Numbers 22 21

Numbers 22:21 kjv

And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

Numbers 22:21 nkjv

So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

Numbers 22:21 niv

Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite officials.

Numbers 22:21 esv

So Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.

Numbers 22:21 nlt

So the next morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and started off with the Moabite officials.

Numbers 22 verses

Numbers 22 21 Meaning

Numbers 22:21 depicts Balaam's swift and eager departure to Moab, seemingly in compliance with God's modified permission from the previous night, yet immediately setting the stage for divine confrontation. It reveals his readiness to go despite God's initial and true prohibition, driven by covetous desires for the rewards offered by King Balak. This verse marks the beginning of Balaam's ill-fated journey where his path crosses with divine opposition, revealing God's absolute sovereignty even over those who intend to defy His perfect will.

Numbers 22 21 Context

Numbers chapter 22 initiates the narrative of Balak, King of Moab, fearing the immense numbers and power of the Israelites who had recently defeated the Amorites. Balak, desperate, sends for Balaam, a renowned diviner from Pethor, to curse Israel, believing that what Balaam blessed or cursed would be so. Initially, God expressly forbids Balaam from going, stating, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed" (Num 22:12). However, when Balak sends even more distinguished and numerous officials with a greater promise of honor and reward, Balaam consults God again, hoping for a different answer. In Numbers 22:20, God grants a seemingly permissive "go with them, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall do." Verse 21 then details Balaam's immediate action, rising early to set off with the Moabite princes, eager to capitalize on the opportunity, yet completely misinterpreting God's permissive will as endorsement for his self-serving intentions, leading directly to the divine confrontation that follows.

Numbers 22 21 Word analysis

• So (וַיָּקָם - wayyāqām): The Hebrew vav consecutive initiates the clause, connecting it to the preceding divine instruction (Num 22:20). It denotes a consequential action, showing Balaam's immediate response and readiness.
• Balaam (בִּלְעָם - Bilʻām): A prominent figure, a diviner from Pethor in Mesopotamia. His name, possibly related to "destroyer" or "devourer of people," hints at his harmful spiritual influence. He is known for spiritual power outside of Israel, yet falls short of true obedience. His character symbolizes covetousness and a compromised heart.
• rose (וַיָּקָם - wayyāqām): Literally "and he rose." The verb implies a swift and decisive action. Balaam did not delay but quickly acted upon the conditional permission. This speed suggests his eagerness and motivation for personal gain.
• in the morning (בַבֹּקֶר - babBōqe r): Early in the day, indicating his promptness and zeal for the journey. It signifies his determination to pursue the course of action, possibly to gain the promised rewards quickly.
• saddled (וַיַּחֲבשׁ - wayyaḥăvoš): "And he bound" or "he harnessed." This specific action denotes preparation for travel by donkey, indicating a planned and purposeful departure. It is the immediate step before undertaking a journey.
• his donkey (אֲתֹנוֹ - 'ătōnōw): An ordinary, yet pivotal animal in the narrative, soon to become the unexpected instrument of God's direct intervention. The emphasis on "his" shows his personal possession and direct involvement in the journey.
• and went (וַיֵּלֶךְ - wayyēleḵ): "And he walked" or "he traveled." A simple verb denoting motion, but highly significant here as it marks the beginning of the journey that provokes God's anger due to Balaam's inner intentions and perceived disobedience despite God's permissive word.
• with the princes (עִם־שָׂרֵי - ‘im-śārê): He chose to accompany the high-ranking officials from Moab, fulfilling Balak's initial request. This highlights his integration with the pagan envoys and reinforces the context of a commissioned task rather than a purely spiritual one.
• of Moab (מוֹאָב - Moʼāv): A Transjordanian kingdom and a perennial enemy of Israel. Balaam’s destination aligns him with those hostile to God's chosen people, foreshadowing his later role in corrupting Israel.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• So Balaam rose in the morning: This phrase establishes the prompt and intentional nature of Balaam's departure. It implies a certain eagerness and initiative on his part, setting the stage for the narrative's central conflict.
• saddled his donkey: This describes his physical preparations, underscoring the immediate practicality of his actions. It emphasizes the commencement of a tangible journey, facilitated by a common mode of travel that would soon play a miraculous role.
• and went with the princes of Moab: This confirms his objective and companions. He is now actively engaged with the mission given by Balak, directly defying God's perfect will and moving towards a place where he intends to curse Israel, albeit with the outward constraint of only speaking God's word. This full phrase succinctly marks the critical juncture of his outward journey despite his inward rebellion.

Numbers 22 21 Bonus section

The Hebrew phrase "vayyakom Bil'am babBoker vayyahavos atono vayyelech" (וַיָּקָם בִּלְעָם בַּבֹּקֶר וַיַּחֲבֹשׁ אֶת־אֲתֹנוֹ וַיֵּלֶךְ) employs a series of vav consecutive imperfect verbs, typical of Hebrew narrative, creating a sense of rapid, sequential action. This grammatical structure enhances the feeling of Balaam's urgency and immediate readiness to proceed. This passage powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over even a prophet who walks in rebellion. Balaam's intent was wicked – to gain reward by cursing God's people. Yet, God orchestrates the situation such that Balaam cannot curse Israel but is compelled to bless them, demonstrating that human will, even rebellious will, is ultimately subject to God's greater purpose (cf. Gen 50:20). This entire narrative serves as a profound theological statement against the power of human sorcery and highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.

Numbers 22 21 Commentary

Numbers 22:21 is a pivotal moment, immediately following God's qualified permission for Balaam to go with Balak's princes. Balaam's immediate and eager response, "rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went," reveals his heart's true inclination. Although God allowed him to go, the subsequent verse explicitly states that God's anger was kindled because he went (Num 22:22). This highlights the distinction between God's permissive will (allowing an action for a specific purpose, even if the heart is wrong) and His perfect will (His desired obedience). Balaam's haste shows he was not submitting in true obedience but seized the opportunity to gain wealth and honor, presuming God's permission to be an endorsement of his desire to curse Israel for personal profit. This action initiates the extraordinary confrontation with the angel of the Lord, making the ordinary act of travel a profound stage for divine intervention and revelation. Balaam, though a recognized prophet/diviner, became an archetype of one who possesses spiritual gifts but is corrupted by covetousness, willing to misuse divine power for worldly gain.