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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 22:15 Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/04_Num_22_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:15 - Balak Summons Balaam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers." /><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/22-15.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/22-15.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 15</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="/ad15.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/22-14.htm" title="Numbers 22:14">◄</a> Numbers 22:15 <a href="/numbers/22-16.htm" title="Numbers 22:16">►</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 />Then Balak sent other officials, more numerous and more distinguished than the first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Balak tried again. This time he sent a larger number of even more distinguished officials than those he had sent the first time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Once again Balak sent princes, more in number and more honorable than these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more honorable than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak sent representatives once again, more numerous and more distinguished than the previous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and more distinguished than the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and more distinguished than the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and more honorable than the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and [men who were] more distinguished than the first ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balak sent officials again who were more numerous and higher in rank than the others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balak sent officials again who were more numerous and higher in rank than the others. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then Balak sent a larger group of officials, who were even more important than the first ones. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Balak sent a larger group of more highly respected princes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Balak sent a larger number of leaders, who were more important than the first. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In response, Balak sent more officers—higher ranking ones, at that!— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak again sent princes, more in number and more honorable than these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Balak again sent princes, more, and more honorable than they. <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 adds yet to send princes, more numerous and honored than these,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Balak addeth yet to send princes, more numerous and honoured than these,<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 add yet to send leaders, many and honorable, more than these.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then he sent many more and more noble than he had sent before: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Again, he sent many more persons, and these were more noble than those he had sent before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Balak yet again sent princes, who were more numerous and more distinguished than the others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Once again Balak sent officials, more numerous and more distinguished than these.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And again Balak sent messengers who were greater and more honorable than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Balaq returned again and he sent greater and more honorable Messengers than those.<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 sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Balac yet again sent more princes and more honourable than they.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-15.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=6960" 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">14</span>And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.” <span class="reftext">15</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.">Then Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šə·lō·aḥ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: way·yō·sep̄ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">other</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rîm (N-mp) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">princes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">more numerous</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: wə·niḵ·bā·ḏîm (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">and more distinguished</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: mê·’êl·leh (Prep-m:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">than the first messengers.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15</a></span><br />They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a></span><br />Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/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="/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="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a></span><br />My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">2 Kings 5:15-16</a></span><br />Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” / But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Proverbs 11:4</a></span><br />Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22-23</a></span><br />But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">2 Corinthians 11:14-15</a></span><br />And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a></span><br />No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Acts 8:18-20</a></span><br />When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. / “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” / But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-8.htm">1 Kings 13:8-9</a></span><br />But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. / For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.</p><p class="hdg">princes</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7,8</a></b></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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/10-7.htm">Acts 10:7,8</a></b></br> And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/27-31.htm">Addeth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-14.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/exodus/33-16.htm">Distinguished</a> <a href="/genesis/7-20.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/genesis/34-19.htm">Honorable</a> <a href="/exodus/15-11.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/numbers/14-23.htm">Honoured</a> <a href="/numbers/22-14.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/numbers/22-3.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/numbers/16-45.htm">Once</a> <a href="/numbers/10-21.htm">Others</a> <a href="/numbers/2-17.htm">Position</a> <a href="/numbers/22-13.htm">Princes</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Addeth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-21.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-16.htm">Distinguished</a> <a href="/numbers/24-7.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">Honorable</a> <a href="/judges/5-13.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-58.htm">Honoured</a> <a href="/numbers/22-21.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-10.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Once</a> <a href="/numbers/22-19.htm">Others</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Position</a> <a href="/numbers/22-21.htm">Princes</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>Then Balak sent other princes</b><br>Balak, the king of Moab, is responding to the refusal of Balaam to come and curse Israel. This action shows Balak's determination and desperation to protect his kingdom from the Israelites, who were advancing through the region. The sending of additional princes indicates a strategic move to persuade Balaam, highlighting the importance Balak placed on securing Balaam's services. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of using divination and curses in warfare, as seen in other historical texts.<p><b>more numerous</b><br>The increase in the number of princes signifies an escalation in Balak's efforts. In the ancient world, the number of emissaries could reflect the importance of the mission. By sending more princes, Balak is attempting to impress upon Balaam the seriousness of his request. This also suggests that Balak is willing to invest more resources to achieve his goal, indicating the perceived threat of the Israelites.<p><b>and more distinguished</b><br>The distinction of the princes implies that they were of higher rank or status than the previous messengers. This could be seen as an attempt to flatter or pressure Balaam into compliance. In the cultural context, sending more honorable representatives would be a sign of respect and urgency. This mirrors the biblical theme of God using the humble and lowly, as seen in the contrast between worldly honor and divine purpose.<p><b>than the first messengers</b><br>The comparison to the first group of messengers highlights Balak's increasing desperation. The initial refusal by Balaam did not deter Balak; instead, it prompted him to intensify his efforts. This persistence can be seen as a parallel to the spiritual battles believers face, where the enemy may increase efforts to lead them astray. It also foreshadows the eventual outcome where God's will prevails despite human schemes.<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 or diviner who is known for his ability to bless or curse.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>A region east of the Dead Sea, whose king, Balak, is threatened by the presence of the Israelites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/princes.htm">Princes</a></b><br>The more numerous and distinguished messengers sent by Balak to persuade Balaam to curse Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, whose presence and success in the region cause fear among the Moabites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_plans.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans</a></b><br>Despite Balak's attempts to manipulate outcomes through Balaam, God's will prevails. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request, despite knowing God's will, serves as a warning against compromising our values for personal gain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_peer_pressure.htm">The Influence of Peer Pressure</a></b><br>The sending of more distinguished princes represents increased pressure to conform. We must be vigilant against succumbing to external pressures that lead us away from God's path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_blessing.htm">The Power of God's Blessing</a></b><br>The account underscores that no curse can stand against those whom God has blessed. Believers can find assurance in God's protection and favor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a></b><br>Balak's repeated attempts to sway Balaam highlight the need for leaders to discern and resist ungodly influences.<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/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/who_was_balaam_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balaam in the Bible?</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/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/pulpit/numbers/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">More,</span> <span class="cmt_word">and more honourable than they.</span> Balak rightly judged that Balaam was not really unwilling to come, and that it was only needful to ply him with more flattery and larger promises. The heathens united a firm belief in the powers of the seer with a very shrewd appreciation of the motives and character of the seer. Compare the saying of Sophocles ('Antig.,' 1055), <span class="greek">τὸ μαντικὸν</span> <span class="greek">γὰρ πᾶν φιλάργυρον γένος</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-15.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">Then Balak</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָ֑ק</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">sent</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹ֣חַ</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">other</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥סֶף</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·sep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">princes,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">more numerous</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and more distinguished</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִכְבָּדִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·niḵ·bā·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than the [first messengers].</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאֵֽלֶּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-15.htm">Numbers 22:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:15 Balak sent yet again princes more (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:16" /></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>