Numbers 22:39
And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 7
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Balaam was a renowned Mesopotamian diviner (from Pethor near the Euphrates, 22:5) hired by Moab's king Balak to curse invading Israel (ca. 1407 BC). Despite claiming to serve Yahweh, Balaam's mercenary prophetic practice led to fatal compromise and later death in Israel's judgment on Midian (Numbers 31:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Balaam's progression (clear refusal → seeking reversal → conditional obedience with wrong motives) warn against rationalized compromise?
- What 'Kirjathhuzoth destinations' (places God forbids but we pursue anyway) might you be traveling toward despite initial prohibitions?
- How can believers discern the difference between God's permissive will (allowing us to proceed) versus His perfect will (what He desires)?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth—Balaam's journey (הָלַךְ halakh) with Balak toward the cursing mission marks the prophet's fatal compromise—traveling where God had forbidden (22:12), motivated by promised rewards (22:17-18). The destination Kirjathhuzoth (קִרְיַת חֻצוֹת Qiryat Chutzot, 'city of streets/marketplaces') was likely a Moabite border town staging the encounter with Israel.
This verse demonstrates the subtle progression of compromise: Balaam initially refused Balak's request (22:13), then inquired again seeking God's reversal (22:19), received conditional permission (22:20), but proceeded with wrong motives (22:21-22). Peter warns against prophets who 'have forsaken the right way' following 'the way of Balaam who loved the wages of unrighteousness' (2 Peter 2:15).