Numbers 23:18

KJV

And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took up {H5375} his parable {H4912}, and said {H559}, Rise up {H6965}, Balak {H1111}, and hear {H8085}; hearken {H238} unto me, thou son {H1121} of Zippor {H6834}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Bil'am made his pronouncement: "Get up, Balak, and listen! Turn your ears to me, son of Tzippor!

Berean Standard Bible

Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.

American Standard Version

And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; Hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:18 introduces Balaam's second divinely inspired utterance, a "parable" or prophetic declaration, delivered to Balak, King of Moab. Despite Balak's persistent efforts to induce a curse upon Israel, God continually intervened, compelling Balaam to bless His people instead. This verse serves as a solemn command for Balak to attentively receive the weighty message that is about to unfold, emphasizing the divine authority behind Balaam's words and setting the stage for a further demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 23:18 is situated within the larger narrative of Balaam and Balak, following Balaam's first oracle (Numbers 23:7-10). After Balaam's initial attempt to curse Israel resulted in a blessing, Balak, undeterred, relocated Balaam to a new vantage point (Numbers 23:13-14), hoping a change of scenery would yield a different outcome. This verse marks the beginning of Balaam's second prophetic declaration, which, like the first, will ultimately bless Israel and frustrate Balak's intentions. The direct address to Balak signals the shift from the narrative description of the relocation to the solemn delivery of God's word, underscoring the immediate and personal nature of the divine message for the Moabite king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds as the Israelites are encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 22:1). Balak, as King of Moab, perceived the vast Israelite multitude as a significant threat to his kingdom, leading him to employ Balaam, a renowned diviner or prophet from Pethor (Numbers 22:5), to curse them. In the ancient Near East, it was common practice for kings to utilize the services of seers or prophets to invoke divine favor or curses upon enemies. The specific address "thou son of Zippor" is a formal and respectful, yet direct, way of identifying Balak, emphasizing his lineage and status as the recipient of this momentous divine communication, regardless of his royal standing or personal desires.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Immutability**, demonstrating that God's will and purposes for His people cannot be thwarted by human machinations or pagan rituals. Despite Balak's repeated attempts, God's plan for Israel to be blessed remains steadfast, as further elaborated in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God's Unchanging Nature"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Nature of True Prophecy**, portraying Balaam as a mouthpiece for God rather than a mercenary prophet. His "parable" is not a human invention but a divinely inspired pronouncement, carrying immense authority and truth. This sets a precedent for understanding genuine prophetic revelation as originating from God, not man, a theme echoed in [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy from God"). Lastly, it emphasizes the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, as His commitment to bless Israel, first promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2-3 - The Abrahamic Blessing"), remains unbroken despite external opposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Parable (Hebrew, _mashal'_):** The Hebrew word מָשָׁל (_mashal_) is translated as "parable" in the King James Version, but its meaning is far broader than the typical New Testament narrative parable. In this context, _mashal_ refers to a weighty, solemn, and often poetic utterance, a prophetic declaration, or a proverb. It implies a divinely inspired pronouncement that carries significant truth and authority, often delivered in an elevated, metaphorical, or enigmatic style. Balaam's _mashal_ here is not a simple story but a profound, authoritative oracle from God.
* **Hear / Hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (_shama'_) is used twice in this verse, first as "hear" and then as "hearken." This repetition emphasizes the imperative nature of Balak's call to attention. _Shama'_ means not merely to perceive sound but to listen intently, to understand, and implicitly, to obey. Balaam is demanding Balak's full, undivided attention, signaling that the message is of utmost importance and divine origin, requiring a response beyond mere auditory reception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took up his parable":** This phrase indicates Balaam's formal initiation of a prophetic utterance. It signifies a deliberate and solemn act, where Balaam is preparing to deliver a divinely inspired message, not a casual remark. The "parable" (mashal) is thus presented as a weighty, authoritative pronouncement from God.
* **"and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear;":** Balaam directly addresses King Balak with an imperative command. "Rise up" (קוּם, _qum_) suggests a call to attention, perhaps even to stand in reverence or readiness to receive a significant word. The command to "hear" (שָׁמַע, _shama'_) underscores the necessity for Balak to listen intently and grasp the gravity of what is about to be revealed, rather than merely hearing sounds.
* **"hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:":** This second imperative, "hearken" (also שָׁמַע, _shama'_), reinforces the previous command, intensifying the demand for Balak's full and focused attention. The formal address "thou son of Zippor" identifies Balak by his patronymic, adding a layer of solemnity and directness to the address, ensuring the king knows this message is specifically for him and carries divine weight, regardless of his royal status.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 23:18 employs several literary devices to convey its gravity and authority. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as Balaam directly addresses Balak ("Rise up, Balak," "thou son of Zippor") as if he were present, even though the context implies a formal delivery of the oracle. This direct address creates a sense of immediacy and personal responsibility for the recipient. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in "Rise up," "hear," and "hearken" conveys a strong command, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of the divine message and the expectation of Balak's compliance in listening. Furthermore, there is **Repetition** and **Parallelism** in the commands "hear; hearken unto me," which serves to intensify the urgency and importance of the message. This rhetorical emphasis ensures that Balak, and indeed the reader, understands the critical nature of the prophetic word about to be delivered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:18 serves as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty of God and the unassailable authority of His word. It underscores that divine revelation is not subject to human manipulation or political maneuvering. Balaam, though a pagan prophet, becomes an unwilling instrument through whom God's immutable will is declared. This verse sets the stage for the profound declaration in the subsequent verses that God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. His purposes for His people, rooted in His covenant promises, will stand, regardless of the opposition. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, reminding us that God's plans for His church and for individual lives are ultimately secure in His hands.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Romans 9:6](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6 - God's Word Has Not Failed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 23:18 calls us to a posture of attentive reception before the Word of God. Just as Balak was commanded to "Rise up, and hear; hearken unto me," so too are we called to approach Scripture with reverence, recognizing its divine origin and authoritative truth. In a world saturated with competing voices and fleeting opinions, this verse reminds us that God's voice alone possesses ultimate authority and unchanging truth. It challenges us to move beyond superficial listening to a deep, transformative hearing that leads to understanding and obedience. When we truly "hearken" to God's word, we align ourselves with His sovereign purposes, finding peace and security in His unshakeable faithfulness, even when circumstances seem chaotic or threatening.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I approach God's Word with the same solemn attention Balaam demanded of Balak?**
* **What are the "Balaks" in my life—the external pressures or internal desires—that try to thwart God's intended blessings or distract me from His truth?**
* **In what ways does recognizing the divine authority of Scripture impact my daily decisions and my trust in God's plan?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper posture of "hearkening" to God's voice, not just hearing it?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Balaam "took up his parable"? Is it like a story Jesus told?**

Answer: No, when Balaam "took up his parable" (Hebrew: _mashal_), it's not like the narrative parables Jesus told in the New Testament. In this Old Testament context, a _mashal_ refers to a solemn, weighty, and often poetic or prophetic utterance. It's a divinely inspired pronouncement that carries significant authority and truth, often delivered in an elevated or profound style. Balaam is not telling a story to illustrate a point; he is formally delivering an oracle directly from God, a message that is binding and reveals God's unchangeable will. This is why Balak is commanded to "Rise up, and hear; hearken unto me," emphasizing the gravity of the divine word about to be spoken.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 23:18, with its emphasis on a divinely inspired "parable" or oracle that cannot be thwarted by human will, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Balaam, an unwilling prophet, was compelled to speak God's unchanging word, foreshadowing the perfect and ultimate Word of God, Jesus Himself. As the [Logos, the Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus is the complete and final revelation of God's character and purposes. All of God's promises, which Balaam was forced to declare concerning Israel's blessing and secure future, find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). He is the true prophet, greater than Balaam, who perfectly declared the Father's will and accomplished His redemptive plan. Just as Balak was commanded to "hearken" to Balaam's God-given message, humanity is called to listen to and obey the voice of Christ, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice"), through whom all of God's blessings flow and in whom God's sovereign purposes for salvation are fully realized. His word, unlike any human scheme, stands forever ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Not")).

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

Judges 3:20

And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of [his] seat.