part of the very narrative where God repeatedly turns those curses into blessings, highlighting the ultimate futility of human machinations against divine sovereignty.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 22:40, though seemingly a simple description of hospitality, carries significant theological weight. It illustrates the human tendency to resort to desperate measures and manipulate spiritual power when confronted with perceived threats, rather than trusting in divine providence or seeking God's will. Balak's actions are a prime example of human opposition to God's chosen people, believing that spiritual forces can be bought or coerced to serve selfish ends. However, the broader narrative of Balaam powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty, revealing that no human scheme, no matter how elaborate or well-funded, can ultimately thwart His purposes for His people. God's protective hand over Israel is unwavering, and He can even use the intentions of their enemies to bring about His blessings. This verse, therefore, serves as a foundational moment for understanding the futility of human efforts against divine decree and the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant promises.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 22:40 invites us to reflect on our own responses to fear and perceived threats. Like Balak, we can be tempted to employ desperate measures, to manipulate situations, or to seek human solutions to spiritual problems, rather than resting in God's sovereign control. This verse reminds us that true security and blessing come not from human machinations or attempts to control outcomes, but from trusting in the Lord's unwavering protection and His good purposes for those He has chosen. When we face overwhelming circumstances, are we quick to devise our own elaborate plans, or do we first seek God's counsel and rely on His strength? The narrative of Balaam teaches us that God's will cannot be thwarted by any human or demonic power. This should instill in us a profound sense of peace and confidence, knowing that if God is for us, no one can ultimately stand against His ultimate plan for our lives and for His church.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what situations do I tend to resort to "desperate measures" or try to manipulate outcomes instead of trusting God?
  • How does Balak's fear-driven offering challenge my understanding of seeking spiritual help or guidance?
  • What does this verse teach me about the futility of human opposition to God's ultimate plan?
  • How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with overwhelming challenges?

FAQ

Why did Balak offer oxen and sheep to Balaam?

Answer: Balak offered oxen and sheep to Balaam primarily as a lavish act of hospitality and honor. In the ancient Near East, such a grand feast was a common way to welcome important guests, demonstrate wealth and power, and establish a favorable relationship. Beyond mere hospitality, it also served as a strategic inducement, a form of payment or a persuasive gesture intended to secure Balaam's full cooperation and ensure his prophetic utterances would align with Balak's desire to curse the Israelites. It was a calculated investment in his plan to counteract the perceived threat from Israel, and a display of his royal authority and resources.

What was the significance of the "princes" accompanying Balaam?

Answer: The "princes" accompanying Balaam were likely his own retinue, possibly including servants, assistants, or other dignitaries from his region. Their presence signifies Balaam's status and importance as a renowned diviner, lending credibility and weight to his mission. Balak's extension of the lavish feast to them further underscored his respect for Balaam and his desire to impress the entire entourage. It also added a public and ceremonial dimension to the reception, with witnesses to Balak's efforts to honor and secure Balaam's services, making the transaction more official and binding in the eyes of those present.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The narrative of Balak and Balaam, culminating in God's sovereign reversal of intended curses into blessings, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate work of Jesus Christ. Balak's desperate attempt to curse God's people through a hired prophet finds its ultimate antithesis in Christ, who is the true Prophet, Priest, and King, and who came not to curse but to bless. The "oxen and sheep" offered by Balak for a feast, though significant, pale in comparison to the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Where Balak sought to bring a curse upon Israel, Christ became a curse for us, redeeming us from the curse of the law (as proclaimed in Galatians 3:13). Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus transformed the ultimate curse—death and separation from God—into the ultimate blessing: eternal life and reconciliation. He is the one through whom all the families of the earth are blessed, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham (recounted in Genesis 12:3). Thus, Balak's futile efforts to manipulate spiritual power to bring a curse serve as a stark backdrop against which the unparalleled power and grace of Christ, who brings true and eternal blessing, shine ever brighter. We are truly blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing, a reality far surpassing any earthly feast or human scheme.

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Commentary on Numbers 22 verses 36–41

We have here the meeting between Balak and Balaam, confederate enemies to God's Israel; but here they seem to differ in their expectations of the success. 1. Balak speaks of it with confidence, not doubting but to gain his point now that Balaam had come. In expectation of this, he went out to meet him, even to the utmost border of his country (Num 22:36), partly to gratify his own impatient desire to see one he had such great expectations from, and partly to do honour to Balaam, and so to engage him with his utmost power to serve him. See what respect heathen princes paid to those that had but the name and face of prophets, and pretended to have any interest in heaven; and how welcome one was that came with his mouth full of curses. What a shame is it then that the ambassadors of Christ are so little respected by most, so much despised by some, and that those are so coldly entertained who bring tidings of peace and a blessing! Balak has now nothing to complain of but that Balaam did not come sooner, Num 22:37. And he thinks that he should have considered the importunity Balak had used, Did I not earnestly send to thee? (and the importunity of people inferior to kings has prevailed with many against their inclinations), and that he should also have considered Balak's intentions concerning him: Am not I able to promote thee to honour? Balak, as king, was in his own kingdom the fountain of honour, and Balaam should have his choice of all the preferments that were in his gift; he therefore thinks himself affronted by Balaam's delays, which looked as if he thought the honours he prepared not worthy his acceptance. Note, Promotion to honour is a very tempting bait to many people; and it were well if we would be drawn into the service of God by the honour he sets before us. Why do we delay to come unto him? Is not he able to promote us to honour? 2. Balaam speaks doubtfully of the issue, and bids Balak not depend to much upon him (Num 22:38): "Have I now any power at all to say any thing? I have come, but what the nearer am I? Gladly would I curse Israel; but I must not, I cannot, God will not suffer me." He seems to speak with vexation at the hook in his nose and the bridle in his jaws, such as Sennacherib was tied up with, Isa 37:29. 3. They address themselves with all speed to the business. Balaam is nobly entertained over night, a sacrifice of thanksgiving is offered to the gods of Moab, for the safe arrival of this welcome guest, and his is treated with a feast upon the sacrifice, Num 22:40. And the next morning, that no time might be lost, Balak takes Balaam in his chariot to the high places of his kingdom, not only because their holiness (such as it was), he thought, might give some advantage to his divinations, but their height might give him a convenient prospect of the camp of Israel, which was to be the butt or mark at which he must shoot his envenomed arrows. And now Balaam is really as solicitous to please Balak as ever he had pretended to be to please God. See what need we have to pray every day, Our Father in heaven, lead us not into temptation.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 36–41. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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