CINXE.COM

<!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 22:20 That night God came to Balaam and said, "Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/04_Num_22_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:20 - Balak Summons Balaam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="That night God came to Balaam and said, Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you." /><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/22-20.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/22-20.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 20</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/22-19.htm" title="Numbers 22:19">◄</a> Numbers 22:20 <a href="/numbers/22-21.htm" title="Numbers 22:21">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/numbers/22.htm">New International Version</a> That night God came to Balaam and said, &#8220Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> That night God came to Balaam and told him, “Since these men have come for you, get up and go with them. But do only what I tell you to do.” <a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.” <a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” <a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a> And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a> And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do.” <a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise and go with them; but you shall do only the thing that I tell you.” <a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> God came to Balaam at night and said to him, &#8220If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.” <a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.” <a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, get up and go with them, but you shall still do only what I tell you.” <a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” <a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> God came to Balaam at night and said to him, &#8220Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.&#8221 <a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men are come to call thee, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak unto thee, that shalt thou do. <a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> That night, God said, "Balaam, I'll let you go to Moab with Balak's messengers, but do only what I say." <a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men be come to call thee, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak unto thee, that shalt thou do. <a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> That night God came to Balaam and said, "If these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you." <a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> That night God came to Balaam and said, "If these men have come to ask you to go with them, get ready and go, but do only what I tell you." <a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> God came to visit Balaam that same night and told him, "If the men come to call on you, get up and go with them, but be sure to do only what I tell you to do." <a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> That night God came to Balaam and said, ?Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.? <a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a> God came to Balaam that night, and said to him, "If the men have come to call you, get up and go with them; but the word that I will say to you, that you must do." <a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, "If the men have come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that you shall do." <a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men come to call thee, rise and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say to thee, that shalt thou perform. <a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a> God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that you shall do.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And God comes to Balaam by night and says to him, “If the men have come to call for you, rise, go with them, and only the thing which I speak to you—do it.” <a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And God cometh in unto Balaam, by night, and saith to him, 'If to call for thee the men have come, rise, go with them, and only the thing which I speak unto thee -- it thou dost do.' <a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And God will come to Balaam at night, and say to him, If the men have come to call to thee, rise up, go with them, and only the word which I shall speak to thee, thou shalt do it.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> God therefore came to Balaam in the night, and said to him: It these men be come to call thee, arise and go with them: yet so, that thou do what I shall command thee. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, God came to Balaam in the night, and said to him: “If these men have arrived to call you, then rise up and go with them; yet only in so far as you shall do what I will command you.” <a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a> That night God came to Balaam and said to him: If these men have come to summon you, go back with them; yet only on the condition that you do exactly as I tell you. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> That night God came to Balaam and said to him, “If the men have come to summon you, get up and go with them; but do only what I tell you to do.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, If these men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I shall say to you, that shall you do. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And God came on Balaam in the night and said to him: “If these men came to call you, arise, go with them; only the response that I say to you, make that.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him: 'If the men are come to call thee, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak unto thee, that shalt thou do.' <a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And God came to Balaam by night, and said to him, If these men are come to call thee, rise and follow them; nevertheless the word which I shall speak to thee, it shalt thou do. <a href="/parallel/numbers/22-20.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=7005" 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> …19So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.” 20<a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: lay·lāh (N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">That night</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">Balaam</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“Since</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">these men</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">have come</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.">to summon</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qūm (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">get up</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lêḵ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and go</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tām (Prep:: 3mp) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: wə·’aḵ (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">but you must only</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/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ṯa·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do</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.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: ’ă·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">I tell you.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> 21So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.…<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="/genesis/31-24.htm">Genesis 31:24</a> But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” <a href="/judges/6-36.htm">Judges 6:36-40</a> Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, / then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” / And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. ... <a href="/1_kings/22-14.htm">1 Kings 22:14-23</a> But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” / When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?” ... <a href="/2_kings/1-3.htm">2 Kings 1:3-4</a> But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ / Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed. <a href="/job/33-14.htm">Job 33:14-16</a> For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices. / In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, / He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings <a href="/psalms/25-12.htm">Psalm 25:12</a> Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him. <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a> And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” <a href="/jeremiah/42-3.htm">Jeremiah 42:3-6</a> Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” / “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers. I will not withhold a word from you.” / Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act upon every word that the LORD your God sends you to tell us. ... <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Ezekiel 14:3-4</a> “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way? / Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry, <a href="/daniel/4-24.htm">Daniel 4:24-27</a> This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king: / You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes. / As for the command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots, your kingdom will be restored to you as soon as you acknowledge that Heaven rules. ... <a href="/matthew/2-12.htm">Matthew 2:12</a> And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route. <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-11</a> Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ... <a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a> But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/luke/1-38.htm">Luke 1:38</a> “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men come to call you, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say to you, that shall you do.God<a href="/numbers/22-9.htm">Numbers 22:9</a> And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?if the men<a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5-9</a> And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations… <a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">1 Samuel 12:12-19</a> And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king… <a href="/psalms/81-12.htm">Psalm 81:12</a> So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.but ye<a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Numbers 22:35</a> And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.<a href="/numbers/23-12.htm">Numbers 23:12,26</a> And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth? … <a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Numbers 24:13</a> If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-18.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/15-38.htm">Bid</a> <a href="/numbers/22-19.htm">Night</a> <a href="/numbers/18-23.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/numbers/22-14.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/numbers/22-19.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Summon</a> <a href="/numbers/22-18.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-23.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Bid</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-33.htm">Night</a> <a href="/numbers/31-30.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Summon</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Word</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>That night God came to Balaam and said, This phrase indicates divine intervention and communication. In the biblical narrative, God often communicates through dreams or visions at night, as seen with figures like Jacob (<a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12</a>) and Joseph (<a href="/genesis/37-5.htm">Genesis 37:5</a>). Balaam, though a non-Israelite prophet, receives a direct message from God, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples. This encounter underscores the theme of God's control over events and His ability to use even those outside the covenant community for His purposes.Since these men have come to summon you, The men referred to are the emissaries of Balak, king of Moab, who sought Balaam's services to curse the Israelites. This reflects the historical context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and the fear they instilled in surrounding nations. The Moabites, descendants of Lot (<a href="/genesis/19-37.htm">Genesis 19:37</a>), were historically related to Israel but often in conflict with them. The summoning of Balaam, a renowned seer, indicates the seriousness of Balak's intent and the perceived threat of Israel.get up and go with them, God permits Balaam to accompany the Moabite officials, which may seem contradictory to His earlier command not to go (<a href="/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12</a>). This reflects a biblical theme where God allows human free will to operate within His sovereign plan. It also sets the stage for the unfolding narrative where Balaam's intentions and God's ultimate purpose will be revealed. The command to "get up" signifies readiness and obedience, a common biblical motif when God calls individuals to action.but you must only do what I tell you. This condition emphasizes God's control over the situation and Balaam's role as a mouthpiece for divine will. It foreshadows the events where Balaam, despite his own inclinations, can only pronounce blessings over Israel (Numbers 23-24). This directive highlights the biblical principle that true prophecy is not subject to human manipulation but is a revelation of God's will. It also prefigures the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the ultimate prophet who speaks only what the Father commands (<a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49-50</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by Balak to curse the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a> The one true God who communicates with Balaam, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and peoples. 3. <a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a> The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a> The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, where the Israelites camped during their journey to the Promised Land. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_lord.htm">The Angel of the Lord</a> Though not directly mentioned in verse 20, the Angel plays a significant role in the subsequent account, representing God's presence and authority.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> God is in control of all situations, even when His people are unaware. He can use anyone, even a pagan prophet, to accomplish His purposes. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_word.htm">Obedience to God's Word</a> Balaam is instructed to do only what God tells him. This emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands in our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request shows the peril of compromising one's integrity for personal gain. <a href="/topical/g/god's_protection_over_his_people.htm">God's Protection Over His People</a> Despite Balak's intentions, God ensures that His people are protected and blessed, reminding us of His faithfulness. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_divine_guidance.htm">The Role of Divine Guidance</a> Balaam's account illustrates the necessity of seeking and following divine guidance in decision-making.<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/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> <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 href="/q/who_was_balaam_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balaam in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_balak_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balak in the Bible?</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>(20) If the men come to call thee.--The words may be rendered Since (or, forasmuch as) the men have come to call thee. The messengers had already come for that purpose, as it is stated in <a href="/numbers/22-16.htm" title="And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus said Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray you, hinder you from coming to me:">Numbers 22:16</a>, where the same verb is used. The phrase which is here rendered to "call" occurs also in <a href="/numbers/22-5.htm" title="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:">Numbers 22:5</a>.Rise up, and go with them.--There is no real inconsistency with <a href="/numbers/22-12.htm" title="And God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people: for they are blessed.">Numbers 22:12</a>. The absolute and immutable prohibition had reference to the cursing. The going with the messengers, which was forbidden in mercy at first, was enjoined in judgment at last. God often punishes disobedience to His declared will by permitting the transgressors to "eat the fruit of their own way, and to be filled with their own devices" (<a href="/proverbs/1-31.htm" title="Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.">Proverbs 1:31</a>). "He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul" (<a href="/psalms/106-15.htm" title="And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.">Psalm 106:15</a>). Comp. <a href="/psalms/81-12.htm" title="So I gave them up to their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.">Psalm 81:12</a>; <a href="/isaiah/66-4.htm" title="I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears on them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: but they did evil before my eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.">Isaiah 66:4</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/2-19.htm" title="Your own wickedness shall correct you, and your backslidings shall reprove you: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that you have forsaken the LORD your God, and that my fear is not in you, said the Lord GOD of hosts.">Jeremiah 2:19</a>. . . . <a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>That night לַיְלָה֒ (lay·lāh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity God אֱלֹהִ֥ים ׀ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative came וַיָּבֹ֨א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Balaam בִּלְעָם֮ (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> Balaam -- a prophet and said, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Since אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not these men הָאֲנָשִׁ֔ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person have come בָּ֣אוּ (bā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to summon you, לִקְרֹ֤א (liq·rō) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read get up ק֖וּם (qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand and go לֵ֣ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk with them, אִתָּ֑ם (’it·tām) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among but you must only וְאַ֗ךְ (wə·’aḵ) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> A particle of affirmation, surely do תַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ (ṯa·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make what אֲשֶׁר־ (’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 I tell you.” אֲדַבֵּ֥ר (’ă·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/22-20.htm">Numbers 22:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/22-20.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:20 God came to Balaam at night (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:21" /></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>