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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 22:37 And he said to Balaam, "Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to richly reward you?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-37.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/04_Num_22_37.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:37 - The Angel and Balaam's Donkey" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And he said to Balaam, Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? 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Why didn&#8217t you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Didn’t I send you an urgent invitation? Why didn’t you come right away?” Balak asked Balaam. “Didn’t you believe me when I said I would reward you richly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to reward you richly?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not earnestly send to you, calling for you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not urgently send <i>word</i> to you to call for you? Why did you not come to me? Am I really unable to honor you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220Did I not urgently send to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I really unable to honor you?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not urgently send to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I really unable to honor you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not urgently send to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I indeed unable to honor you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not urgently send <i>word</i> to you to call you? Why did you not come to me [immediately]? Am I really unable to honor (pay) you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balak asked Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn’t you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balak asked Balaam, &#8220Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn&#8217t you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Balak asked, "Why didn't you come when I invited you the first time? Did you think I wasn't going to pay you?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, "Why didn't you come when I summoned you? You knew I'd be able to reward you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Balak said to him, "Why didn't you come when I sent for you the first time? Did you think I wasn't able to reward you enough?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Balak asked Balaam, "Didn't I repeatedly send for you to summon you? Why didn't you come to me? I can pay you well, can't I?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he said to Balaam, ?Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to reward you richly??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not send again and again to you to summon you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not earnestly send to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able indeed to promote you to honor?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Balak said to Balaam, Did I not earnestly send to thee to call thee? why camest thou not to me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, “Didn’t I earnestly send for you to summon you? Why didn’t you come to me? Am I not able indeed to promote you to honor?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Balak says to Balaam, “Did I not diligently send to you to call for you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not truly able to honor you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Balak saith unto Balaam, 'Did I not diligently sent unto thee to call for thee? why didst thou not come unto me? am I not truly able to honour thee?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Balak will say to Balaam, Sending, did I not send to thee to call to thee? wherefore camest thou not to me? indeed shall I not be able to honor thee?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said to Balaam: I sent messengers to call thee, why didst thou not come immediately to me? was it because I am not able to reward thy coming? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said to Balaam: “I sent messengers to call you. Why did you not come to me immediately? Was it because I am not able to pay the cost for your arrival?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send an urgent summons to you? Why did you not come to me? Did you think I could not reward you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send to summon you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Balak said to Balaam, Did I not earnestly send messengers to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Perhaps you were saying that I am not able to honor you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Balaq said to Balaam: “Behold, I have sent for you to call you. Why did you not come to me? Perhaps you had said, that I am not able honor you?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Balak said unto Balaam: 'Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Balac said to Balaam, Did I not send to thee to call thee? why hast thou not come to me? shall I not indeed be able to honour thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-37.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=7181" 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">The Angel and Balaam's Donkey</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">36</span>When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite city on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory. <span class="reftext">37</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: bā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">And he</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/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/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“Did I not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·lō·aḥ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">send you an urgent summons?</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·laḥ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. "></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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·laḵ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">did you not come</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to me?</a> <a href="/hebrew/552.htm" title="552: ha·’um·nām (Conj) -- Verily, truly, indeed. An orthographical variation of 'omnam.">Am I really</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ’ū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">able</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: kab·bə·ḏe·ḵā (V-Piel-Inf:: 2ms) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">to richly reward you?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">38</span>“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.”…<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/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="/2_kings/17-17.htm">2 Kings 17:17</a></span><br />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="/2_kings/23-24.htm">2 Kings 23:24</a></span><br />Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">1 Samuel 9:6-10</a></span><br />“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” / “If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">1 Samuel 28:7-10</a></span><br />Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied. / So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.” / But the woman replied, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has killed the mediums and spiritists in the land. Why have you set a trap to get me killed?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-6.htm">2 Chronicles 33:6</a></span><br />He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben-hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm">Isaiah 8:19</a></span><br />When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Balak said to Balaam, Did I not earnestly send to you to call you? why came you not to me? am I not able indeed to promote you to honor?</p><p class="hdg">I am not able</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-16.htm">Numbers 22:16,17</a></b></br> And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Numbers 24:11</a></b></br> Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/75-6.htm">Psalm 75:6</a></b></br> For promotion <i>cometh</i> neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-18.htm">Able</a> <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/exodus/34-18.htm">Camest</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-16.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/numbers/16-34.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Promote</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-33.htm">Really</a> <a href="/genesis/39-10.htm">Requesting</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/numbers/22-33.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/exodus/12-33.htm">Urgent</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-4.htm">Urgently</a> <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Able</a> <a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-37.htm">Camest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-9.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/numbers/32-7.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/numbers/24-7.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/numbers/30-12.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Promote</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-19.htm">Really</a> <a href="/joshua/9-14.htm">Requesting</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Reward</a> <a href="/numbers/23-23.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/joshua/15-63.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-8.htm">Urgent</a> <a href="/jeremiah/26-5.htm">Urgently</a> <a href="/numbers/25-12.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And he said to Balaam</b><br>This phrase introduces Balak, the king of Moab, speaking to Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet. Balaam's reputation as a seer was well-known, and Balak sought his services to curse the Israelites. This interaction highlights the tension between the Moabites and the Israelites as the latter approached the Promised Land. Balaam's role as a prophet outside of Israel demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use anyone to fulfill His purposes.<p><b>Did I not send you an urgent summons?</b><br>Balak's urgency reflects the fear and desperation of the Moabites as they faced the encroaching Israelites. The Moabites had heard of Israel's victories over other nations, and Balak believed that a curse from Balaam could turn the tide. This urgency underscores the spiritual warfare aspect of the narrative, where Balak seeks supernatural intervention against God's people. It also highlights the ancient Near Eastern practice of employing divination and curses in warfare.<p><b>Why did you not come to me?</b><br>Balak's question reveals his frustration and impatience. Balaam's initial hesitation to come was due to God's intervention, as God instructed Balaam not to curse the Israelites because they were blessed. This delay emphasizes the theme of divine control over human plans. It also sets the stage for Balaam's eventual journey, which is marked by divine encounters, including the famous incident with the talking donkey, illustrating God's direct involvement in the events.<p><b>Am I really not able to reward you richly?</b><br>Balak's offer of a rich reward indicates the high value placed on Balaam's services. In the ancient world, prophets and diviners were often compensated handsomely for their abilities to influence spiritual realms. This phrase also highlights the materialistic motivations that can drive human actions, contrasting with the divine mandate that Balaam ultimately must follow. The mention of reward foreshadows Balaam's internal conflict between obeying God and seeking personal gain, a theme that resonates with the New Testament warnings against the love of money and false prophets.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites and seeks to hire Balaam to curse them.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse, summoned by Balak.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, where the Israelites were encamped.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, whose presence and victories cause fear among the Moabites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/summons.htm">Summons</a></b><br>The urgent call sent by Balak to Balaam, highlighting the desperation and fear of Balak.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_plans.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans</a></b><br>Despite Balak's intentions, God’s will prevails. We can trust that God’s plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human schemes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_greed_and_compromise.htm">The Danger of Greed and Compromise</a></b><br>Balaam’s account warns us about the dangers of greed and the temptation to compromise our integrity for material gain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_blessing.htm">The Power of God’s Blessing</a></b><br>The Israelites were blessed by God, and no curse could stand against them. As believers, we are under God’s protection and blessing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_fear_with_faith.htm">Responding to Fear with Faith</a></b><br>Balak’s fear led him to seek human solutions. In times of fear, we should turn to God and trust in His power and provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Balaam’s initial hesitation to go with Balak’s messengers shows the importance of seeking God’s direction and obeying His commands.<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/evidence_for_balaam_in_numbers_22.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_2_peter_2_15_and_numbers_22-24_inconsistent.htm">2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22-24?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_the_donkey_see_the_angel_first.htm">Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23-25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_balaam's_differing_portrayals.htm">How should we address the seeming discrepancy between Balaam's portrayal here in Numbers 24 and other biblical texts that condemn him (e.g., 2 Peter 2:15)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-37.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 [he]</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָ֜ק</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">said to</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֨אמֶר</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">Balaam,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָ֗ם</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">“Did I not</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲלֹא֩</span> <span class="translit">(hă·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">send you an urgent summons?</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלֹ֨חַ</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lō·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<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">Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֥מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</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 you not come</span><br /><span class="heb">הָלַ֖כְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·laḵ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me?</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">Am I really</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽאֻמְנָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(ha·’um·nām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_552.htm">Strong's 552: </a> </span><span class="str2">Verily, truly, indeed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">able</span><br /><span class="heb">אוּכַ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(’ū·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be able, have power</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to richly reward you?”</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּבְּדֶֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(kab·bə·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-37.htm">Numbers 22:37 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:37 Balak said to Balaam Didn't I earnestly (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-36.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:36"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:36" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-38.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:38"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:38" /></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>