Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Balak sent other officials, more numerous and more distinguished than the first. New Living Translation Then Balak tried again. This time he sent a larger number of even more distinguished officials than those he had sent the first time. English Standard Version Once again Balak sent princes, more in number and more honorable than these. Berean Standard Bible Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers. Berean Literal Bible And Balak yet added to send princes, more numerous and more honorable than these. King James Bible And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they. New King James Version Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more honorable than they. New American Standard Bible Then Balak sent representatives once again, more numerous and more distinguished than the previous. NASB 1995 Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and more distinguished than the former. NASB 1977 Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and more distinguished than the former. Legacy Standard Bible Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and more honorable than the former. Amplified Bible Then Balak again sent leaders, more numerous and [men who were] more distinguished than the first ones. Berean Annotated Bible Then Balak (devastator) sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers. Christian Standard Bible Balak sent officials again who were more numerous and higher in rank than the others. Holman Christian Standard Bible Balak sent officials again who were more numerous and higher in rank than the others. American Standard Version And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they. Contemporary English Version Then Balak sent a larger group of officials, who were even more important than the first ones. English Revised Version And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they. GOD'S WORD® Translation Balak sent a larger group of more highly respected princes. Good News Translation Then Balak sent a larger number of leaders, who were more important than the first. International Standard Version In response, Balak sent more officers—higher ranking ones, at that!— NET Bible Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first. New Heart English Bible Then Balak again sent princes, more in number and more honorable than these. Webster's Bible Translation And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers. World English Bible Balak again sent princes, more, and more honorable than they. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Balak adds yet to send princes, more numerous and honored than these, Berean Literal Bible And Balak yet added to send princes, more numerous and more honorable than these. Young's Literal Translation And Balak addeth yet to send princes, more numerous and honoured than these, Smith's Literal Translation And Balak will add yet to send leaders, many and honorable, more than these. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen he sent many more and more noble than he had sent before: Catholic Public Domain Version Again, he sent many more persons, and these were more noble than those he had sent before. New American Bible Balak yet again sent princes, who were more numerous and more distinguished than the others. New Revised Standard Version Once again Balak sent officials, more numerous and more distinguished than these. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd again Balak sent messengers who were greater and more honorable than they. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Balaq returned again and he sent greater and more honorable Messengers than those. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Balac yet again sent more princes and more honourable than they. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Balak Summons Balaam…14And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.” 15Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers. 16They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me,… Cross References Then Balak sent other princes Jeremiah 36:14 Then all the officials sent word to Baruch through Jehudi son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, saying, “Bring the scroll that you read in the hearing of the people, and come here.” So Baruch son of Neriah took the scroll and went to them. 1 Kings 20:5-6 The messengers came back and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I have sent to you to demand your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children. / But about this time tomorrow I will send my servants to search your palace and the houses of your servants. They will seize and carry away all that is precious to you.’” more numerous Deuteronomy 7:17-18 You may say in your heart, “These nations are greater than we are; how can we drive them out?” / But do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt: Deuteronomy 1:10 The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. and more distinguished Esther 6:9-11 Let the robe and the horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them array the man the king wants to honor and parade him on the horse through the city square, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!’” / “Hurry,” said the king to Haman, “and do just as you proposed. Take the robe and the horse to Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything that you have suggested.” / So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and paraded him through the city square, crying out before him, “This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!” Esther 1:3-4 In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces. / And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness. than the first messengers. 2 Kings 1:13-14 So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants of yours please be precious in your sight. / Behold, fire has come down from heaven and consumed the first two captains of fifty, with all their men. But now may my life be precious in your sight.” Esther 1:14 His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom. 2 Peter 2:15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. Jude 1:11 Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. Revelation 2:14 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. Deuteronomy 23:4-5 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. Joshua 24:9-10 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. Nehemiah 13:2 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). Micah 6:5 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.’” 2 Kings 5:15-16 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” / But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused. Treasury of Scripture And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they. princes Numbers 22:7,8 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak… Acts 10:7,8 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; … Jump to Previous Addeth Chiefs Distinguished Higher Honorable Honourable Honoured Leaders Numerous Once Others Position PrincesJump to Next Addeth Chiefs Distinguished Higher Honorable Honourable Honoured Leaders Numerous Once Others Position PrincesNumbers 22 1. Balak's first message for Balaam is refused15. His second message obtains him 22. An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey 36. Balak entertains him Then Balak sent other princes Balak, the king of Moab, is responding to the refusal of Balaam to come and curse Israel. This action shows Balak's determination and desperation to protect his kingdom from the Israelites, who were advancing through the region. The sending of additional princes indicates a strategic move to persuade Balaam, highlighting the importance Balak placed on securing Balaam's services. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of using divination and curses in warfare, as seen in other historical texts. more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers Persons / Places / Events 1. BalakThe king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites and seeks to curse them through Balaam. 2. Balaam A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is known for his ability to bless or curse. 3. Moab A region east of the Dead Sea, whose king, Balak, is threatened by the presence of the Israelites. 4. Princes The more numerous and distinguished messengers sent by Balak to persuade Balaam to curse Israel. 5. Israelites The people of God, whose presence and success in the region cause fear among the Moabites. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Human PlansDespite Balak's attempts to manipulate outcomes through Balaam, God's will prevails. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our circumstances. The Danger of Compromise Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request, despite knowing God's will, serves as a warning against compromising our values for personal gain. The Influence of Peer Pressure The sending of more distinguished princes represents increased pressure to conform. We must be vigilant against succumbing to external pressures that lead us away from God's path. The Power of God's Blessing The account underscores that no curse can stand against those whom God has blessed. Believers can find assurance in God's protection and favor. Discernment in Leadership Balak's repeated attempts to sway Balaam highlight the need for leaders to discern and resist ungodly influences. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 22:15?2. How does Numbers 22:15 demonstrate God's sovereignty over human plans and intentions? 3. Why did Balak send more "distinguished officials" to Balaam in Numbers 22:15? 4. What can we learn about persistence in prayer from Balak's actions in Numbers 22:15? 5. How does Numbers 22:15 connect to God's ultimate authority in Proverbs 19:21? 6. How should we respond when faced with pressure to act against God's will? 7. Why did God allow Balaam to be summoned again in Numbers 22:15? 8. What is the significance of Balak sending more distinguished officials in Numbers 22:15? 9. How does Numbers 22:15 reflect on God's sovereignty and human free will? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22? 11. If Balaam’s initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty? 12. Who was Balaam in the Bible? 13. Who was Balak in the Bible? 14. 2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22-24? What Does Numbers 22:15 Mean Then Balak sent other princes• Balak’s first appeal to Balaam had been declined (Numbers 22:13). Instead of recognizing God’s “No,” the Moabite king simply sends a fresh delegation—revealing a heart set on opposing Israel rather than submitting to the LORD. • Scripture repeatedly shows the world doubling down when righteousness resists: Pharaoh after each plague (Exodus 8:15, 32), Sanballat against Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:7-8). • Balak’s action contrasts with believers who seek God once and obey His answer (Psalm 119:60; James 4:7). More numerous • Quantity becomes Balak’s next tactic. He assumes that sheer numbers will sway Balaam, just as King Ahaziah thought sending fifty soldiers—twice—would bend Elijah (2 Kings 1:9-14). • Unbelief often trusts in the weight of public opinion or pressure (Matthew 27:20-23; Acts 19:24-29). Yet God’s truth is never decided by majority vote (Romans 3:4). And more distinguished • These envoys carry higher rank and larger purses (Numbers 22:17). Balak now leans on social status and promised reward. • Similar patterns appear in Acts 25:23, where Agrippa and the prominent men of the city gather to impress Festus—power posturing in the face of God’s servant Paul. • The allure of honor and wealth is a classic snare (Proverbs 29:25; 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Balaam, already inclined toward profit (2 Peter 2:15), is being skillfully targeted. Than the first messengers • The contrast highlights escalation. The first group failed; Balak therefore amplifies both quantity and prestige, believing bigger and better human effort can overturn divine restraint. • Scripture warns that repeated pressure to compromise often precedes judgment: Balak’s persistence ultimately leads to his own downfall (Numbers 25:17-18; 31:7-8). • Like hardened Pharaoh (Exodus 14:4), Balak’s resolve only tightens God’s plan to bless Israel (Numbers 23:8, 20). summary Numbers 22:15 reveals a king determined to override God’s declared will by upping the ante—sending a larger, nobler delegation to court Balaam. The verse exposes the futility of human schemes against divine purpose, the seductive power of status and reward, and the danger of persisting in rebellion when God has already spoken. Verse 15. - More, and more honourable than they. Balak rightly judged that Balaam was not really unwilling to come, and that it was only needful to ply him with more flattery and larger promises. The heathens united a firm belief in the powers of the seer with a very shrewd appreciation of the motives and character of the seer. Compare the saying of Sophocles ('Antig.,' 1055), τὸ μαντικὸν γὰρ πᾶν φιλάργυρον γένος.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Balakבָּלָ֑ק (bā·lāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1111: Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king sent שְׁלֹ֣חַ (šə·lō·aḥ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out other וַיֹּ֥סֶף (way·yō·sep̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3254: To add, augment princes, שָׂרִ֔ים (śā·rîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince more numerous רַבִּ֥ים (rab·bîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7227: Much, many, great and more distinguished וְנִכְבָּדִ֖ים (wə·niḵ·bā·ḏîm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome than the [first messengers]. מֵאֵֽלֶּה׃ (mê·’êl·leh) Preposition-m | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those Links Numbers 22:15 NIVNumbers 22:15 NLT Numbers 22:15 ESV Numbers 22:15 NASB Numbers 22:15 KJV Numbers 22:15 BibleApps.com Numbers 22:15 Biblia Paralela Numbers 22:15 Chinese Bible Numbers 22:15 French Bible Numbers 22:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 22:15 Balak sent yet again princes more (Nu Num.) |
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