Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.” New Living Translation That night God came to Balaam and told him, “Since these men have come for you, get up and go with them. But do only what I tell you to do.” English Standard Version And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.” Berean Standard Bible That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” Berean Literal Bible And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise and go with them. And only the word that I speak to you, that shall you do.” King James Bible And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. New King James Version And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do.” New American Standard Bible And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise and go with them; but you shall do only the thing that I tell you.” NASB 1995 God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.” NASB 1977 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.” Legacy Standard Bible And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do.” Amplified Bible God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, get up and go with them, but you shall still do only what I tell you.” Berean Annotated Bible That night God {Elohim} came to Balaam (not of the people) and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you. Christian Standard Bible God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” American Standard Version And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men are come to call thee, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak unto thee, that shalt thou do. Contemporary English Version That night, God said, "Balaam, I'll let you go to Moab with Balak's messengers, but do only what I say." English Revised Version And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men be come to call thee, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak unto thee, that shalt thou do. GOD'S WORD® Translation That night God came to Balaam and said, "If these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you." Good News Translation That night God came to Balaam and said, "If these men have come to ask you to go with them, get ready and go, but do only what I tell you." International Standard Version God came to visit Balaam that same night and told him, "If the men come to call on you, get up and go with them, but be sure to do only what I tell you to do." NET Bible God came to Balaam that night, and said to him, "If the men have come to call you, get up and go with them; but the word that I will say to you, that you must do." New Heart English Bible God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, "If the men have come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that you shall do." Webster's Bible Translation And God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men come to call thee, rise and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say to thee, that shalt thou perform. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThat night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” World English Bible God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that you shall do.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd God comes to Balaam by night and says to him, “If the men have come to call for you, rise, go with them, and only the thing which I speak to you—do it.” Berean Literal Bible And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise and go with them. And only the word that I speak to you, that shall you do.” Young's Literal Translation And God cometh in unto Balaam, by night, and saith to him, 'If to call for thee the men have come, rise, go with them, and only the thing which I speak unto thee -- it thou dost do.' Smith's Literal Translation And God will come to Balaam at night, and say to him, If the men have come to call to thee, rise up, go with them, and only the word which I shall speak to thee, thou shalt do it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleGod therefore came to Balaam in the night, and said to him: It these men be come to call thee, arise and go with them: yet so, that thou do what I shall command thee. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, God came to Balaam in the night, and said to him: “If these men have arrived to call you, then rise up and go with them; yet only in so far as you shall do what I will command you.” New American Bible That night God came to Balaam and said to him: If these men have come to summon you, go back with them; yet only on the condition that you do exactly as I tell you. New Revised Standard Version That night God came to Balaam and said to him, “If the men have come to summon you, get up and go with them; but do only what I tell you to do.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd God came to Balaam at night and said to him, If these men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I shall say to you, that shall you do. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And God came on Balaam in the night and said to him: “If these men came to call you, arise, go with them; only the response that I say to you, make that.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him: 'If the men are come to call thee, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak unto thee, that shalt thou do.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And God came to Balaam by night, and said to him, If these men are come to call thee, rise and follow them; nevertheless the word which I shall speak to thee, it shalt thou do. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Balak Summons Balaam…19So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.” 20That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” 21So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.… Cross References That night God came to Balaam and said, Genesis 20:3-6 One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.” / Now Abimelech had not gone near her, so he replied, “Lord, would You destroy a nation even though it is innocent? / Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.” … Genesis 31:24 But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” Job 33:14-16 For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices. / In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, / He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings “Since these men have come to summon you, John 11:28-29 After Martha had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside to tell her, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you.” / And when Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him. Luke 14:17 When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ Matthew 22:3 He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. get up and go with them, Acts 10:19-20 As Peter continued to reflect on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. / So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.” Genesis 46:3 “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. Genesis 12:1 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. but you must only do what I tell you.” John 12:49-50 I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.” John 14:31 But I do exactly what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Get up! Let us go on from here. Deuteronomy 18:18-19 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. / And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name. Judges 6:36-40 Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, / then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” / And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. … 1 Kings 22:14-23 But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” / When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?” … 2 Kings 1:3-4 But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are on your way to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ / Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘You will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.’” So Elijah departed. Psalm 25:12 Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him. Treasury of Scripture And God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men come to call you, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say to you, that shall you do. God Numbers 22:9 And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? if the men 1 Samuel 8:5-9 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations… 1 Samuel 12:12-19 And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king… Psalm 81:12 So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. but ye Numbers 22:35 And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Numbers 23:12,26 And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth? … Numbers 24:13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak? Jump to Previous Balaam Bid Night Perform Rise Speak Summon WordJump to Next Balaam Bid Night Perform Rise Speak Summon WordNumbers 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 That night God came to Balaam and said, This phrase indicates divine intervention and communication. In the biblical narrative, God often communicates through dreams or visions at night, as seen with figures like Jacob (Genesis 28:12) and Joseph (Genesis 37:5). Balaam, though a non-Israelite prophet, receives a direct message from God, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples. This encounter underscores the theme of God's control over events and His ability to use even those outside the covenant community for His purposes. Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by Balak to curse the Israelites. 2. God (Yahweh) The one true God who communicates with Balaam, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and peoples. 3. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 4. Moab The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, where the Israelites camped during their journey to the Promised Land. 5. The Angel of the Lord Though not directly mentioned in verse 20, the Angel plays a significant role in the subsequent account, representing God's presence and authority. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod is in control of all situations, even when His people are unaware. He can use anyone, even a pagan prophet, to accomplish His purposes. Obedience to God's Word Balaam is instructed to do only what God tells him. This emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands in our lives. The Danger of Compromise Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request shows the peril of compromising one's integrity for personal gain. God's Protection Over His People Despite Balak's intentions, God ensures that His people are protected and blessed, reminding us of His faithfulness. The Role of Divine Guidance Balaam's account illustrates the necessity of seeking and following divine guidance in decision-making. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 22:20?2. How does God's permission in Numbers 22:20 relate to His sovereign will today? 3. What can we learn about obedience from God's instruction to Balaam in Numbers 22:20? 4. How does Numbers 22:20 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God's guidance? 5. In what ways should we seek God's direction before making decisions? 6. How can Balaam's experience in Numbers 22:20 influence our prayer life? 7. Why did God permit Balaam to go with Balak's men in Numbers 22:20? 8. How does Numbers 22:20 reflect God's sovereignty and human free will? 9. What is the significance of God's conditional permission in Numbers 22:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22? 11. If God permitted Balaam to go (Numbers 22:20), why did He become angry with him later (Numbers 22:22)? 12. 2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22–24? 13. Who was Balaam in the Bible? 14. Who was Balak in the Bible? What Does Numbers 22:20 Mean That night God came to Balaam• God initiates the encounter in the stillness of night, reminding us that He is never distant and can intrude upon human plans at any moment (Genesis 20:3; 1 Samuel 3:3-10). • The appearance underscores divine sovereignty over every detail of Balaam’s journey—nothing unfolds without God’s oversight (Psalm 139:12). • Nighttime meetings often accompany pivotal turning points in Scripture, signaling that what follows carries weighty significance (Job 33:14-15; Matthew 2:13-15). and said • When God speaks, His word is final and authoritative; Balaam’s duty, like ours, is to listen first and act second (Numbers 12:6; Hebrews 1:1-2). • Prophetic revelation is never casual chatter; it steers history and demands obedience (Jeremiah 1:9-10). • Balaam’s reputation as a seer is irrelevant—what matters is that God’s voice overrides every other voice (Deuteronomy 18:18-19). Since these men have come to summon you • The delegation from Moab and Midian had persisted (Numbers 22:15-17). God acknowledges their arrival, exposing Balaam’s growing desire for reward (2 Peter 2:15). • The phrasing shows God’s condescension to Balaam’s circumstance: “They’re here; you may go.” Yet it also subtly exposes Balaam’s heart for wanting to go (James 1:14-15). • This pattern—God permitting a request after repeated appeals—appears elsewhere, such as Israel’s plea for a king (1 Samuel 8:7-9). get up and go with them • Permission is granted, but it is not approval of Moab’s intent to curse Israel. God sometimes allows a course to unfold to reveal hearts and magnify His own glory (Exodus 9:12; Romans 9:17). • Balaam is free to travel; God will turn the journey into a stage for His purposes, showcasing how He can transform cursing into blessing (Genesis 50:20). • Practical takeaway: an open door does not automatically equal God’s wholehearted endorsement—discernment is needed (Proverbs 3:5-6). but you must only do what I tell you • God draws a firm boundary around Balaam’s speech, asserting complete control over the final message (Numbers 22:35; 24:13). • Adding or subtracting from God’s word invites judgment (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6). • The statement foreshadows the Angel of the LORD’s later confrontation, proving divine determination to keep Balaam on a short leash (Numbers 22:31-34). • For believers, fidelity to God’s instructions remains paramount; compromise cancels kingdom effectiveness (Acts 5:29). summary Numbers 22:20 shows a God who engages personally, permits the journey, yet restricts the message. He demonstrates sovereignty over pagan prophets, overrules human greed, and ensures that His blessing on Israel stands unaltered. Permission is not approval; obedience to every word of God is the non-negotiable center of true service. (20) If the men come to call thee.--The words may be rendered Since (or, forasmuch as) the men have come to call thee. The messengers had already come for that purpose, as it is stated in Numbers 22:16, where the same verb is used. The phrase which is here rendered to "call" occurs also in Numbers 22:5.Rise up, and go with them.--There is no real inconsistency with Numbers 22:12. The absolute and immutable prohibition had reference to the cursing. The going with the messengers, which was forbidden in mercy at first, was enjoined in judgment at last. God often punishes disobedience to His declared will by permitting the transgressors to "eat the fruit of their own way, and to be filled with their own devices" (Proverbs 1:31). "He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul" (Psalm 106:15). Comp. Psalm 81:12; Isaiah 66:4; Jeremiah 2:19. . . . Hebrew That nightלַיְלָה֒ (lay·lāh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity God אֱלֹהִ֥ים ׀ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative came וַיָּבֹ֨א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Balaam בִּלְעָם֮ (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet and said, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Since אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not these men הָאֲנָשִׁ֔ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person have come בָּ֣אוּ (bā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to summon you, לִקְרֹ֤א (liq·rō) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read get up ק֖וּם (qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand and go לֵ֣ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk with them, אִתָּ֑ם (’it·tām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among but you must only וְאַ֗ךְ (wə·’aḵ) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely do תַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ (ṯa·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make what אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I tell you.” אֲדַבֵּ֥ר (’ă·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue Links Numbers 22:20 NIVNumbers 22:20 NLT Numbers 22:20 ESV Numbers 22:20 NASB Numbers 22:20 KJV Numbers 22:20 BibleApps.com Numbers 22:20 Biblia Paralela Numbers 22:20 Chinese Bible Numbers 22:20 French Bible Numbers 22:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 22:20 God came to Balaam at night (Nu Num.) |
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