Numbers 22
KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 22 of 36
Chapter Summary
King Balak of Moab fears Israel and hires Balaam the seer to curse them. God initially forbids Balaam to go, then permits it with conditions. On the journey, Balaam's donkey sees the Angel of the Lord and speaks to Balaam. The Angel allows Balaam to continue but only to speak God's words.
Key Hebrew Words
People & Context
Seer from Pethor hired to curse Israel; his donkey and the Angel turn him back
Son of Zippor, king of Moab who fears Israel and sends to hire Balaam
Stands in the road with drawn sword as an adversary to block Balaam
She-ass who sees the Angel, turns aside three times, and is given speech to rebuke Balaam
Timeline
Fearing the massive Israelite encampment, Balak king of Moab sends messengers with rewards to hire the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. God initially forbids Balaam from going, but after Balak sends more honorable leaders, God permits Balaam to go, commanding him to speak only what He dictates.
Numbers 22:1-21God's anger is kindled as Balaam travels, and the Angel of Jehovah stands in the road with a drawn sword, invisible to Balaam but seen by his donkey. After Balaam strikes the donkey three times for turning aside, God opens the donkey's mouth to speak, and then opens Balaam's eyes to see the Angel.
Numbers 22:22-35From the high places of Baal, Balaam delivers his first oracle, blessing Israel instead of cursing them. He declares that he cannot curse those whom God has not cursed and wishes his own death to be like that of the righteous.
Numbers 22:36-23:12Read Numbers 22 in the KJ3 Reader
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