Numbers 22:14
And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּק֙וּמוּ֙
rose up
H6965
וַיָּק֙וּמוּ֙
rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 11
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
3 of 11
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
and they went
H935
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
and they went
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
In ancient diplomacy, messengers were expected to report verbatim. The princes' abbreviated message suggests they either didn't understand or deliberately simplified Balaam's response, perhaps assuming Balak could overcome religious scruples with better compensation.
Questions for Reflection
- When others misrepresent your obedience to God as personal preference, have you made God's authority clear enough?
- How does ambiguous witness to God's commands invite others to test your resolve with greater temptations?
- What would change if you explained God's prohibitions as His sovereign will rather than your reluctance?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam refuseth to come with us—The princes misrepresented Balaam to Balak. He didn't say "I refuse"; he said "the LORD refuseth." This subtle distortion shows how half-hearted obedience gets misinterpreted. Balaam's ambiguous response—neither burning Balak's bridges nor fully honoring God—created confusion.
The princes' report omitted God entirely, reducing a theological matter to Balaam's personal preference. This secular framing would prompt Balak to try again with greater incentives, exactly what a greedy prophet might hope for. Balaam's failure to clearly witness to Yahweh's sovereignty made him appear merely difficult to persuade, not bound by divine command.