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Numbers 23:18 Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: "Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.
<!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 23:18 Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: "Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/04_Num_23_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:18 - Balaam's Second Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor." /><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/23-18.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/23-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/23-17.htm" title="Numbers 23:17">◄</a> Numbers 23:18 <a href="/numbers/23-19.htm" title="Numbers 23:19">►</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 />Then he spoke his message: “Arise, Balak, and listen; hear me, son of Zippor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This was the message Balaam delivered: “Rise up, Balak, and listen! Hear me, son of Zippor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balaam took up his discourse and said, “Rise, Balak, and hear; give ear to me, O son of Zippor:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he took up his oracle and said: “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, son of Zippor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he took up his discourse and said, “Arise, Balak, and hear; Listen to me, son of Zippor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he took up his discourse and said, “Arise, O Balak, and hear; Give ear to me, O son of Zippor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he took up his discourse and said, “Arise, O Balak, and hear; Give ear to me, O son of Zippor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he took up his discourse and said, “Arise, O Balak, and hear; Give ear to me, O son of Zippor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Balaam took up his [second] discourse (oracle) and said: “Rise up, O Balak, and hear; Listen [closely] to me, son of Zippor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balaam proclaimed his poem: Balak, get up and listen; son of Zippor, pay attention to what I say!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balaam proclaimed his poem: Balak, get up and listen; son of Zippor, pay attention to what I say! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; Hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Balaam answered: "Pay close attention to my words--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; Hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Balaam delivered this message: "Stand up, Balak, and listen! Hear me, son of Zippor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and Balaam uttered this prophecy: "Come, Balak son of Zippor, And listen to what I have to say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In response, Balaam uttered this prophetic statement: "Stand up, Balak, and pay attention! Listen to me, you son of Zippor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: ?Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Balaam uttered his oracle, and said, "Rise up, Balak, and hear; Listen to me, son of Zippor: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He took up his parable, and said, "Rise up, Balak, and hear. Listen to me, you son of Zippor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he took up his parable, and said, Rise, Balak, and hear; hearken to me, thou son of Zippor:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He took up his parable, and said, “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, you son of Zippor. <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 takes up his allegory and says: “Rise, Balak, and hear; Give ear to me, son of Zippor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he taketh up his simile, and saith: 'Rise, Balak, and hear; Give ear unto me, son of Zippor!<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 take up his parable, and say, Rise up, Balak, and hear; and give ear to me, son of Zippor:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he taking up his parable, said: Stand, O Balac, and give ear: hear, thou son of Sephor: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But, taking up his parable, he said: “Stand, Balak, and pay attention. Listen, you son of Zippor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Balaam recited his poem: Rise, Balak, and listen; give ear to my testimony, son of Zippor! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Balaam uttered his oracle, saying: “Rise, Balak, and hear; listen to me, O son of Zippor:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he took up his parable and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; and give ear to my testimony, O son of Zippor;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he lifted up his proverb and said, “Arise, Balaq and hear, and give ear to my testimony, son of Tsephor.<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 took up his parable, and said: Arise, Balak, and hear; Give ear unto me, thou son of Zippor:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he took up his parable, and said, rise up, Balac, and hear; hearken as a witness, thou son of Sepphor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/23-18.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=7382" 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">17</span>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="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: way·yiś·śā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">Then Balaam lifted up</a> <a href="/hebrew/4912.htm" title="4912: mə·šā·lōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A proverb, parable. ">an oracle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying:</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qūm (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">“Arise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: bā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">O Balak,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: ū·šă·mā‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">and listen;</a> <a href="/hebrew/238.htm" title="238: ha·’ă·zî·nāh (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; probably to expand; but used only as a denominative from 'ozen; to broaden out the ear, i.e. to listen.">give</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘ā·ḏay (Prep:: 1cs) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">ear to me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">O 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> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?…<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="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Isaiah 40:8</a></span><br />The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-11.htm">Psalm 33:11</a></span><br />The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Hebrews 6:17-18</a></span><br />So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. / Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">1 Samuel 15:29</a></span><br />Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a></span><br />“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a></span><br />Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a></span><br />I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’<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="/titus/1-2.htm">Titus 1:2</a></span><br />in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-13.htm">2 Timothy 2:13</a></span><br />if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/89-34.htm">Psalm 89:34</a></span><br />I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-24.htm">Isaiah 14:24</a></span><br />The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/24-14.htm">Ezekiel 24:14</a></span><br />I, the LORD, have spoken; the time is coming, and I will act. I will not refrain or show pity, nor will I relent. I will judge you according to your ways and deeds,’ declares the Lord GOD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-35.htm">Matthew 24:35</a></span><br />Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.<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—</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; listen to me, you son of Zippor:</p><p class="hdg">rise up</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/3-20.htm">Judges 3:20</a></b></br> And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of <i>his</i> seat.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/10-35.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/23-17.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/numbers/20-16.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/numbers/20-10.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-27.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/numbers/22-20.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Words</a> <a href="/numbers/22-16.htm">Zippor</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/2-13.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-43.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/numbers/23-25.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/23-26.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/numbers/24-16.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/numbers/30-4.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/numbers/27-20.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Oracle</a> <a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/numbers/23-24.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Words</a> <a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Zippor</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 /> <!-- /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/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>Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying:</b><br>Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is known for his unique role in the narrative of Numbers. His oracles are significant as they are divinely inspired messages delivered to Balak, the king of Moab. The term "oracle" indicates a solemn pronouncement, often associated with divine revelation. Balaam's oracles are unique as they come from a prophet outside of Israel, yet they affirm God's sovereignty and His plans for Israel. This moment underscores the theme that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, even those outside the covenant community.<p><b>Arise, O Balak, and listen;</b><br>Balak, the king of Moab, is instructed to "arise" and "listen," emphasizing the importance and urgency of the message. The command to "arise" suggests a need for attention and respect towards the divine message. In the cultural context, kings were often seen as powerful and authoritative, yet here, Balak is reminded of his position under the authority of God's word. This reflects the biblical principle that all earthly rulers are subject to God's ultimate authority.<p><b>give ear to me, O son of Zippor.</b><br>The phrase "give ear" is a call for attentive listening, indicating that what follows is of great importance. By addressing Balak as the "son of Zippor," the text personalizes the message, reminding Balak of his identity and lineage. This can be seen as a humbling reminder that despite his royal status, he is still a man under God's dominion. The use of lineage also connects to the broader biblical theme of generational legacy and the impact of one's actions on future generations.<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 called upon by Balak to curse the Israelites. Despite his intentions, God uses him to bless Israel instead.<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 past victories. He 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, inhabited by the Moabites, who are descendants of Lot. Moab is the setting for this account.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, who are journeying to the Promised Land. They are the subject of Balak's fear and Balaam's oracles.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/o/oracle.htm">Oracle</a></b><br>A divine message or prophecy. In this context, it refers to the words spoken by Balaam under God's influence.<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, God's purposes prevail. Balaam's attempt to curse Israel is transformed into a blessing, demonstrating God's control over all situations.<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 oracle underscores the authority and power of God's word. When God speaks, His word accomplishes His will, regardless of human opposition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_to_god's_voice.htm">Listening to God's Voice</a></b><br>Balak is instructed to "rise up and hear," emphasizing the importance of being attentive to God's messages. We should prioritize listening to God's voice in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection_over_his_people.htm">God's Protection Over His People</a></b><br>The account illustrates God's protective nature over Israel. Believers can find assurance in God's promise to protect and bless His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_opposing_god's_will.htm">The Danger of Opposing God's Will</a></b><br>Balak's attempt to curse Israel is futile against God's will. This serves as a warning against opposing God's plans and purposes.<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/why_is_numbers_23_favorable_to_israel.htm">Numbers 23: Why does this chapter imply a favorable view of Israel among foreign nations while other Old Testament accounts describe hostility and conflict?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_balaam's_seven_altars.htm">Numbers 23:1-2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam's elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Balaam lifted up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשָּׂ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an oracle,</span><br /><span class="heb">מְשָׁל֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(mə·šā·lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4912.htm">Strong's 4912: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pithy maxim, a simile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saying:</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמַ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mar)</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">“Arise,</span><br /><span class="heb">ק֤וּם</span> <span class="translit">(qūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O Balak,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָק֙</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">and listen;</span><br /><span class="heb">וּֽשֲׁמָ֔ע</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šă·mā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">give</span><br /><span class="heb">הַאֲזִ֥ינָה</span> <span class="translit">(ha·’ă·zî·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_238.htm">Strong's 238: </a> </span><span class="str2">To broaden out the ear, to listen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ear to me,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָדַ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ḏay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O son</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנ֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<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">צִפֹּֽר׃</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/23-18.htm">Numbers 23:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:18 He took up his parable and said (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:19" /></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>