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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 22:17 for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/04_Num_22_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:17 - Balak Summons Balaam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. 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Come and put a curse on these people for me.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I will pay you very well and do whatever you tell me. Just come and curse these people for me!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />for I will surely do you great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Come, curse this people for me.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />for I will certainly honor you greatly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Therefore please come, curse this people for me.’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />for I will indeed honor you richly, and I will do whatever you tell me. Please come then, curse this people for me.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />for I will indeed honor you richly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Please come then, curse this people for me.&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />for I will indeed honor you richly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Please come then, curse this people for me.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />for I will indeed honor you richly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Please come then, curse this people for me.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For I will give you a very great honor and I will do whatever you tell me; so please come, curse these people [of Israel] for me.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for I will greatly honor you and do whatever you ask me. So please come and put a curse on these people for me! ’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />for I will greatly honor you and do whatever you ask me. So please come and put a curse on these people for me!&#8217&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />for I will promote thee unto very great honor, and whatsoever thou sayest unto me I will do: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I'll pay you very well and do whatever you ask. Just come and place a curse on these people." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />for I will promote thee unto very great honour, and whatsoever thou sayest unto me I will do: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I will make sure you are richly rewarded, and I will do whatever you ask. Please, come and curse these people for me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I will reward you richly and do anything you say. Please come and curse these people for me." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I'm determined to reward you generously, and I'll do everything you tell me to do. So come right away and curse this people for me.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For I will honor you greatly, and whatever you tell me I will do. So come, put a curse on this nation for me.'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />for I will greatly honor you, and whatever you say to me I will do for you. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For I will promote thee to very great honor, and I will do whatever thou sayest to me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse this people for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.’” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for I honor you very greatly, and all that you say to me I do; and come, please pierce this people for me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for very greatly I honour thee, and all that thou sayest unto me I do; and come, I pray thee, pierce for me this people.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For honoring, I will honor thee greatly, and all which thou shalt say to me I will do; and come, now, curse to me this people.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For I am ready to honour thee, and will give thee whatsoever thou wilt: come and curse this people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For I am ready to honor you, and whatever you would want, I shall give to you. Come and curse this people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I will reward you very handsomely and will do anything you ask of me. Come, lay a curse on this people for me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />for I will surely do you great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do; come, curse this people for me.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For I will surely honor you exceedingly, and I will do for you whatever you say to me; come therefore, curse this people for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because surely I shall honor you greatly and everything that you say to me I shall do, and come, curse for me this people.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />for I will promote thee unto very great honour, and whatsoever thou sayest unto me I will do; come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For I will greatly honour thee, and will do for thee whatsoever thou shalt say; come then, curse me this people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6975" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Balak Summons Balaam</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me, <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: ḵab·bêḏ (V-Piel-InfAbs) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">I will honor you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc.">richly</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: ’ă·ḵab·beḏ·ḵā (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs:: 2ms) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ’e·‘ĕ·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and do</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵōl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">whatever</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: tō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">you say.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">So please</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: ū·lə·ḵāh- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/6895.htm" title="6895: qā·ḇāh- (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To utter a curse against, curse. A primitive root; to scoop out, i.e. to malign or execrate.">and put a curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">on this</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people for me!’”</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15</a></span><br />They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a></span><br />Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a></span><br />For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a></span><br />Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a></span><br />because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a></span><br />But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a></span><br />My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-16.htm">2 Kings 5:16</a></span><br />But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Proverbs 15:27</a></span><br />He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22-23</a></span><br />But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-8.htm">1 Kings 13:8-9</a></span><br />But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. / For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a></span><br />No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Acts 8:18-20</a></span><br />When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. / “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” / But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></span><br />No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For I will promote you to very great honor, and I will do whatever you say to me: come therefore, I pray you, curse me this people.</p><p class="hdg">I will promote</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Numbers 24:11</a></b></br> Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/16-9.htm">Deuteronomy 16:9</a></b></br> Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from <i>such time as</i> thou beginnest <i>to put</i> the sickle to the corn.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/5-11.htm">Esther 5:11</a></b></br> And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all <i>the things</i> wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.</p><p class="hdg">and I will do</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-2.htm">Numbers 23:2,3,29,30</a></b></br> And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on <i>every</i> altar a bullock and a ram… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/14-7.htm">Matthew 14:7</a></b></br> Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.</p><p class="hdg">come</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-6.htm">Numbers 22:6</a></b></br> Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they <i>are</i> too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, <i>that</i> we may smite them, and <i>that</i> I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest <i>is</i> blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.</p><p class="hdg">curse me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-12.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Handsomely</a> <a href="/exodus/15-21.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/numbers/20-12.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/numbers/20-6.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/numbers/22-3.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/numbers/22-16.htm">Please</a> <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Promote</a> <a href="/numbers/18-31.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-25.htm">Richly</a> <a href="/numbers/18-15.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/numbers/19-22.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/numbers/19-22.htm">Whatsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Handsomely</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Highly</a> <a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/numbers/22-19.htm">Please</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-26.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Promote</a> <a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-4.htm">Richly</a> <a href="/numbers/22-33.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">Whatsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>for I will honor you richly</b><br>This phrase reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of offering substantial rewards for services rendered, especially those involving spiritual or supernatural intervention. In the context of <a href="/numbers/22.htm">Numbers 22</a>, Balak, the king of Moab, is attempting to persuade Balaam, a prophet, to curse the Israelites. The promise of riches indicates the high value placed on Balaam's perceived ability to influence divine will. This mirrors other biblical instances where wealth is used as a means of persuasion, such as in <a href="/genesis/24-53.htm">Genesis 24:53</a>, where Abraham's servant offers gifts to Rebekah's family. Theologically, this highlights the tension between material wealth and spiritual integrity, a theme echoed in the New Testament, particularly in <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a>, where Jesus teaches about serving God versus money.<p><b>and do whatever you say.</b><br>Balak's willingness to comply with Balaam's demands underscores the desperation and fear he feels towards the advancing Israelites. This phrase suggests a carte blanche offer, indicating Balak's belief in Balaam's power to alter the course of events through cursing. Historically, this reflects the ancient belief in the power of spoken words and blessings or curses, a concept seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/genesis/27.htm">Genesis 27</a>, where Isaac's blessing of Jacob is irrevocable. This also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the power of words, as seen in <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-10</a>, which discusses the tongue's potential for both blessing and cursing.<p><b>So please come</b><br>Balak's plea for Balaam to come physically to Moab highlights the importance of presence in ancient rituals and ceremonies. The act of coming signifies commitment and the seriousness of the request. Geographically, this involves a journey from Pethor, near the Euphrates River, to Moab, indicating the lengths Balak is willing to go to secure Balaam's services. This journey can be seen as a parallel to the spiritual journey of obedience and faith, as seen in the calling of Abraham in <a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-4</a>.<p><b>and put a curse on this people for me!’”</b><br>The request to curse the Israelites is rooted in the belief that spoken curses could invoke divine displeasure and bring about misfortune. This reflects the cultural and religious practices of the time, where words were believed to have tangible effects. Theologically, this request is significant because it contrasts with God's covenantal promises to Israel, as seen in <a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>, where God promises to bless those who bless Abraham's descendants and curse those who curse them. This sets the stage for the unfolding narrative where God intervenes to prevent Balaam from cursing Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises. This also serves as a type of Christ, who, in the New Testament, is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the one who blesses rather than curses, as seen in <a href="/galatians/3-13.htm">Galatians 3:13-14</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites and seeks to hire Balaam to curse them.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse, whom Balak seeks to employ.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>A region east of the Dead Sea, whose king, Balak, is threatened by the presence of the Israelites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, who are journeying to the Promised Land and are seen as a threat by Balak.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_offer_of_riches.htm">The Offer of Riches</a></b><br>Balak's attempt to entice Balaam with wealth and honor to curse the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_temptation_of_wealth_and_honor.htm">The Temptation of Wealth and Honor</a></b><br>Balak's offer to Balaam is a reminder of how worldly wealth and honor can tempt us to act against God's will. We must guard our hearts against such temptations and prioritize obedience to God over material gain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_curses_and_blessings.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Curses and Blessings</a></b><br>Despite human attempts to manipulate outcomes through curses or blessings, God remains sovereign. He can turn intended curses into blessings for His people, as seen in the account of Balaam.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Balaam's account warns us about the danger of compromising our integrity for personal gain. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to God's truth, even when faced with enticing offers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_protection.htm">The Power of God's Protection</a></b><br>The Israelites were protected by God despite Balak's attempts to harm them. This teaches us to trust in God's protection and faithfulness, knowing that He watches over His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_balak_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balak in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_jeremiah_28_with_other_prophets.htm">How do we reconcile Jeremiah's condemnation of Hananiah (Jeremiah 28) with other biblical texts where God tolerates or uses unexpected prophets to deliver messages?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_god_angry_with_balaam_later.htm">If God permitted Balaam to go (Numbers 22:20), why did He become angry with him later (Numbers 22:22)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_2_peter_2_15_and_numbers_22-24_inconsistent.htm">2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22–24? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will honor you</span><br /><span class="heb">כַבֵּ֤ד</span> <span class="translit">(ḵab·bêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">richly</span><br /><span class="heb">מְאֹ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and do</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(’e·‘ĕ·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whatever</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכֹ֛ל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you say.</span><br /><span class="heb">תֹּאמַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(tō·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">So please</span><br /><span class="heb">נָּא֙</span> <span class="translit">(nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> </span><span class="str2">I pray', 'now', 'then'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">come</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְכָה־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·ḵāh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and put a curse</span><br /><span class="heb">קָֽבָה־</span> <span class="translit">(qā·ḇāh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6895.htm">Strong's 6895: </a> </span><span class="str2">To scoop out, to malign, execrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on these</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">people for me!’”</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-17.htm">Numbers 22:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:17 For I will promote you to very (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>