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 23:17 So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. "What did the LORD say?" Balak asked.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/04_Num_23_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:17 - Balaam's Second Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. What did the LORD say? Balak asked." /><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/23-17.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/23-17.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/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 17</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="/ad17.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/23-16.htm" title="Numbers 23:16">◄</a> Numbers 23:17 <a href="/numbers/23-18.htm" title="Numbers 23:18">►</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/23.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/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So he went to him and found him standing beside his offering, with the Moabite officials. Balak asked him, &#8220What did the LORD say?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Balaam returned and found the king standing beside his burnt offerings with all the officials of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked eagerly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he came to him, and behold, he was standing beside his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the LORD spoken?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So he came to him, and there he was, standing by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab were with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the LORD spoken?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he came to him, and behold, he was standing beside his burnt offering, and the leaders of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the LORD spoken?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He came to him, and behold, he was standing beside his burnt offering, and the leaders of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, &#8220What has the LORD spoken?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he came to him, and behold, he was standing beside his burnt offering, and the leaders of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the LORD spoken?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So he came to him, and behold, he was standing beside his burnt offering, and the leaders of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, “What has Yahweh spoken?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Balaam returned to Balak, he was standing beside his burnt offering, and the leaders of Moab were with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the LORD spoken?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the officials of Moab. Balak asked him, “What did the LORD say? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the officials of Moab. Balak asked him, &#8220What did the LORD say?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he came to him, and, lo, he was standing by his burnt-offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath Jehovah spoken?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Balaam went back and saw him and his officials standing beside the offerings. Balak asked, "What did the LORD say?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he came to him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He came to Balak and found him standing beside his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. Balak asked him, "What did the LORD say?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So he went back and found Balak still standing by his burnt offering, with the leaders of Moab. Balak asked what the LORD had said, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Balaam returned to where Balak had been standing, that is, next to his offerings, accompanied by the Moabite officials. "What did the LORD say?" Balak asked him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. ?What did the LORD say?? Balak asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Balaam came to him, he was still standing by his burnt offering, along with the princes of Moab. And Balak said to him, "What has the LORD spoken?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He came to him, and look, he was standing by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. Balak said to him, "What has the LORD spoken?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt-offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, What hath the LORD spoken?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He came to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. Balak said to him, “What has Yahweh spoken?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he comes to him, and behold, he is standing by his burnt-offering, and the princes of Moab [are] with him, and Balak says to him: “What has YHWH spoken?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he cometh unto him, and lo, he is standing by his burnt-offering, and the princes of Moab with him, and Balak saith to him: 'What hath Jehovah spoken?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will come to him, and behold him standing by his burnt-offering, and the leaders of Moab with him. And Balak will say to him, What spake Jehovah?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Returning he found him standing by his burnt sacrifice, and the princes of the Moabites with him. And Balac said to him: What hath the Lord spoken? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Returning, he found him standing next to his holocaust, and the leaders of the Moabites were with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the Lord spoken?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So he went to Balak, who was still standing by his burnt offering together with the princes of Moab. When Balak asked him, “What did the LORD say?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When he came to him, he was standing beside his burnt offerings with the officials of Moab. Balak said to him, “What has the LORD said?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when he came to him, he was standing by his burnt offerings, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, What has the LORD spoken?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he came to him and he was standing with his burnt offerings and the Princes of Moab with him and said to Balaq what LORD JEHOVAH said.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he came to him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt-offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him: 'What hath the LORD spoken?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he returned to him: and he also was standing by his whole-burnt-sacrifice, and all the princes of Moab with him; and Balac said to him, What has the Lord spoken?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/23-17.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=7373" 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/23.htm">Balaam's Second Oracle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><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.">So he returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to Balak,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5324.htm" title="5324: niṣ·ṣāḇ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A prim root; to station, in various applications.">who was standing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nōw (Conj-w:: Interjection:: 3ms) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">by</a> <a href="/hebrew/5930.htm" title="5930: ‘ō·lā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Whole burnt offering. Or mowlah; feminine active participle of alah; a step or; usually a holocaust.">his burnt offering</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: wə·śā·rê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">the princes</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/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">did the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·ber (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">say?”</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/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.…<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="/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38</a></span><br />“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Numbers 24:13</a></span><br />that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-5.htm">Deuteronomy 23:5</a></span><br />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="/isaiah/14-27.htm">Isaiah 14:27</a></span><br />The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a></span><br />so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-12.htm">Jeremiah 1:12</a></span><br />“You have observed correctly,” said the LORD, “for I am watching over My word to accomplish it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/13-6.htm">Ezekiel 13:6</a></span><br />They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a></span><br />Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-26.htm">Matthew 19:26</a></span><br />Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-35.htm">John 10:35</a></span><br />If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-29.htm">Romans 11:29</a></span><br />For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, What has the LORD spoken?</p><p class="hdg">what</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-26.htm">Numbers 23:26</a></b></br> But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/3-17.htm">1 Samuel 3:17</a></b></br> And he said, What <i>is</i> the thing that <i>the LORD</i> hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide <i>it</i> not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide <i>any</i> thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/37-17.htm">Jeremiah 37:17</a></b></br> Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there <i>any</i> word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Burnt-Offering</a> <a href="/numbers/22-40.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/numbers/28-3.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/numbers/28-3.htm">Burnt-Offering</a> <a href="/numbers/25-4.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/numbers/25-4.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/numbers/23-30.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/numbers/27-2.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Balak's sacrifices</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/23.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/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So he returned to Balak</b><br>Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, returns to Balak, the king of Moab. This encounter is part of a larger narrative where Balak seeks to curse the Israelites. The return signifies Balaam's role as a mediator between God and Balak, highlighting the tension between divine will and human desire. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations.<p><b>who was standing there by his burnt offering</b><br>Balak's position by the burnt offering indicates his attempt to secure divine favor through sacrifice. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, burnt offerings were common practices to appease deities. This setting underscores the contrast between pagan rituals and the worship of Yahweh, who cannot be manipulated by human actions.<p><b>with the princes of Moab</b><br>The presence of Moabite princes emphasizes the political and social stakes involved. Moab, a nation descended from Lot, often had contentious relations with Israel. The gathering of princes suggests a united front against the perceived threat of Israel, highlighting the geopolitical dynamics of the time.<p><b>“What did the LORD say?” Balak asked.</b><br>Balak's inquiry reveals his recognition of Yahweh's power, despite his own polytheistic beliefs. This question underscores the theme of divine communication and revelation, as seen throughout the Bible. It also foreshadows the unfolding of God's unchangeable blessing upon Israel, despite Balak's intentions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Balaam is a complex figure who hears from God but is also enticed by the rewards offered by Balak.<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 their victories over neighboring nations. He seeks to weaken them through a curse.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>A region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Moabites, who are descendants of Lot. The Moabites are concerned about the encroaching Israelites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/princes_of_moab.htm">Princes of Moab</a></b><br>The leaders or officials of Moab who accompany Balak and witness the events involving Balaam.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/burnt_offering.htm">Burnt Offering</a></b><br>A sacrificial offering made to God, often symbolizing atonement and dedication. In this context, it is part of the ritualistic attempts to secure Balaam's curse on Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_intentions.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Intentions</a></b><br>Despite human plans and intentions, God's will prevails. Balaam's account illustrates that no curse can stand against God's blessing.<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 for personal gain serves as a warning against compromising one's integrity and faith for material rewards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>Balaam's inquiry, "What has the LORD spoken?" underscores the importance of seeking and adhering to God's word above all else.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>The Israelites, unaware of the spiritual battle being waged against them, are protected by God. This teaches believers to trust in God's unseen protection.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_doctrine_of_balaam.htm">What is the Doctrine of Balaam?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_a_pagan_prophet's_blessing_credible.htm">Numbers 23:8-10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king's demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_male_in_numbers_23_19.htm">Is God a man according to Numbers 23:19?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_micah_6_5_align_with_other_balaam_accounts.htm">How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">What hath the Lord spoken?--</span>Balak here speaks of God under the name <span class= "ital">Jehovah.</span><p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-17.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">So he returned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Balak,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָ֗יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine 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 /><br /><span class="word">who was standing</span><br /><span class="heb">נִצָּב֙</span> <span class="translit">(niṣ·ṣāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5324.htm">Strong's 5324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take one's stand, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִנּ֤וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hin·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his burnt offering</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹ֣לָת֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·lā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5930.htm">Strong's 5930: </a> </span><span class="str2">Whole burnt offering</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the princes</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׂרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<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">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">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">say?”</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבֶּ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(dib·ber)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balak</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָ֔ק</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">asked.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/23-17.htm">Numbers 23:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/23-17.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:17 He came to him and behold he (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:18" /></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>