Numbers 22

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 22 of 36

1 And the sons of Israel pulled up stakes and camped on the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan, by Jericho.

2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

3 And Moab greatly feared because of the people, for it was many. And Moab dreaded because of the sons of Israel.

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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

קָֽבָ utter a curse against H6895 · TWOT 1978
רֹכֵ֣ב mount and ride H7392 · TWOT 2163
עִ֣יר excitement H5892 · TWOT 1587a
בִּלְעָ֣ם Bileam H1109 · TWOT 251b
הִתְעַלַּ֖לְתְּ glean H5953 · TWOT 1627b

People & Context

Balak Summons Balaam

Fearing the massive Israelite encampment, Balak king of Moab sends messengers with rewards to hire the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. God initially f…

Balaam's Donkey Speaks

God'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. …

First Oracle of Balaam

From the high places of Baal, Balaam delivers his first oracle, blessing Israel instead of cursing them. He declares that he cannot curse those whom G…

Timeline

Balak Summons Balaam

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 22:1-21
Balaam's Donkey Speaks

God'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 22:22-35
First Oracle of Balaam

From 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 22:36-23:12

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