Numbers 24 25

Numbers 24:25 kjv

And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.

Numbers 24:25 nkjv

So Balaam rose and departed and returned to his place; Balak also went his way.

Numbers 24:25 niv

Then Balaam got up and returned home, and Balak went his own way.

Numbers 24:25 esv

Then Balaam rose and went back to his place. And Balak also went his way.

Numbers 24:25 nlt

Then Balaam left and returned home, and Balak also went on his way.

Numbers 24 verses

Numbers 24 25 Meaning

This verse concisely concludes the significant interaction between Balak, king of Moab, and Balaam, the Mesopotamian diviner. Following Balaam's final, involuntary blessing of Israel and his prophecies concerning Israel's future and other nations, both individuals simply returned to their respective dwelling places. It signifies the immediate cessation of their confrontational activities against Israel's prosperity, as directed by Balak and counteracted by God through Balaam's compelled prophecies.

Numbers 24 25 Context

Numbers chapter 24 is the final and longest of Balaam's four prophetic oracles. Balak's frustration intensifies with each successive prophecy, as Balaam, despite Balak's urgent pleas and lavish offers, is divinely constrained to bless Israel rather than curse them. This chapter culminates in Balaam foretelling not only Israel's present blessed state but also future triumphs, notably speaking of a "Star" and "Scepter" arising from Jacob, widely interpreted as messianic prophecies. Following these compelled pronouncements, Balak finally gives up on Balaam's ability to curse Israel and effectively dismisses him. The verse therefore signifies the literal ending of their immediate interaction, marking a moment of physical departure after the spiritual contest. In the ancient Near East, kings often used diviners or prophets for political advantage, seeking favorable omens or curses against enemies; this episode dramatically shows YHWH's absolute sovereignty over such practices, demonstrating that even foreign divination is subject to His will and cannot counter His blessing upon His chosen people. There is an indirect polemic against the notion that any god or sorcery could overcome the protective power of the God of Israel.

Numbers 24 25 Word analysis

• Then (וַיָּקָם - vayyaqam): A consecutive perfect verb form, indicating an immediate sequential action. It marks the shift from the speaking of the oracles to the physical act of departure, signaling finality for this specific event. "Rose" implies a posture of readiness or the conclusion of a significant address.

• Balaam (בִּלְעָם - Bil'am): A figure renowned for his prophetic abilities, albeit a mercenary one. His name likely means "devourer of people" or "destroyer," reflecting his negative influence, despite his compelled blessings here. The very act of his departure, though seemingly a retreat, foreshadows his later treacherous advice to Balak (Num 31:16) that would lead to Israel's sin at Peor.

• and departed (וַיֵּלֶךְ - vayyelekh): A straightforward verb meaning "and he went." It emphasizes the physical movement away from the location of the oracles.

• and returned (וַיָּשָׁב - vayyashav): Meaning "and he returned." This suggests going back to a point of origin or regular abode. While it signifies the end of his professional engagement with Balak, it does not imply repentance or change of heart; rather, it's a pragmatic return home after failing to achieve his paid objective.

• to his place (לִמְקֹמוֹ - limqomo): Literally "to his own place." This indicates his individual residence, probably Pethor in Mesopotamia (Num 22:5). His returning to "his place" contrasts with Israel, who were returning to the Promised Land.

• and Balak also (וּבָלָק גַּם - uvalaq gam): The inclusion of "also" (גַּם - gam) highlights the parallel action and shared conclusion of their interaction. Balak, the instigator, is now also ending his direct involvement.

• went his way (הָלַךְ לְדַרְכּוֹ - halakh ledarko): Literally "he went to his way/road." This idiom signifies a departure for one's destination, closing out an engagement. For Balak, it means returning to his kingdom, having failed utterly to curse Israel.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Then Balaam rose and departed and returned to his place": This phrase encapsulates Balaam's final physical disengagement from Balak. His "rising" and "departing" marks the end of his oracles, and "returning to his place" signifies the closure of this specific assignment. This departure is significant as it sets the stage for Balaam's more subtle, destructive influence later, as recounted in Numbers 31 and alluded to in the New Testament.
  • "and Balak also went his way": This phrase completes the picture by showing Balak's reciprocal withdrawal. His "going his way" implies a retreat born of frustration and defeat, having expended resources and effort only to witness Israel's blessing confirmed repeatedly. It symbolizes the utter failure of his direct attempts to curse the Israelites.

Numbers 24 25 Bonus section

While this verse signals the end of Balak and Balaam's physical encounter, it's crucial to understand that Balaam's influence did not end here. Though sent home, Balaam later advised Balak on how to corrupt Israel spiritually, leading to the idolatry and sexual immorality at Peor (Numbers 25 and 31:16). This deceptive counsel led to a plague among Israel, illustrating that even if God prevents direct curses, human sin, fueled by temptation, can be more devastating. This dual narrative of God's perfect control over explicit curses (Numbers 22-24) and human culpability in temptation (Numbers 25) reveals a profound theological truth about divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The "way of Balaam" and the "teaching of Balaam" became New Testament idioms for corrupt leadership and doctrines that entice believers into immorality and idolatry for personal gain (2 Pet 2:15, Jude 11, Rev 2:14).

Numbers 24 25 Commentary

Numbers 24:25 serves as a clear demarcation point, marking the conclusion of the direct confrontation between Balak and Balaam regarding Israel. It is an abrupt, almost understated ending to a deeply dramatic and theologically significant series of events. Balaam, a man of profound spiritual gifts used for corrupt ends, is dismissed, having served unwittingly as God's mouthpiece to bless His people. Balak, the king seeking to thwart God's plans, departs in defeat, his machinations foiled. This verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that no human will, power, or even demonic intention can ultimately derail His divine purposes for His chosen nation. While the physical threat ends here, the spiritual danger from Balaam's cunning counsel to lead Israel into idolatry (as revealed later) remained, reminding us that even after open battles cease, subtle temptations may persist.