Numbers 22:7-14 | The Way of Scripture

Numbers 22:7-14

What answer does God give to the first delegation?

Berean Standard Bible

7 The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak. 8 “Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. 9 Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?” 10 And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: 11 ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’” 12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” 13 So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.” 14 And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”

What is the context?

The elders arrive with divination fees and Balak’s message. Balaam asks them to remain overnight while he seeks an answer from the Lord.

God forbids him to go or curse Israel, because the people are blessed. Balaam tells the princes that the Lord refuses him leave to go, and they return with that refusal. The stated reason is already broader than Balaam’s availability: Israel’s blessing is not Balak’s to reverse.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes the Lord’s control over Balaam’s proposed action. God’s question about the visitors leads to the request being stated before Him; the paragraph does not portray the fees as buying His agreement.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

A Living Study And Exchange

This site is a living study effort. Thoughtful feedback is welcome, and future study may lead to clarification, correction, or revision.

Public comments, when enabled, will be reviewed before appearing on the site so discussion remains respectful and relevant. The goal is to grow in understanding, test everything by Scripture, and remain willing to change where the text requires it.