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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 22:40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-40.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/04_Num_22_40.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:40 - The Angel and Balaam's Donkey" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him." /><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/22-40.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/22-40.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 40</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="/ad20.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/22-39.htm" title="Numbers 22:39">◄</a> Numbers 22:40 <a href="/numbers/22-41.htm" title="Numbers 22:41">►</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 />Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and gave some to Balaam and the officials who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />where the king sacrificed cattle and sheep. He sent portions of the meat to Balaam and the officials who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent for Balaam and for the princes who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that <i>were</i> with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Balak offered oxen and sheep, and he sent <i>some</i> to Balaam and to the princes who <i>were</i> with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent <i>some</i> to Balaam and the leaders who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent some to Balaam and the leaders who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent <i>some</i> to Balaam and the leaders who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent <i>some</i> to Balaam and the leaders who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent <i>some</i> to Balaam and to the leaders who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed cattle, sheep, and goats and sent for Balaam and the officials who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent for Balaam and the officials who were with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />where Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep and gave some of the meat to Balaam and the officials who were with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed cattle, sheep, and goats, and sent some of the meat to Balaam and the princes who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />where Balak slaughtered cattle and sheep and gave some of the meat to Balaam and the leaders who were with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />where he sacrificed oxen and sheep. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And Balak sacrificed bulls and sheep, and sent some to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Balak sacrifices oxen and sheep, and sends [some] to Balaam and to the princes who [are] with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Balak sacrificeth oxen and sheep, and sendeth to Balaam, and to the princes who are with him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Balak will sacrifice oxen and sheep, and he will send to Balaam and to the leaders which were with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when Balac had killed oxen and sheep, he sent presents to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And after Balak had killed oxen and sheep, he sent the gifts to Balaam, and to the leaders who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Here Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent portions to Balaam and to the princes who were with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent them to Balaam and to the officials who were with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Balak slaughtered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam and to the princes who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Balaq slaughtered bulls and sheep and he sent to Balaam and to the Princes of his people.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Balac offered sheep and calves, and sent to Balaam and to his princes who were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-40.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=7206" 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">The Angel and Balaam's Donkey</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">39</span>So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. <span class="reftext">40</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: bā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/2076.htm" title="2076: way·yiz·baḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To slaughter for sacrifice. A primitive root; to slaughter an animal.">sacrificed</a> <a href="/hebrew/1241.htm" title="1241: bā·qār (N-ms) -- Cattle, herd, an ox. From baqar; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender; collectively, a herd.">cattle</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: wā·ṣōn (Conj-w:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">and sheep,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·šal·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">and he gave portions</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: lə·ḇil·‘ām (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">to Balaam</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: wə·laś·śā·rîm (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-mp) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">and the princes</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.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">were with him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">41</span>The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.…<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="/genesis/31-54.htm">Genesis 31:54</a></span><br />Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-12.htm">1 Samuel 9:12-13</a></span><br />“Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. / As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-9.htm">1 Kings 1:9</a></span><br />And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves near the stone of Zoheleth, which is next to En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah who were servants of the king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">2 Kings 6:23</a></span><br />So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/18-2.htm">2 Chronicles 18:2</a></span><br />And some years later he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria, where Ahab sacrificed many sheep and cattle for him and the people with him and urged him to march up to Ramoth-gilead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Proverbs 15:17</a></span><br />Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/22-13.htm">Isaiah 22:13</a></span><br />But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-39.htm">Jeremiah 51:39</a></span><br />While they are flushed with heat, I will serve them a feast, and I will make them drunk so that they may revel; then they will fall asleep forever and never wake up, declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/39-17.htm">Ezekiel 39:17-20</a></span><br />And as for you, son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: Call out to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field: ‘Assemble and come together from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great feast on the mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and drink blood. / You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all the fattened animals of Bashan. / At the sacrifice I am preparing, you will eat fat until you are gorged and drink blood until you are drunk. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/5-1.htm">Daniel 5:1</a></span><br />Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-4.htm">Matthew 22:4</a></span><br />Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-16.htm">Luke 14:16-17</a></span><br />But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. / When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-23.htm">Luke 15:23</a></span><br />Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-1.htm">John 2:1-2</a></span><br />On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-2.htm">John 12:2</a></span><br />So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-2.htm">Numbers 23:2,14,30</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="/genesis/31-54.htm">Genesis 31:54</a></b></br> Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-16.htm">Proverbs 1:16</a></b></br> For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/20-19.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/numbers/18-32.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/numbers/18-32.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/numbers/8-12.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/numbers/7-83.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/exodus/22-20.htm">Sacrificeth</a> <a href="/numbers/18-17.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/numbers/22-18.htm">Small</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-41.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/31-9.htm">Cattle</a> <a href="/numbers/23-17.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/numbers/23-2.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/numbers/25-2.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-2.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-4.htm">Sacrificeth</a> <a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/numbers/26-54.htm">Small</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>Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep</b><br>In the ancient Near Eastern context, sacrifices were a common practice among various cultures, including the Israelites and their neighbors. Sacrifices were often made to seek favor from deities, to atone for sins, or to celebrate significant events. Balak, the king of Moab, is engaging in a ritual that would have been familiar to both his people and the Israelites. The use of cattle and sheep is significant, as these animals were considered valuable and were often used in sacrificial offerings. This act indicates Balak's earnestness in seeking divine intervention against Israel. The practice of animal sacrifice is also seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Leviticus, where God provides specific instructions for offerings.<p><b>and he gave portions to Balaam</b><br>In ancient sacrificial rituals, it was customary to distribute portions of the sacrifice to those involved in the ceremony. By giving portions to Balaam, Balak is not only honoring him but also attempting to secure his services as a prophet. Balaam, though not an Israelite, is recognized as a prophet with the power to bless or curse, which Balak hopes to use against the Israelites. This act of giving portions can be seen as a form of payment or inducement, reflecting the cultural practices of the time where prophets or seers were often compensated for their services. This mirrors the biblical principle that "the worker deserves his wages" (<a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a>).<p><b>and the princes who were with him</b><br>The mention of princes indicates that Balak was not acting alone but had the support of Moabite leaders. These princes likely represented the political and military leadership of Moab, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat perceived from the Israelites. Their presence underscores the collective effort to influence Balaam's prophecy. This gathering of leaders can be compared to other instances in the Bible where leaders come together to make significant decisions, such as the council of elders in Israel. The involvement of these princes also highlights the political nature of the situation, as the Moabites sought to protect their land and people from the advancing Israelites.<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 curse them through Balaam.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless or curse, hired by Balak to curse Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/princes_of_moab.htm">Princes of Moab</a></b><br>The officials or leaders accompanying Balak, representing Moab's interests.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sacrifices.htm">Sacrifices</a></b><br>The act of offering cattle and sheep, which in this context is a gesture of hospitality and an attempt to gain favor.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, and historically an adversary of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_opposing_god's_will.htm">The Futility of Opposing God's Will</a></b><br>Balak's sacrifices, though significant, could not alter God's plan for Israel. This teaches us that human efforts cannot thwart divine purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_misuse_of_religious_rituals.htm">The Misuse of Religious Rituals</a></b><br>Balak's use of sacrifices as a means to manipulate outcomes serves as a warning against using religious practices for selfish or manipulative purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a></b><br>Despite Balak's intentions, God protected Israel. This reassures believers of God's sovereign protection over His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_influence.htm">Hospitality and Influence</a></b><br>Balak's hospitality towards Balaam and the princes reflects the cultural importance of hospitality, but also warns of the potential for influence and manipulation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intentions_in_worship.htm">The Role of Intentions in Worship</a></b><br>The sacrifices offered by Balak were not out of genuine worship but for personal gain, reminding us that God values the heart's intentions over mere rituals.<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/what_is_the_doctrine_of_balaam.htm">What is the Doctrine of Balaam?</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/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>(40) <span class= "bld">And Balak offered . . . --</span>Better, <span class= "ital">and Balak slew </span>(or, <span class= "ital">slaughtered in sacrifice</span>)<span class= "ital">, &c. </span>The word rendered <span class= "ital">offered </span>does not necessarily denote anything more than to <span class= "ital">slay. </span>It is very commonly used, however, to denote slaying in sacrifice; and it is most probable that Balak made a sacrificial feast, and sent portions of the flesh to Balaam and the princes who were with him. Kings not unfrequently acted as priests of old, as, <span class= "ital">e.g., </span>Melchizedek. (Comp. <span class= "ital">Rex Anius, rex idem hominum Phoebique sacerdos, </span>Aen. 3:80.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 40.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Balak offered oxen and sheep.</span> Probably these sacrifices were offered not to Chemosh, but to the Lord, in whose name Balaam always spoke. Indeed the known fact that Beldam was a prophet of the Lord was no doubt one of Balak's chief reasons for wishing to obtain his services. Balak shared the common opinion of antiquity, that the various national deities were enabled by circumstances past human understanding to do sometimes more, sometimes less, for their special votaries. He perceived that the God of Israel was likely, as things stood, to carry all before him; but he thought that he might by judicious management be won over, at least to some extent, to desert the cause of Israel and to favour that of Moab. To this end he "retained" at great cost the services of Balaam, the prophet of the Lord, and to this end he was willing to offer any number of sacrifices. Even the resolute and self-reliant Romans believed in the wisdom of such a policy. Thus Pliny quotes ancient authors as affirming "in oppugnationibus ante omnia solitum a Romanis sacrdotibus evocari Deum, cujus in tutela id oppidum esset, promittique illi eundem aut ampliorem apud Romanos cultum," and he adds, "durat in Pontificum disciplina id sacrum, constatque ideo occultatum, in cujus Dei tutela Roma esset, ne qui hostium simili modo agerent." And sent, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, portions of the sacrificial meats. <p> CHAPTER 22:41; 23, 24 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-40.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">Balak</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָ֖ק</span> <span class="translit">(bā·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 /><br /><span class="word">sacrificed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּזְבַּ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiz·baḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2076.htm">Strong's 2076: </a> </span><span class="str2">To slaughter for sacrifice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cattle</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּקָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(bā·qār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1241.htm">Strong's 1241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Beef cattle, ox, a herd</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and sheep,</span><br /><span class="heb">וָצֹ֑אן</span> <span class="translit">(wā·ṣōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he gave [portions]</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְשַׁלַּ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·šal·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Balaam</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבִלְעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇil·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | 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 the princes</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַשָּׂרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·laś·śā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were with him.</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-40.htm">Numbers 22:40 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-40.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep and sent (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-39.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:39"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:39" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-41.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:41"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:41" /></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>