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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 22:7 The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/04_Num_22_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:7 - Balak Summons Balaam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/22-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/22-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/22-6.htm" title="Numbers 22:6">◄</a> Numbers 22:7 <a href="/numbers/22-8.htm" title="Numbers 22:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination. When they came to Balaam, they told him what Balak had said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Balak’s messengers, who were elders of Moab and Midian, set out with money to pay Balaam to place a curse upon Israel. They went to Balaam and delivered Balak’s message to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand. And they came to Balaam and gave him Balak’s message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian left with the <i>fees for</i> divination in their hands; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak’s words to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak&#8217s words to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the <i>fees for</i> divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak’s words to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian went away with the <i>fees for</i> divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and spoke Balak’s words to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and of Midian departed with <i>fees for</i> divination (foretelling) in hand; and they came to Balaam and told him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Moab and Midian departed with fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and reported Balak’s words to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Moab and Midian departed with fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and reported Balak&#8217s words to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The leaders of Moab and Midian left and took along money to pay Balaam. When they got to his house, they gave him Balak's message. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The leaders of Moab and Midian left, taking money with them to pay for Balaam's services. They came to Balaam and told him what Balak had said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So the Moabite and Midianite leaders took with them the payment for the curse, went to Balaam, and gave him Balak's message. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and Midian left to visit Balaam, bringing an honorarium with them, and communicated Balak's concerns to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fee for divination in their hand. They came to Balaam and reported to him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand. They came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And [the] elderly of Moab and [the] elderly of Midian go with divinations in their hand, and they come to Balaam and speak the words of Balak to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian go, and divinations in their hand, and they come in unto Balaam, and speak unto him the words of Balak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the old men of Moab and the old men of Midian, will go, and divinations in their hand; and they will come to Balsam, and they will speak to him the words of Balak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the ancients of Moab, and the elders of Madian, went with the price of divination in their hands. And when they were come to Balaam, and had told him all the words of Balac: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the elders of Moab, and those greater by birth of Midian, continued on, holding the price of divination in their hands. And when they had come to Balaam, and had explained to him all the words of Balak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian, themselves experts in divination, left and went to Balaam, to whom they gave Balak’s message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and gave him Balak’s message.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with gifts for divination in their hands; and they came to Balaam and told him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Elders of Moab and the Elders of Midian went and their divinations were in their hands and they came to Balaam and they told him the words of Balaq.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spoke unto him the words of Balak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the elders of Moab went, and the elders of Madiam, and their divining <i>instruments were</i> in their hands; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balac.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-7.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=6892" 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">6</span>So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.” <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">The elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/4124.htm" title="4124: mō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Lot, also his desc. and the territory where they settled. ">of Moab</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: wə·ziq·nê (Conj-w:: Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4080.htm" title="4080: miḏ·yān (N-proper-ms) -- The same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and his descendants.">and Midian</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">departed</a> <a href="/hebrew/7081.htm" title="7081: ū·qə·sā·mîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Divination. From qacam; a lot: also divination, oracle.">with the fees for divination</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏām (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3mp) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">in hand.</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">They came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">Balaam</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: way·ḏab·bə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">and relayed</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to him</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the words</a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: ḇā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">of Balak.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>“Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.…<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="/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="/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="/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/17-17.htm">2 Kings 17:17</a></span><br />They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-7.htm">1 Samuel 9:7-8</a></span><br />“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a></span><br />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="/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="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23</a></span><br />A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/13-19.htm">Ezekiel 13:19</a></span><br />You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">2 Corinthians 11:7-9</a></span><br />Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? / I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you. / And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-7.htm">1 Kings 13:7-8</a></span><br />Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” / 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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.</p><p class="hdg">rewards of divination</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/9-7.htm">1 Samuel 9:7,8</a></b></br> Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, <i>if</i> we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and <i>there is</i> not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/56-11.htm">Isaiah 56:11</a></b></br> Yea, <i>they are</i> greedy dogs <i>which</i> can never have enough, and they <i>are</i> shepherds <i>that</i> cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/13-19.htm">Ezekiel 13:19</a></b></br> And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear <i>your</i> lies?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/22-13.htm">Balak's</a> <a href="/numbers/14-44.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-27.htm">Divination</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-28.htm">Divinations</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/numbers/21-34.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/numbers/21-34.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Message</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/numbers/20-9.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/genesis/44-6.htm">Repeated</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Rewards</a> <a href="/numbers/16-47.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-8.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-10.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/22-13.htm">Balak's</a> <a href="/numbers/24-25.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/numbers/23-23.htm">Divination</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Divinations</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/numbers/22-23.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/numbers/22-10.htm">Message</a> <a href="/numbers/25-15.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/numbers/25-15.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/numbers/22-8.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/13-1.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-7.htm">Repeated</a> <a href="/numbers/30-15.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-17.htm">Rewards</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Words</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>The elders of Moab and Midian departed</b><br>This phrase highlights the collaboration between Moab and Midian, two distinct groups with a common interest in opposing Israel. Historically, Moab and Midian were neighboring tribes often in conflict with Israel. Their alliance here underscores the perceived threat of the Israelites. The elders' involvement indicates the seriousness of the situation, as elders were respected leaders and decision-makers within their communities.<p><b>with the fees for divination in hand.</b><br>Divination was a common practice in the ancient Near East, used to seek guidance from the gods. The mention of fees suggests a formal transaction, indicating that Balaam was a professional diviner. This practice was condemned in Israelite law (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a>), highlighting the contrast between Israel's faith in Yahweh and the pagan practices of surrounding nations. The fees also imply the expectation of a favorable outcome, as diviners were often paid to pronounce blessings or curses.<p><b>They came to Balaam</b><br>Balaam was a well-known figure, likely a non-Israelite prophet or seer, whose reputation extended across the region. His name appears in other ancient texts, suggesting he was a historical figure. Balaam's role in this narrative is complex, as he is both a conduit for God's messages and a participant in pagan practices. His story illustrates the tension between divine sovereignty and human free will.<p><b>and relayed to him the words of Balak.</b><br>Balak, the king of Moab, was deeply concerned about the Israelites' presence and sought supernatural intervention. By sending a message through the elders, Balak demonstrates his desperation and belief in the power of curses. This act of communication sets the stage for the unfolding drama, where God's will ultimately prevails over human schemes. The narrative foreshadows the theme of God's protection over Israel, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/psalms/121-7.htm">Psalm 121:7-8</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_moab_and_midian.htm">Elders of Moab and Midian</a></b><br>These are the leaders or representatives from the nations of Moab and Midian. They were sent by Balak, the king of Moab, to seek Balaam's help in cursing the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who was fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and their recent victories over neighboring nations. He sought to use Balaam's prophetic abilities to curse the Israelites.<br><br>3. <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. He is approached by the Moabite and Midianite elders to curse the Israelites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/fee_for_divination.htm">Fee for Divination</a></b><br>This refers to the payment or reward offered to Balaam for his services in divination, which was a common practice in ancient times for seeking supernatural insight or influence.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab_and_midian.htm">Moab and Midian</a></b><br>Two ancient nations located near the land of Canaan. Moab was directly east of the Dead Sea, while Midian was located in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_seeking_divination.htm">The Danger of Seeking Divination</a></b><br>The elders of Moab and Midian sought supernatural intervention through divination, which is condemned in Scripture. Believers are reminded to seek God's guidance through prayer and His Word, not through forbidden practices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_fear.htm">The Influence of Fear</a></b><br>Balak's fear of the Israelites led him to take drastic measures. Fear can drive us to make unwise decisions. Trusting in God's sovereignty can help us overcome fear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_temptation_of_material_gain.htm">The Temptation of Material Gain</a></b><br>Balaam's account is a cautionary tale about the temptation of wealth and material gain. Christians are encouraged to prioritize spiritual integrity over financial gain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_plans.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans</a></b><br>Despite human intentions, God's will prevails. The account of Balaam shows that God can turn intended curses into blessings, demonstrating His ultimate control over all situations.<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/evidence_for_balaam_in_numbers_22.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_balaam's_blessing_show_free_will.htm">If Balaam’s initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_blame_balaam_alone_for_midian's_fate.htm">Numbers 31:15-16: Why is Balaam's influence singled out as the sole reason for divine judgment on Midian, given previous chapters mention other deeds?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) <span class= "bld">And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian.</span>--The close alliance which existed between the two nations appears throughout the whole of the narrative.<p><span class= "bld">The rewards of divination.--</span>Literally, <span class= "ital">the divinations. </span>Some think the meaning to be <span class= "ital">instruments of divination; </span>but as <span class= "ital">besorah </span>means not only <span class= "ital">tidings, </span>but also the <span class= "ital">reward for tidings </span>(<a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm" title="When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:">2Samuel 4:10</a>), so <span class= "ital">kesamim </span>may mean not only <span class= "ital">divinations, </span>but also the <span class= "ital">rewards of divination.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">With the rewards of divination.</span> <span class="hebrew">קְסָמִים</span>, "soothsayings." Septuagint, <span class="greek">τὰ</span> <span class="greek">μαντεῖα</span>. Here the soothsayer's wages, which St. Peter aptly calls the wages of unrighteousness. The ease with which, among ignorant and superstitious people, a prophet might become a hired soothsayer is apparent even from the case of Samuel (<a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">1 Samuel 9:6-8</a>). That it should be thought proper to resort to the man of God for information about some lost property, and much more that it should be thought necessary to pay him a fee for the exercise of his supernatural powers, shows, not indeed that Samuel was a soothsayer, for he was a man of rare integrity and independence, but, that Samuel was but little distinguished from a soothsayer in the popular estimation. If Samuel had learnt to care more for money than for righteousness, he might very easily have become just what Balaam became. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-7.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">The elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Moab</span><br /><span class="heb">מוֹאָב֙</span> <span class="translit">(mō·w·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4124.htm">Strong's 4124: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Midian</span><br /><span class="heb">מִדְיָ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(miḏ·yān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> </span><span class="str2">Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled </span><br /><br /><span class="word">departed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·lə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<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">with the fees for divination</span><br /><span class="heb">וּקְסָמִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·qə·sā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7081.htm">Strong's 7081: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lot, divination, oracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in hand.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָדָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">They came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balaam</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(bil·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balaam -- a prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and relayed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḏab·bə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to him</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the words</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבְרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(diḇ·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Balak.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָלָֽק׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·lāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1111.htm">Strong's 1111: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:7 The elders of Moab and the elders (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:8" /></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>