Numbers 22:14

Numbers 22:14 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balak and Balaam, revealing the initial outcome of King Balak's attempt to hire the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. This verse describes the return of the Moabite princes to their king, reporting Balaam's refusal to accompany them.

Context

This verse follows King Balak's desperate attempt to counter the perceived threat of the advancing Israelites, who had recently defeated the Amorites (Numbers 21:24). Terrified by their numbers and power, Balak, the king of Moab, sought to employ Balaam, a renowned diviner from Pethor near the Euphrates, to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22:6). However, when Balak's first delegation of princes arrived, God directly intervened, telling Balaam, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12). Consequently, Balaam sent them away, leading to this report back to Balak.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Protection: The verse implicitly highlights God's active protection over Israel. Balaam's initial refusal is not of his own accord but a direct result of God's command, demonstrating that God's will cannot be thwarted by human or demonic schemes (Isaiah 46:10).
• Balak's Persistence: The report of Balaam's refusal sets the stage for Balak's subsequent, more insistent attempts to persuade Balaam, underscoring his deep fear and determination to achieve his objective, even if it means trying to override divine intervention.
• The Nature of Prophecy/Divination: It shows that even a prophet or diviner like Balaam, despite his reputation, is ultimately subject to the will of the true God, especially when dealing with God's chosen people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Balaam refuseth to come with us" is straightforward in the Hebrew (מֵאֵן לָלֶכֶת עִמָּנוּ, me'en lalekhet immanu), conveying a clear and unambiguous refusal. The verb "refuseth" (מֵאֵן, ma'en) indicates a strong, definitive denial, leaving no room for misinterpretation of Balaam's initial stance, which was directly commanded by God.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God's purposes for His people will prevail, regardless of the opposition's intentions or power. It encourages believers to trust in God's protective hand, knowing that He often works behind the scenes to direct circumstances and even influence the decisions of others to accomplish His will. Like Balaam's initial obedience, it emphasizes the importance of heeding God's clear instructions, even when faced with tempting offers or pressures. It also foreshadows the futility of fighting against God's plans.