CINXE.COM
Numbers 22:10 And Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:
<!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 22:10 And Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/04_Num_22_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:10 - Balak Summons Balaam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Balaam said to God, Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:" /><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/22-10.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/22-10.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 10</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="/ad10.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/22-9.htm" title="Numbers 22:9">◄</a> Numbers 22:10 <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm" title="Numbers 22:11">►</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 />Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent me this message:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, <i>saying</i>,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, <i>saying,</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent <i>word</i> to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent word to me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent <i>word</i> to me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent <i>word</i> to me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent <i>word</i> to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balaam replied to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent this message to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balaam replied to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent this message to me: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"They are messengers from King Balak of Moab," Balaam answered. "He sent them <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Balaam answered, "Balak, son of King Zippor of Moab, sent them with this message:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He answered, "King Balak of Moab has sent them to tell me <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Balaam told God, "Zippor's son Balak, king of Moab, sent them to me and said, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam said to God, ?Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent a message to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam said to God, "Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Balaam said to God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has said to me, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balaam says to God, “Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Balaam saith unto God, 'Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Balaam will say to God, Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent to me,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He answered: Balac the son of Sephor king of the Moabites hath sent to me, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He responded, “Balak, the son of Zippor, the king of the Moabites has sent to me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Balaam answered God, “Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me the message:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Balaam said to God, “King Balak son of Zippor of Moab, has sent me this message:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam said to God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Balaam said to God: “Balaq, son of Tsephor, the King of Moab; he sent for me and said to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto God: 'Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me [saying]:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Balaam said to God, Balac son of Sepphor, king of Moab, sent them to me, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-10.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=6916" 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">9</span>Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?” <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><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.">And 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.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: bā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">“Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/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/6834.htm" title="6834: ṣip·pōr (N-proper-ms) -- Bird, father of Balak. The same as tsippowr; Tsippor, a Moabite.">of Zippor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/4124.htm" title="4124: mō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Lot, also his desc. and the territory where they settled. ">of Moab,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·laḥ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent me</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">this message:</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a></span><br />For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a></span><br />Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a></span><br />because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/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_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15-16</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. / 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.<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="/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7-8</a></span><br />And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’ / How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Numbers 24:10-11</a></span><br />Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. / Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16</a></span><br />“Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD.<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_kings/17-15.htm">2 Kings 17:15-17</a></span><br />They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. / They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. / They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-28.htm">Psalm 106:28-29</a></span><br />They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. / So they provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Proverbs 26:2</a></span><br />Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Isaiah 44:25</a></span><br />who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Balaam said to God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4-6</a></b></br> And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all <i>that are</i> round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor <i>was</i> king of the Moabites at that time… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Message</a> <a href="/numbers/22-8.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/numbers/22-8.htm">Word</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Zippor</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-13.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Message</a> <a href="/numbers/22-14.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/numbers/22-18.htm">Word</a> <a href="/numbers/22-16.htm">Zippor</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>And Balaam said to God</b><br>Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is depicted as having direct communication with God, which is significant given his pagan background. This interaction highlights God's sovereignty and ability to use anyone to fulfill His purposes. Balaam's role as a prophet, despite his questionable motives, underscores the theme that God can speak through unexpected means. This phrase also sets the stage for the unfolding narrative where God’s will is revealed through Balaam, despite his initial intentions.<p><b>Balak son of Zippor</b><br>Balak, the king of Moab, is introduced as the instigator of the events that follow. His lineage, as the son of Zippor, situates him within the Moabite context, a people descended from Lot (<a href="/genesis/19-37.htm">Genesis 19:37</a>). The Moabites were often in conflict with Israel, and Balak's fear of the Israelites' growing power prompts him to seek Balaam's help. This reflects the historical tensions between Israel and its neighbors and sets the stage for the spiritual battle that ensues.<p><b>king of Moab</b><br>Moab was a region east of the Dead Sea, and its king, Balak, represents the political and military threat to Israel. The Moabites' fear of Israel is rooted in the Israelites' recent victories over the Amorites, as recorded earlier in Numbers. This geopolitical context emphasizes the perceived threat Israel posed to surrounding nations and highlights the broader narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land.<p><b>sent me this message</b><br>Balak's message to Balaam is a plea for help against Israel, whom he perceives as a formidable threat. This request for Balaam to curse Israel reflects the ancient belief in the power of spoken blessings and curses, a common practice in Near Eastern cultures. The narrative that follows demonstrates God's protection over Israel, as He prevents Balaam from cursing His chosen people. This phrase introduces the central conflict of the story, where divine intervention overrides human intentions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by Balak to curse the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and seeks Balaam's help to curse them.<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 concerned about the advancing Israelites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The one true God who communicates with Balaam, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and peoples.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, journeying to the Promised Land, whose presence causes fear among the Moabites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>God is in control of all situations, even when His people are unaware of the threats against them. He intervenes to protect and guide His people according to His promises.<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 shows the danger of compromising one's integrity for personal gain. Believers must remain steadfast in their commitment to God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>The account of Balaam underscores the power of words and blessings. As Christians, we are called to use our words to bless and build up others, aligning with God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>The Israelites, though unaware of Balak's plans, are protected by God. This teaches us to trust in God's faithfulness even when we face unseen challenges.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_balak_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balak in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_balaam_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balaam in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_god_angry_with_balaam_later.htm">If God permitted Balaam to go (Numbers 22:20), why did He become angry with him later (Numbers 22:22)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_blame_balaam_alone_for_midian's_fate.htm">Numbers 31:15-16: Why is Balaam's influence singled out as the sole reason for divine judgment on Midian, given previous chapters mention other deeds?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-10.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">And Balaam</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(bil·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balaam -- a prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Balak</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָ֧ק</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">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Zippor,</span><br /><span class="heb">צִפֹּ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(ṣip·pōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6834.htm">Strong's 6834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Zippor -- 'bird', father of Balak</span><br /><br /><span class="word">king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֥לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Moab,</span><br /><span class="heb">מוֹאָ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(mō·w·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4124.htm">Strong's 4124: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sent me</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלַ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(šā·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this message:</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-10.htm">Numbers 22:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-10.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:10 Balaam said to God Balak the son (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:11" /></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>