Numbers 22:10 kjv
And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,
Numbers 22:10 nkjv
So Balaam said to God, "Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,
Numbers 22:10 niv
Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:
Numbers 22:10 esv
And Balaam said to God, "Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,
Numbers 22:10 nlt
Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent me this message:
Numbers 22 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 22:5-7 | Balak ... sent messengers to Balaam ... saying, "Behold, a people...has covered the face of the earth...come now, curse for me this people." | Balak's fear and his initial request to Balaam. |
| Num 22:12 | God said to Balaam, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed." | God's direct command forbidding the curse. |
| Num 23:8 | "How can I curse whom God has not cursed? Or how can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?" | Balaam's eventual declaration of inability to curse God's blessed people. |
| Num 23:20-21 | "Behold, I received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it. He has not observed iniquity in Jacob..." | God's unwavering blessing on Israel. |
| Deut 23:4-5 | because they did not meet you with food and water ... but hired Balaam son of Beor... Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam...turned the curse into a blessing. | God's turning of the curse into blessing due to His love. |
| Josh 24:9-10 | Balak ... sent and invited Balaam the son of Beor to curse you. But I would not listen to Balaam; therefore he blessed you still. | Historical recount of God's intervention. |
| Neh 13:1-2 | On that day they read from the Book of Moses... "an Ammonite or Moabite should not enter the assembly of God... they hired Balaam to curse them." | Curses against Moab and Ammon for their actions against Israel. |
| Mic 6:5 | O My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab counselled, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him... that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD. | God's faithfulness despite wicked counsel. |
| Judg 11:25 | Now are you any better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend against Israel... | Balak's historical reference as a defeated opponent. |
| Prov 26:2 | Like a flitting sparrow... so a curse without cause shall not alight. | The principle that unfounded curses are ineffective, relevant to God's blessing. |
| Isa 44:25 | who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners; who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish; | God's ultimate power over all forms of divination and false prophecy. |
| Rom 8:31 | "If God is for us, who can be against us?" | Theological truth that echoes God's protection of Israel from Balak's curses. |
| Heb 1:3 | Upholding all things by the word of His power... | Christ's absolute authority, which stands over all earthly powers and attempts to curse. |
| 2 Pet 2:15-16 | They have forsaken the right way... following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity... | Balaam's love of money as a warning for false teachers. |
| Jude 1:11 | Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. | Balaam's "error" linked to greed and rebellion. |
| Rev 2:14 | But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel... | Balaam's wicked counsel led to immorality and idolatry among Israel. |
| 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits... because many false prophets have gone out into the world. | The need to discern true prophecy from false, exemplified by Balaam. |
| Jer 23:16 | Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you... they speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the LORD. | Warning against those speaking from their own will, like Balaam later did for profit. |
| Zeph 1:5 | those who bow down on the housetops to the host of heaven, and those who bow down and swear by the LORD and also swear by Milcom... | Idolatrous practices connected with pagan rites, contrasting with Israel's true worship. |
| Deut 18:9-12 | When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations... or a diviner, or an augur... | Prohibition against pagan diviners and sorcerers like Balaam was, from God's perspective. |
| Prov 10:24 | What the wicked fears will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted. | Balak's fear drove his action, while God's blessing protected Israel. |
Numbers 22 verses
Numbers 22 10 Meaning
This verse states that Balaam acknowledges to the emissaries of Balak, king of Moab, that Balak has indeed sent them to him with a specific message. It functions as an introduction where Balaam confirms he understands the reason for their presence, setting the stage for his response to Balak's request to curse Israel.
Numbers 22 10 Context
Numbers 22:10 takes place during Israel's final stage of wilderness wandering, as they encamp on the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land. Balak, the King of Moab, along with the Midianites, is filled with dread due to the sheer size and recent victories of the Israelites. Believing that a powerful curse can counteract their strength, Balak sends messengers to Balaam, a renowned diviner from Mesopotamia, to hire him to curse Israel. Balaam initially consults with the LORD, who explicitly forbids him to go or to curse His people because they are blessed. Verse 10 captures Balaam’s formal acknowledgment of the emissaries' mission before delivering God's refusal. This sets up the central tension of the narrative: Balak's human fear and pagan efforts versus God's sovereign protection and blessing over His chosen people.
Numbers 22 10 Word analysis
And Balaam: In Hebrew, וַיֹּאמֶר (vayyō’mer, "and he said"). The name בִּלְעָם (Bil‘am) itself carries a suggestive meaning, potentially "devourer of the people" or "destroyer of the people," foreshadowing his later negative influence despite his initial obedience to God's command not to curse Israel. This opening signals the speaker in the unfolding drama.
said: Simple declarative statement of communication, moving the narrative forward by relaying information.
to Balak: Hebrew לְבָלָק (lᵊvalāq). Grammatically, "to Balak," but contextually, it is understood as "to Balak's messengers" or "regarding Balak." This reflects ancient Near Eastern diplomatic language, where communication to representatives was considered direct communication to the sender. The name בָּלָק (Bālaq) likely means "devastator" or "one who lays waste," reflecting his desire to destroy Israel and his inherent fear.
“Balak son of Zippor: A standard identification emphasizing lineage and status. Zippor (צִפֹּר, Tsippor) means "bird" or "sparrow." This full title establishes Balak’s identity and authority.
King of Moab: מֶלֶךְ מוֹאָב (melek mô’āḇ). This specifically defines Balak's regal authority and his dominion over Moab, a territory strategically located on Israel's route and often in conflict with them. The inclusion here signifies the formal, official nature of the communication from a sovereign power.
has sent to me, שָׁלַח אֵלַי (shālaḥ ’ēlāy). The verb שָׁלַח (shalach) "to send," confirms the legitimate and intentional act of dispatching messengers, validating their presence before Balaam. This phrase acknowledges the messengers' authority as envoys.
saying: לֵאמֹר (lē’mōr), "to say" or "as follows." This Hebrew infinitive construction introduces the direct quotation of Balak's original message, indicating Balaam is about to reiterate the explicit purpose of their visit.
Words-group Analysis:
- "And Balaam said to Balak...": This introductory clause positions Balaam as the central figure receiving a high-level communication from a sovereign. It underscores the gravity of the situation, hinting that Balaam, though a foreign diviner, is a recognized and sought-after spiritual authority, even by kings.
- "Balak son of Zippor, King of Moab, has sent to me...": This specific and formal address serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it shows Balaam is aware of the full identity and authority of his sender, indicating a diplomatic and respectful acknowledgement. Secondly, it validates the messengers' mission, as Balaam has accurately received the identity and purpose. This exact phrase confirms the message has been delivered correctly and signals Balaam's readiness to respond to this kingly demand.
Numbers 22 10 Bonus section
- Balaam's interaction begins with an acknowledgment of human authority, yet his true obedience would soon be tested against divine authority. The detail of "King of Moab" underlines the significance of the potential conflict: a political and military threat seeking supernatural aid against God's people.
- The immediate repetition of Balak's identity by Balaam ("Balak son of Zippor, King of Moab") is not just formality, but establishes a shared understanding and reinforces the seriousness of the king's appeal. It hints at the magnitude of the pressure Balaam would feel from such a powerful client.
- This verse indirectly sets up a clear distinction between pagan divination and the true prophetic word of God. Balak consults a diviner like those in his culture, expecting a curse based on ritual and fee. God, however, operates outside these constraints, revealing His will directly and sovereignly.
Numbers 22 10 Commentary
Numbers 22:10 serves as a pivotal point, establishing the premise for the subsequent confrontation between human fear, pagan practice, and divine sovereignty. Balaam's formal acknowledgment of Balak's message signals that he has indeed been propositioned to curse Israel. Far from being a mere reiteration, this concise statement affirms Balaam’s understanding of the king’s motive and his own role as a diviner sought for a powerful supernatural act. It subtly highlights Balak’s desperation and belief in the efficacy of magical curses against a divinely protected people. The true power dynamic, however, rests not with Balak or Balaam's sorcery, but with the LORD, who sovereignly orchestrates events and ultimately turns a threatened curse into a confirmed blessing. This sets the stage for God's dramatic demonstration that no curse can touch those He has blessed.