Numbers 22:17

For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.

For I will promote {H3513} thee unto very {H3966} great {H3513} honour {H3513}, and I will do {H6213} whatsoever thou sayest {H559} unto me: come {H3212} therefore, I pray thee, curse {H6895} me this people {H5971}.

I will reward you very well, and whatever you say to me I will do. So please come, and curse this people for me.'"

for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’”

for I will promote thee unto very great honor, and whatsoever thou sayest unto me I will do: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.

Commentary

Numbers 22:17 presents King Balak's intensified attempt to persuade the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. This verse reveals Balak's desperate plea and lavish offer, promising Balaam "very great honour" and complete subservience to his wishes, all in exchange for a curse upon the formidable nation of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context

The setting is the plains of Moab, where the vast Israelite multitude is encamped, having recently defeated the Amorites (Numbers 21:24). King Balak of Moab, fearing the Israelites' power and numbers, believes that a supernatural curse from a renowned diviner like Balaam is his only hope. It was a common ancient Near Eastern practice to employ sorcerers or prophets to invoke blessings or curses on behalf of nations or individuals. Balak's initial attempt was refused by Balaam due to God's direct command (Numbers 22:12), but this verse shows Balak's persistent and escalating bribery.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Temptation and Bribery: Balak's offer is a blatant attempt to entice Balaam with worldly riches and status, designed to override divine instruction. This highlights the powerful allure of material gain and prestige.
  • Human Manipulation vs. Divine Sovereignty: Balak's desperate scheme underscores the human desire to control outcomes, even attempting to manipulate spiritual forces against God's chosen people. However, the narrative ultimately demonstrates that God's sovereign will cannot be thwarted by human designs or magical incantations.
  • The Power of Words (and God's Control Over Them): In that culture, words spoken by a powerful prophet were believed to carry immense weight. Balak desired a curse, believing it would weaken Israel. Yet, the story reveals that only words sanctioned by God truly hold power, and He can turn intended curses into blessings (Deuteronomy 23:5).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "very great honour" (Hebrew: kaved) implies not just reputation but also significant material wealth and weighty influence. Balak's promise to "do whatsoever thou sayest unto me" signifies an extraordinary concession of authority, indicating his extreme desperation to secure Balaam's services. The Hebrew word for "curse" (qavav) here specifically refers to a binding spell or malediction.

Related Scriptures

This passage sets the stage for Balaam's subsequent encounters with the Lord, including the famous incident with his speaking donkey (Numbers 22:28). Despite Balak's persistent offers, Balaam ultimately could not curse Israel; instead, he was compelled by God to bless them multiple times (Numbers 23:8, Numbers 24:10). Balaam's covetousness, however, is later highlighted as a negative example in the New Testament (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11).

Practical Application

Numbers 22:17 serves as a powerful reminder of the allure of worldly temptations and the importance of unwavering obedience to God's will. When faced with enticing offers that conflict with divine principles, believers are called to prioritize integrity and faithfulness over personal gain or prestige. This narrative also reinforces the comforting truth that God actively protects His people and that His purposes cannot be undone by human schemes, no matter how powerful or well-funded they may be.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 24:11 (4 votes)

    Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.

  • Esther 5:11 (2 votes)

    And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all [the things] wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

  • Deuteronomy 16:9 (2 votes)

    Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from [such time as] thou beginnest [to put] the sickle to the corn.

  • Numbers 22:6 (2 votes)

    Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they [are] too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, [that] we may smite them, and [that] I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest [is] blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

  • Esther 7:9 (2 votes)

    And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

  • Numbers 23:29 (2 votes)

    And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.

  • Numbers 23:30 (2 votes)

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