Numbers 22 37

Numbers 22:37 kjv

And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honor?

Numbers 22:37 nkjv

Then Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not earnestly send to you, calling for you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?"

Numbers 22:37 niv

Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn't you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?"

Numbers 22:37 esv

And Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not send to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?"

Numbers 22:37 nlt

"Didn't I send you an urgent invitation? Why didn't you come right away?" Balak asked Balaam. "Didn't you believe me when I said I would reward you richly?"

Numbers 22 verses

Numbers 22 37 Meaning

Numbers 22:37 records King Balak of Moab's accusatory greeting to Balaam upon his arrival. Balak expresses his frustration and indignation at Balaam's delayed response to his summons, questioning why Balaam did not come immediately. He then subtly, yet forcefully, reiterates his capacity and intention to bestow significant honor and rewards upon Balaam, effectively trying to ensure Balaam's cooperation by appealing to his desire for material gain and status. This exchange highlights Balak's urgent fear, his royal entitlement, and his belief that wealth can command spiritual power.

Numbers 22 37 Context

Numbers chapter 22 begins with Moab and Midian's overwhelming dread of the Israelites, who are encamped in the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. Balak, the king of Moab, seeks to undermine Israel's strength not through direct military engagement but through a supernatural curse, hiring the renowned prophet/diviner Balaam from Pethor. Initially, God explicitly forbids Balaam from going with Balak's envoys or cursing Israel (Num 22:12-13). However, Balak persists, sending more distinguished officials with greater promises of honor (Num 22:15-17), tempting Balaam's covetous heart. Though Balaam outwardly declares obedience to God (Num 22:18-19), his actions reveal a desire for the promised rewards. God then gives conditional permission for Balaam to go, strictly dictating that Balaam must speak only what He commands (Num 22:20). En route, Balaam is divinely intercepted by an angel of the Lord and his speaking donkey (Num 22:22-35), serving as a profound warning that he must only speak God's words. Verse 37 immediately follows Balaam's terrifying encounter with the angel, as he arrives at Balak's royal city and is met by the king. This confrontation reveals Balak's indignation over the delay and his eagerness to fulfill his part of the bargain, by emphasizing his readiness to pay handsomely.

Numbers 22 37 Word analysis

• And Balak: בָּלָק (Balak), King of Moab. His name might mean "devastator" or "emptier," ironically as he attempts to devastate Israel but ends up being "emptied" of his hopes. His fear and desperation drive his actions.
• said: Expresses direct communication, highlighting the immediate confrontation.
• to Balaam: בִּלְעָם (Bil'am). A diviner with prophetic gifts, yet tragically susceptible to the lure of riches and worldly honor, leading to his downfall.
• “Did I not send to you to call you?: הֲלוֹא שָׁלַחְתִּי אֵלֶיךָ לִקְרֹא לָךְ (Ha'lo shalachti eleikha likro lakh?). A rhetorical question ("Surely I sent for you, didn't I?") indicating Balak's expectation of an affirmative answer. It conveys Balak's frustration, his sense of entitlement, and an implied accusation of disrespect for delaying.
• Why did you not come to me?: מַדּוּעַ לֹא בָאתָ אֵלָי (Madu'a lo ba'ta elay?). A direct question born of impatience and urgency. Balak's immediate concern is Balaam's delay, which he views as inexplicable given his own royal command and generous offers.
• Am I not able indeed to honor you?”: הַאָמְנָה לֹא אוּכַל כַּבְּדֶךָ (Ha'omnâ lo ukhal kabbədekhâ?). Another forceful rhetorical question, loaded with Balak's conviction.
  • הַאָמְנָה (Ha'omnâ): "Indeed," "truly," "verily." This emphatic particle reinforces Balak's assertion of his great capacity. He is not just able, but indeed able to honor, emphasizing his generosity and resources.
  • כַּבְּדֶךָ (Kabbədekhâ): "To honor you," derived from the root כָּבַד (kabad), meaning "heavy" or "weighty." In this context, it implies substantial material rewards, prestige, and glory. Balak's appeal targets Balaam's known vulnerability—his desire for material gain and social elevation. This promise directly echoes his earlier offer of "very great honor" (Num 22:17), underscoring his attempt to sway Balaam through wealth and status.

Numbers 22 37 Bonus section

• The immediate, almost aggressive, confrontation from Balak indicates his deep anxiety over the Israelites' presence. His fear dictates his impatient behavior and his persistence in trying to manipulate spiritual forces.
• Balak's question "Why did you not come to me?" might subtly suggest he thought Balaam was holding out for a better offer, demonstrating Balak's cynical view of people's motivations, particularly Balaam's, whom he knew to be susceptible to gain.
• The repeated rhetorical questions, particularly the final one about his ability to honor, demonstrate Balak's strategy to pressure Balaam, asserting his generosity while simultaneously questioning Balaam's integrity or prudence for having delayed. This verbal maneuvering reveals the high stakes and the psychological game being played between the king and the prophet.
• The entire narrative surrounding Balaam, especially this interaction, stands as a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty. No human power, wealth, or spiritual manipulation can thwart the divine plan or undermine God's covenant with His people. God ensures His word prevails, even turning a desired curse into a blessing.

Numbers 22 37 Commentary

Balak's words in Numbers 22:37 unveil his royal arrogance and the driving fear that prompted him to summon Balaam. His tone is marked by accusation and indignation, assuming that his summons should have been immediately obeyed. He doesn't seem to acknowledge any divine impedance to Balaam's journey; instead, he frames the delay as an affront to his authority. By immediately following his accusation with the re-emphasis on his ability to "honor" Balaam, Balak reveals his primary manipulative tactic: believing that sufficient material reward can overcome any obstacle, including a divine prohibition. He effectively re-tables his initial bribe, probing Balaam's susceptibility to covetousness. This statement sets the stage for Balak's continued attempts to coax, and eventually command, Balaam to curse Israel, firmly believing that he holds the means to control even a diviner's allegiance. It foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle where God's sovereign will continually frustrates human ambition fueled by fear and greed.