Numbers 22 39

Numbers 22:39 kjv

And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth.

Numbers 22:39 nkjv

So Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kirjath Huzoth.

Numbers 22:39 niv

Then Balaam went with Balak to Kiriath Huzoth.

Numbers 22:39 esv

Then Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.

Numbers 22:39 nlt

Then Balaam accompanied Balak to Kiriath-huzoth,

Numbers 22 verses

Numbers 22 39 Meaning

Numbers 22:39 signifies the physical continuation of the narrative, detailing that Balaam, accompanied by King Balak, reached Kiriath Huzoth. This progression marks a pivotal transition from the journey's miraculous interruption by the Angel of the Lord to the anticipated ritual of cursing. It confirms Balaam's arrival at the designated place for his divining work, establishing the setting where divine revelation will powerfully confront human and pagan schemes.

Numbers 22 39 Context

Numbers 22 recounts King Balak of Moab's desperate attempt to counter the numerous and victorious Israelites, who are encamped on his borders. Fearful of their potential advance, Balak hires Balaam, a renowned diviner/prophet from Mesopotamia, to curse Israel. The earlier verses in chapter 22 detail Balaam's initial hesitation, his repeated inquiries of God despite a clear prohibition to curse Israel, and the dramatic divine intervention of an angel on the path. This angel confronted Balaam directly, allowing him to proceed to Balak but strictly commanding him to speak only what God permits. Verse 39 follows this supernatural encounter, detailing the physical consequence: Balaam's continued journey alongside Balak to the intended site for the curses. Historically, this occurs as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, encountering resistance from the nations surrounding them. The narrative starkly contrasts the ancient Near Eastern belief in powerful, callable curses with the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh, demonstrating that no human or pagan power can thwart His divine plan for His covenant people. It is a polemic against the notion that a professional diviner can manipulate the divine will.

Numbers 22 39 Word analysis

• So (וילך - vayeilekh): This conjunction and verb signifies continuation and immediate consequence. Despite the previous confrontation and divine injunctions, Balaam proceeds, linking his physical journey to the Angel's permission (with significant caveats).
• Balaam (בלעם - Bil'am): The non-Israelite seer or diviner. His name possibly relates to "devourer of the people" or "one who consumes." He represents someone with authentic spiritual gifts who struggles with greed and a willingness to compromise divine truth for material gain, as noted in the New Testament (2 Pet 2:15).
• went (ילך - yalakh): A straightforward verb meaning "to go." Here, it marks a significant step in the unfolding drama, indicating Balaam's determined, though now divinely constrained, progress towards his commission.
• with (את - et): A preposition denoting close association. Balaam and Balak's joint movement signifies the king's persistent efforts and Balaam's complicit agreement to appear at the location to perform his services.
• Balak (בלק - Balak): The Moabite king, whose name likely relates to "to lay waste" or "destroyer." He is depicted as a pragmatic monarch driven by fear and desperate to use any means, including supernatural ones, against the Israelites. He represents the political opposition to God's people.
• and they came (ויבאו - vayavo'u): This plural verb highlights the arrival of both Balak and Balaam. Their joint arrival underscores their shared, albeit now conflicted, purpose at the designated location for the oracles.
• to (אל - el): A preposition indicating destination, emphasizing the direct route and planned arrival at a specific place for the coming events.
• Kiriath (קרית - Qiryath): A common Semitic word meaning "city" or "town," often forming part of a city's proper name. Its inclusion identifies the specific location where the oracular pronouncements are to begin.
• Huzoth (חוצות - Huzoth): Literally "streets" or "public places/markets." In the context of "Kiriath Huzoth" ("City of Streets"), it likely signifies a central or significant city, perhaps chosen for public visibility of the intended ritual or as a place of access to surrounding altars.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "So Balaam went with Balak": This phrase succinctly portrays Balaam's decision to continue his journey under Balak's patronage. It emphasizes his ongoing connection with the king despite the intense angelic confrontation. This highlights the enduring tension between Balaam's awareness of God's will and his persistent desire for worldly favor or financial reward. Balak's active presence indicates his relentless drive to achieve his goal.
• "and they came to Kiriath Huzoth": This denotes the immediate and significant arrival at the planned location. The dual subjects ("they") emphasize that this was a joint venture. Kiriath Huzoth, a "City of Streets," was likely a public or notable place, setting the stage for what Balak hoped would be a visible and impactful act of cursing against Israel. This marks the transition from the narrative of journey and confrontation to the core events of Balaam's oracles.

Numbers 22 39 Bonus section

The seemingly simple act of arriving at a city (Kiriath Huzoth) is pregnant with theological significance. For Balak, it represents the imminent success of his spiritual warfare strategy, bringing his diviner to the optimal location. For Balaam, it signifies the commencement of his prophetic duty, but under conditions that severely test his self-will. For God, however, it is merely a stage setting, chosen by human intention, where His unshakeable plan and covenant promises to Israel will be irrefutably demonstrated and declared through an unlikely, compelled mouthpiece. This entire journey to Kiriath Huzoth underscores the broader biblical theme that no human endeavor, however well-orchestrated or supernaturally informed by the wicked, can undermine the will and protection of the Lord for His chosen people. Balaam's footsteps were, in essence, guided to bring glory to God, even when his own heart remained inclined toward profit and a worldly path.

Numbers 22 39 Commentary

Numbers 22:39 acts as the narrative's bridge, transporting the reader from Balaam's dramatic divine encounter to the threshold of his prophetic utterances. It illustrates Balaam's complex position: granted permission by God to proceed, yet constrained by divine imperative to speak only God's words. His decision to continue with Balak, who sought a curse against Israel, reflects a compromise—Balaam does not outright disobey the immediate instruction not to turn back, yet his ultimate allegiance and heart's desire for reward are still questionable. The arrival at Kiriath Huzoth establishes the immediate context for Balak's pagan rituals and Balaam's subsequent oracles. Far from being an insignificant detail, this destination underscores God's control, even of Balaam's path, preparing the way for Yahweh to transform a king's intent to curse into an undeniable series of blessings for Israel, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and prophecies.