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"They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/04_Num_22_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:5 - Balak Summons Balaam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, said Balak. 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Balak said: &#8220A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. <a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> sent messengers to call Balaam son of Beor, who was living in his native land of Pethor near the Euphrates River. His message said: “Look, a vast horde of people has arrived from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and are threatening me. <a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the people of Amaw, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me. <a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. <a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a> He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: <a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a> Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: “Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! <a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the Euphrates River, in the land of the sons of his people, to call for him, saying, “Behold, a people came out of Egypt; behold, they have covered the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me. <a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the River, in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, &#8220Behold, a people came out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the River, in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people came out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me. <a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the River, in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people came out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are settled opposite me. <a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So he sent messengers to Balaam [a famous prophet-diviner] the son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the [Euphrates] River, in the land of the descendants of his people, to call for him, saying, “There is a people who have come out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me. <a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. Balak said to him, “Look, a people has come out of Egypt; they cover the surface of the land and are living right across from me. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. Balak said to him: &#8220Look, a people has come out of Egypt; they cover the surface of the land and are living right across from me. <a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he sent messengers unto Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me. <a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> sent a message to Balaam son of Beor who lived among his relatives in the town of Pethor near the Euphrates River. It said: I need your help. A large group of people has come here from Egypt and settled near my territory. <a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he sent messengers unto Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: <a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He sent messengers to summon Balaam, son of Beor, who was at Pethor, on the Euphrates River, in the land where his people lived. Balak's message was, "A nation has just come here from Egypt. They've spread out all over the countryside and are setting up their camp here in front of me. <a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor near the Euphrates River in the land of Amaw. They brought him this message from Balak: "I want you to know that a whole nation has come from Egypt; its people are spreading out everywhere and threatening to take over our land. <a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> He sent messengers to Beor's son Balaam in Pethor, near the Euphrates River, the land where the descendants of his people originated, to summon his aid. He said, "Look! A group of people have escaped from Egypt. They cover the surface of the whole earth, and are sitting here right in front of me. <a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. ?Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,? said Balak. ?They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. <a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a> And he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates River in the land of Amaw, to summon him, saying, "Look, a nation has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are settling next to me. <a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the people of Ammon, to call him, saying, "Look, there is a people who came out from Egypt. Look, they cover the surface of the earth, and they are staying opposite me. <a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> He sent messengers therefore to Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there has a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: <a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a> He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, there is a people who came out of Egypt. Behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they are staying opposite me. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he sends messengers to Balaam son of Beor, to Pethor, which [is] by the River of the land of the sons of his people, to call for him, saying, “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt; behold, it has covered the eye of the land, and it is abiding in front of me; <a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he sendeth messengers unto Balaam son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River of the land of the sons of his people, to call for him, saying, 'Lo, a people hath come out of Egypt; lo, it hath covered the eye of the land, and it is abiding over-against me; <a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will send messengers to Balaam, son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the sons of his people, to call to him, saying, Behold, a people came forth out of Egypt: behold, it covered the eye of the earth, and it dwelt from before me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He sent therefore messengers to Balaam the son of Beer, a soothsayer, who dwelt by the river of the land of the children of Ammon, to call him, and to say: Behold a people is come out of Egypt, that hath covered the face of the earth, sitting over against me. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, he sent messengers to Balaam, the son of Beor, a seer who lived above the river of the land of the sons of Ammon, to call him, and to say: “Behold, a people has gone forth from Egypt, which has covered the face of the earth. They are encamped opposite me. <a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a> and he sent messengers to Balaam, son of Beor, at Pethor on the river, in the land of the Ammonites, to summon him with these words, “A people has come out of Egypt! They have covered up the earth and are settling down opposite me! <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is on the Euphrates, in the land of Amaw, to summon him, saying, “A people has come out of Egypt; they have spread over the face of the earth, and they have settled next to me.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, an interpreter of dreams, who dwelt by the river of the land of the children of Ammon, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt; they cover the face of the land, and they are settled over against me. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he sent Messengers to Balaam son of Beor, an Interpreter upon the river, to the land of the children of Amon to call him and to say to him: “Behold, a people went out from Egypt and covers the face of the land and behold they camp against me.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he sent messengers unto Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying: 'Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt; behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me. <a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he sent ambassadors to Balaam the son of Beor, to Phathura, which is on a river of the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, a people is come out of Egypt, and behold it has covered the face of the earth, and it has encamped close to me. <a href="/parallel/numbers/22-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6859" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Balak Summons Balaam</a> …4So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, 5<a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">he sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’ā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">messengers</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/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/1160.htm" title="1160: bə·‘ō·wr (N-proper-ms) -- From ba'ar; a lamp; Beor, the name of the father of an Edomitish king; also of that of Balaam.">of Beor</a> <a href="/hebrew/6604.htm" title="6604: pə·ṯō·w·rāh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- Pethor -- home of Balaam. Of foreign origin; Pethor, a place in Mesopotamia.">at Pethor,</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.">which</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">is by</a> <a href="/hebrew/5104.htm" title="5104: han·nā·hār (Art:: N-ms) -- A stream, river. From nahar; a stream; figuratively, prosperity.">the Euphrates</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’e·reṣ (N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of his people.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">a people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">has come out</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: mim·miṣ·ra·yim (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">of Egypt,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: liq·rō- (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">said Balak.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“</a> <a href="/hebrew/3680.htm" title="3680: ḵis·sāh (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To cover. A primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. Fill up hollows; by implication, to cover.">They cover</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ên (N-csc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">the face</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">of the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and have settled</a> <a href="/hebrew/4136.htm" title="4136: mim·mu·lî (Prep-m:: 1cs) -- Or mowl; or mowtl; or mul; from muwl; properly, abrupt, i.e. A precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially opposite.">next to me.</a> 6So 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a> 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. <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a> 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.’” <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15-16</a> They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. / But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> 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. <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a> 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. <a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a> 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). <a href="/judges/11-25.htm">Judges 11:25</a> Are you now so much better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or fight against them? <a href="/2_kings/17-24.htm">2 Kings 17:24</a> Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns. <a href="/2_kings/17-33.htm">2 Kings 17:33</a> They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away. <a href="/2_kings/17-41.htm">2 Kings 17:41</a> So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did. <a href="/psalms/83-4.htm">Psalm 83:4-7</a> saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” / For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— / the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, ... <a href="/isaiah/15-1.htm">Isaiah 15:1-9</a> This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night! / Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. / In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. ... <a href="/isaiah/16-1.htm">Isaiah 16:1-14</a> Send the tribute lambs to the ruler of the land, from Sela in the desert to the mount of Daughter Zion. / Like fluttering birds pushed out of the nest, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon: / “Give us counsel; render a decision. Shelter us at noonday with shade as dark as night. Hide the refugees; do not betray the one who flees. ... <a href="/jeremiah/48-1.htm">Jeremiah 48:1-47</a> Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Woe to Nebo, for it will be devastated. Kiriathaim will be captured and disgraced; the fortress will be shattered and dismantled. / There is no longer praise for Moab; in Heshbon they devise evil against her: ‘Come, let us cut her off from nationhood.’ You too, O people of Madmen, will be silenced; the sword will pursue you. / A voice cries out from Horonaim: ‘Devastation and great destruction!’ ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>He sent messengers therefore to Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:sent<a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4</a> Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.<a href="/joshua/13-22.htm">Joshua 13:22</a> Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.<a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9</a> Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:son of Bosor<a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.<a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a> But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.Pethor.<a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4</a> Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.<a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7</a> And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.<a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4</a> Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.they cover<a href="/genesis/13-16.htm">Genesis 13:16</a> And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.<a href="/exodus/1-7.htm">Exodus 1:7-19</a> And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them… <a href="/psalms/105-24.htm">Psalm 105:24</a> And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.face.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/genesis/36-32.htm">Beor</a> <a href="/numbers/22-3.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/19-15.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/numbers/16-34.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/numbers/21-5.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/numbers/21-21.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Pethor</a> <a href="/exodus/23-31.htm">River</a> <a href="/numbers/21-20.htm">Surface</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-8.htm">Abide</a> <a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Beor</a> <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/numbers/24-12.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Pethor</a> <a href="/numbers/24-6.htm">River</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Surface</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div>1. <a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a> 15. <a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a> 22. <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a> 36. <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor Balak, the king of Moab, sends messengers to Balaam, a well-known diviner. Balaam's reputation as a seer and his ability to bless or curse were recognized across the region. Pethor, identified with a location near the Euphrates River, suggests Balaam's influence extended far beyond local boundaries. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of consulting diviners for guidance and intervention in political and military matters.which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people The Euphrates River was a significant geographical landmark in the ancient world, often associated with fertility and prosperity. Balaam's origin from this region indicates a connection to Mesopotamian culture, known for its rich tradition of divination and astrology. This background provides insight into Balaam's practices and the expectations Balak had of him.“Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. Balak refers to the Israelites, who had recently been delivered from slavery in Egypt. This historical context highlights the fear and anxiety among the neighboring nations as the Israelites approached the Promised Land. The miraculous exodus from Egypt was well-known, and Balak's statement underscores the perceived threat posed by the Israelites' presence.“They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.” Balak's description of the Israelites as covering the land emphasizes their large numbers and the potential impact on the region's resources and security. The phrase suggests a sense of urgency and desperation, as Balak seeks to protect his kingdom from what he perceives as an imminent threat. This situation sets the stage for the unfolding narrative, where divine intervention and the sovereignty of God over human affairs become central themes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a> The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and past victories. He seeks to curse them through Balaam. 2. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. He resides in Pethor, near the Euphrates River. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pethor.htm">Pethor</a> A city near the Euphrates River, identified as Balaam's home. It is significant as a place of divination and prophecy. 4. <a href="/topical/e/euphrates_river.htm">Euphrates River</a> A major river in the ancient Near East, marking the region where Balaam lived. It symbolizes a boundary between different cultures and peoples. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The people of God who have come out of Egypt and are journeying to the Promised Land. Their presence causes fear among the neighboring nations.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_plans.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans</a> Despite Balak's intentions, God is in control and can turn curses into blessings. Trust in God's ultimate authority over circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_greed_and_compromise.htm">The Danger of Greed and Compromise</a> Balaam's account warns against the temptation of material gain at the expense of righteousness. Evaluate where personal desires may conflict with God's will. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_promises.htm">The Power of God's Promises</a> God's promises to His people are unbreakable. Reflect on the assurance and security found in God's covenantal faithfulness. <a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_fear.htm">The Influence of Fear</a> Balak's fear of the Israelites led him to seek a curse. Consider how fear can drive us to make decisions contrary to God's will and seek His peace instead.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a> <a href="/q/does_micah_6_5_align_with_other_balaam_accounts.htm">How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility? </a> <a href="/q/is_a_pagan_prophet's_blessing_credible.htm">Numbers 23:8–10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king’s demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives? </a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_balaam's_seven_altars.htm">Numbers 23:1–2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam’s elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams? </a> <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><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Balaam the son of Beor.--The name of Balaam is probably derived from bala (to devour), with the terminal syllable am, or from the two words bala (he devoured), and am (people). His father's name (Beor), from baar (to consume), has been thought to denote that Balaam belonged to a family in which the magical art was hereditary. He is described in <a href="/joshua/13-22.htm" title="Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.">Joshua 13:22</a> as "the soothsayer" (Hebrew, kosem)--i.e., one of that class of persons who were not to be tolerated amongst the Israelites, and who are spoken of as "an abomination unto the Lord" (<a href="/context/deuteronomy/18-10.htm" title="There shall not be found among you any one that makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a>). The form Bosor (<a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm" title="Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;">2Peter 2:15</a>) probably arose from a peculiar mode of pronouncing the guttural letter Ain in baar. (See Keil, On the Pentateuch, 3 p. 159, and Note.) On the character and history of Balaam, reference may be made to Bishop Butler (Serm. vii.); Waterland (Works, 9:397); Keil, On the Pentateuch, in loc.; Hengstenberg (Dissertation on the Histories and Prophecies of Balaam, p. 747, Clark, 1848); and to the Article in Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, by Professor Stanley Leathes.To Pethor, which is by the river of the land . . . --Better, To Pethor, which is by the river, (even to) the land of the children of his people. Pethcr was in Mesopotamia (<a href="/numbers/23-7.htm" title="And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.">Numbers 23:7</a>), where Lot, from whom the Moabites were descended, had dwelt (<a href="/genesis/12-5.htm" title="And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.">Genesis 12:5</a>). "The river" is the Euphrates here, as elsewhere. (See, e.g., <a href="/genesis/15-18.htm" title="In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, To your seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates:">Genesis 15:18</a>; <a href="/genesis/31-21.htm" title="So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.">Genesis 31:21</a>; <a href="/exodus/23-31.htm" title="And I will set your bounds from the Red sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and you shall drive them out before you.">Exodus 23:31</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/9-26.htm" title="And he reigned over all the kings from the river even to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.">2Chronicles 9:26</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - He sent messengers therefore. It appears from verse 7 that Balak acted for Midian as well as for Moab; as the Midianites were but a weak people, they may have placed themselves more or less under the protection of Balak. Unto Balaam the son of Beer. בִּלְעָם (Bileam: our common form is from the Septuagint and New Testament, Βαλαάμ) is derived either from בָּלַע, to destroy or devour, and עָם, the people; or simply from בָּלַע, with the terminal syllable אָּם, "the destroyer." The former derivation receives some support from <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14, 15</a>, where "Nicolaitans" are thought by many to be only a Greek form of" Balaamites" Νικόλαος, from νικάω and λαός). Beor (בְּעוּר) has a similar signification, from בָּעָר, to burn, or consume. Both names have probable reference to the supposed effect of their maledictions, for successful cursing was an hereditary profession in many. lands, as it still is in some. Beer appears in <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15</a> as Bosor, which is called a Chaldeeism, but the origin of the change is really unknown. A "Bela son of Beer" is named in <a href="/genesis/36-32.htm">Genesis 36:32</a> as reigning in Edom, but the coincidence is of no importance: kings and magicians have always loved to give themselves names of fear, and their vocabulary was not extensive. To Pother, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people. Rather, "which is on the river," i.e., the great river Euphrates, "in the land of the children of his people," i.e., in his native land. The situation of Pethor (Septuagint, Φαθουρά) is unknown. Here is a people come out of Egypt. Forty years had passed since their fathers had left Egypt. Yet Balak's words expressed a great truth, for this people was no wandering desert tribe, but for all intents the same great organized nation which had spoiled Egypt, and left Pharaoh's host dead behind them. They abide over against me מִמֻּלִי. Septuagint, ἐχόμενός μου. This would hardly have been said when Israel was encamped thirty miles north of Arnon, opposite to Jericho. The two embassies to Balaam must have occupied some time, and in the mean while Israel would have gone further on his way. We may naturally conclude that the first message was sent immediately after the defeat of Sihon, at a time when Israel was encamped very near the border of Moab. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>he sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out messengers מַלְאָכִ֜ים (mal·’ā·ḵîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> A messenger, of God, an angel to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Balaam בִּלְעָ֣ם (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> Balaam -- a prophet son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Beor בְּע֗וֹר (bə·‘ō·wr) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1160.htm">Strong's 1160: </a> Beor -- 'a burning', father of an Edomite king, also the father of Balaam at Pethor, פְּ֠תוֹרָה (pə·ṯō·w·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6604.htm">Strong's 6604: </a> Pethor -- home of Balaam which אֲשֶׁ֧ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that is by עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the Euphrates הַנָּהָ֛ר (han·nā·hār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5104.htm">Strong's 5104: </a> A stream, prosperity in the land אֶ֥רֶץ (’e·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land of his people. בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son “Behold, הִ֠נֵּה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! a people עַ֣ם (‘am) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock has come out יָצָ֤א (yā·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim of Egypt,” מִמִּצְרַ֙יִם֙ (mim·miṣ·ra·yim) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa said Balak. לִקְרֹא־ (liq·rō-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read “They cover כִסָּה֙ (ḵis·sāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3680.htm">Strong's 3680: </a> To plump, fill up hollows, to cover the face עֵ֣ין (‘ên) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain of the land הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land and have settled יֹשֵׁ֖ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry next to me. מִמֻּלִֽי׃ (mim·mu·lî) Preposition-m | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4136.htm">Strong's 4136: </a> Abrupt, a precipice, the front, opposite <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/22-5.htm">Numbers 22:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers to Balaam the son (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:6" /></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>