Numbers 22:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, Lodge {H3885} here this night {H3915}, and I will bring {H7725} you word {H1697} again {H7725}, as the LORD {H3068} shall speak {H1696} unto me: and the princes {H8269} of Moab {H4124} abode {H3427} with Balaam {H1109}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, "Stay here tonight, and I will bring you back whatever answer ADONAI tells me." So the princes of Mo'av stayed with Bil'am.

Berean Standard Bible

“Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as Jehovah shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:8 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam, the renowned diviner from Pethor, and the Moabite King Balak. Following the arrival of Balak's emissaries, who seek to employ Balaam to curse the encroaching Israelites, Balaam instructs them to remain overnight. He declares his intention to consult the LORD, the God of Israel, and relay the divine word back to them. This verse establishes Balaam's initial, outwardly pious posture of seeking direct divine counsel before undertaking such a significant action, thereby setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's sovereign intervention and control over the events that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the arrival of the Moabite and Midianite elders, dispatched by King Balak, who are bearing "fees for divination" ([Numbers 22:7](/numbers/22-7 "Numbers 22:7 - The Elders Arrive with Fees")). Balak, consumed by fear due to the sheer number of Israelites encamped on his border ([Numbers 22:2-3](/numbers/22-2-3 "Numbers 22:2-3 - Balak's Fear of Israel")), has sought out Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner renowned for his potent abilities to bless or curse ([Numbers 22:6](/numbers/22-6 "Numbers 22:6 - Balak Seeks Balaam's Help")). Balaam's instruction to the princes in Numbers 22:8 is his first direct response to their request, demonstrating a protocol of seeking divine guidance before acting. This interaction directly precedes the LORD's initial prohibition to Balaam from accompanying the men or cursing Israel, as recorded in [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Prohibition to Balaam"). This exchange is foundational, establishing the direct and sovereign involvement of the God of Israel in a situation involving a foreign diviner and a pagan king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative is situated in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, at a critical juncture as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. In the ancient Near East, it was a widespread and accepted practice for kings, armies, and individuals to consult diviners, seers, or prophets for guidance, blessings, or curses, particularly in times of perceived threat, conflict, or significant undertakings. These diviners were often itinerant and highly sought after for their perceived connection to the divine realm, and their services were typically compensated, as highlighted by the "fees for divination" mentioned in [Numbers 22:7](/numbers/22-7 "Numbers 22:7 - The Elders Arrive with Fees"). Balaam, though not an Israelite, is uniquely depicted as someone who, at least initially, acknowledges and receives revelation from Yahweh, the God of Israel, rather than a local pagan deity. This interaction underscores God's ability to communicate beyond the confines of His covenant people, demonstrating His universal sovereignty and His active engagement with all of humanity.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:8 introduces several crucial themes that will be profoundly developed throughout the Balaam narrative. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; despite Balak's intense fear and Balaam's formidable reputation, God remains in absolute control, demonstrating His ability to frustrate the plans of His enemies and protect His chosen people. Secondly, **Divine Communication** is highlighted, as the LORD chooses to speak directly to Balaam, a non-Israelite, underscoring that God's revelation is not limited by human expectations, ethnic boundaries, or even the moral character of the recipient. This direct communication sets the stage for God's explicit intervention to prevent the cursing of Israel. Thirdly, the theme of **Initial Obedience vs. Mixed Motives** begins to emerge. Balaam's stated intention to consult the LORD appears outwardly obedient and pious, yet later events, particularly his persistent desire for the fees and his insidious counsel to Balak regarding seduction ([Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel to Seduce Israel")), reveal his underlying greed and compromised integrity, a "way of Balaam" that is condemned in the New Testament (e.g., [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")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God (H3068), revealed to Moses, signifying the self-existent, eternal, and faithful God of Israel. Its use here is profoundly significant, indicating that Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, is not consulting a local pagan deity but Yahweh, the very God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This immediately establishes Yahweh's direct involvement and supreme authority over the entire situation, asserting His dominion even over those who are not His covenant people.
* **Lodge (Hebrew, _lûwn'_):** The verb (H3885) means "to stop (usually over night)" or "to remain overnight." Balaam's instruction for the princes to "lodge here this night" implies a necessary waiting period, a time specifically designated for seeking and receiving divine revelation. It suggests a formal, ritualistic process of consultation, where the answer is not immediate but requires a period of quiet and receptivity to the divine voice, emphasizing the gravity of the matter.
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This verb (H1696) denotes direct, authoritative communication, often implying a command or declaration. Balaam's phrase "as the LORD shall speak unto me" emphasizes that he expects a clear, verbal, and decisive instruction from God. It highlights the personal and direct nature of God's communication, which will subsequently be a central feature of the narrative, as God repeatedly gives Balaam explicit commands and pronouncements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, Lodge here this night":** This is Balaam's initial command to the Moabite princes. This directive signifies that Balaam will not provide an immediate answer but requires a period of waiting. It sets a formal and deliberate tone for the divine consultation he intends to undertake, indicating that the matter is weighty enough to necessitate a night of seeking higher, supernatural counsel.
* **"and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me":** This crucial clause reveals Balaam's stated purpose for the overnight delay: to act as an intermediary for divine revelation. Significantly, he specifies that the word will come from "the LORD" (Yahweh), the God of Israel. This declaration establishes the expectation that God Himself will directly intervene and provide the answer, thereby asserting His sovereignty over Balaam, the Moabite mission, and the destiny of Israel.
* **"and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam":** This final clause confirms the princes' immediate compliance with Balaam's instruction. Their willingness to wait underscores the urgency of their mission and their profound belief in Balaam's ability to obtain a genuine divine word. It also highlights the initial, outward appearance of Balaam's integrity and authority, as the princes trust him to genuinely seek and faithfully deliver God's message.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the direct and decisive intervention of the LORD in the unfolding narrative. Balaam's statement that he will bring "word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me" sets up the expectation of divine communication, which indeed occurs, but not in the way Balak or perhaps even Balaam initially desires. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; Balaam, a renowned foreign diviner known for his connection to various deities, is depicted seeking counsel from Yahweh, the very God of the people he is being paid to curse. This highlights God's universal reach and His ability to use unexpected channels. Furthermore, a subtle **Dramatic Irony** exists, as the reader is fully aware of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel and the futility of any attempt to curse them, while Balak and his princes remain ignorant of the ultimate power dynamic, believing a curse can truly be effective against a people protected by such a powerful God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:8 serves as a foundational moment, establishing God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and individuals, even those who stand outside His covenant. It powerfully demonstrates that God's will cannot be thwarted by human machinations, pagan rituals, or the schemes of kings. Balaam's initial, albeit superficial, act of seeking counsel from Yahweh underscores the profound theological truth that God can communicate with and use anyone, regardless of their background or even their eventual moral failings, to accomplish His divine purposes. This verse also introduces the critical theme of divine communication, emphasizing that God actively speaks into human affairs, guiding, prohibiting, and revealing His will, ultimately for the protection and advancement of His redemptive plan for His chosen people.

* [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Prohibition to Balaam")
* [2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Greed and Error")
* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Error of Balaam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Balaam's initial posture in Numbers 22:8, though later tainted by greed and compromised motives, offers a valuable lesson in the spiritual discipline of seeking divine counsel before acting, especially when faced with significant decisions, external pressures, or moral dilemmas. In a world that often demands immediate responses and rewards quick action, this verse reminds us of the profound wisdom in pausing, waiting on the Lord, and earnestly seeking His revealed will. However, it also serves as a potent cautionary tale: true spiritual seeking must be accompanied by pure motives and a surrendered heart. Balaam outwardly sought God's word, but his heart was ultimately swayed by the "wages of unrighteousness" ([2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Greed")). For believers today, this means not only asking God for guidance but also diligently examining our hearts to ensure our desires align with His, rather than attempting to manipulate God to bless our own agenda or justify our preconceived notions. God's unwavering sovereignty, powerfully displayed in His control over Balaam and the entire situation, should instill profound confidence that no weapon formed against His people shall ultimately prosper, and that He can use even the most unlikely circumstances or individuals to achieve His perfect, redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Balaam's initial posture of seeking God's will challenge or affirm my own approach to major decisions and life choices?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to seek God's counsel while harboring ulterior motives or personal agendas, similar to Balaam's eventual failings?**
* **How does the absolute sovereignty of God, powerfully displayed in this verse, encourage and strengthen me when facing seemingly overwhelming opposition, fear, or uncertainty in my own life?**

### FAQ

**Was Balaam a true prophet of the LORD?**

Answer: While Balaam was not an Israelite prophet in the covenantal lineage of Moses or Samuel, he undeniably received direct, verbal revelation from Yahweh, the God of Israel, as explicitly stated in this verse and evidenced in subsequent chapters (e.g., [Numbers 22:12](/numbers/22-12 "Numbers 22:12 - God's Initial Prohibition") and [Numbers 23:5](/numbers/23-5 "Numbers 23:5 - God Puts a Word in Balaam's Mouth")). God chose to communicate with him, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and His ability to use anyone, even those outside His covenant people, to accomplish His divine purposes. However, Balaam's motives were deeply flawed; he was driven by greed and ultimately sought to circumvent God's will for personal gain, leading him to be condemned in the New Testament as one who loved "the wages of unrighteousness" ([2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Way")). Therefore, while he received genuine divine communication, his character and ultimate actions did not align with the integrity and faithfulness expected of a true prophet of God.

**Why did God communicate with Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner?**

Answer: God's communication with Balaam highlights several profound theological truths. Primarily, it underscores God's absolute and universal sovereignty. He is not limited by human categories, religious affiliations, or national boundaries; He is the God of all creation and can use anyone to achieve His divine will. In this specific case, God communicated with Balaam to ensure that His chosen people, Israel, would not be cursed. It demonstrates His meticulous protective care over His covenant people and His miraculous ability to turn a potential curse into a blessing ([Numbers 23:8](/numbers/23-8 "Numbers 23:8 - Balaam Cannot Curse Whom God Has Not Cursed")). Furthermore, it serves as a powerful witness to the surrounding nations that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the true and living God, whose plans cannot be thwarted by human or demonic forces. Even Balak and his princes, who sought to manipulate spiritual forces, were confronted with the undeniable power and authority of the LORD.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Balaam, initiated in Numbers 22:8 by his stated intention to seek a word from the LORD, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Balaam, a foreign diviner, was remarkably used by God to speak divine oracles, yet his own heart was tragically compromised by greed and a desire for personal gain, illustrating the deep human need for a perfect mediator and a pure prophet. Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect Prophet, the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who perfectly embodied God's will and spoke only what the Father commanded ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). Unlike Balaam, whose "way" led to error and destruction ([2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Way")), Jesus is the [Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way"), leading His people to salvation and eternal life. Furthermore, Balaam's divinely orchestrated inability to curse Israel, despite Balak's persistent efforts, powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all curses and the power of sin and death. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ became a curse for us, thereby redeeming us from the curse of the law and its condemnation ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). The divine protection afforded to Israel in this narrative points forward to the spiritual security, unassailable blessing, and eternal inheritance that believers enjoy in Christ, who has triumphed over every adversary and secured an everlasting kingdom for His redeemed people ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians 1 - Spiritual Blessings 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

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.

Numbers 22:20

And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Numbers 12:6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.

Numbers 23:12

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

Jeremiah 12:2

Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou [art] near in their mouth, and far from their reins.