Numbers 22:40
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
Original Language Analysis
בָּקָ֣ר
oxen
H1241
בָּקָ֣ר
oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
3 of 9
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
וָצֹ֑אן
and sheep
H6629
וָצֹ֑אן
and sheep
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
4 of 9
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
וַיְשַׁלַּ֣ח
and sent
H7971
וַיְשַׁלַּ֣ח
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 9
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וְלַשָּׂרִ֖ים
and to the princes
H8269
וְלַשָּׂרִ֖ים
and to the princes
Strong's:
H8269
Word #:
7 of 9
a head person (of any rank or class)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religion treated deities as negotiable powers manipulable through proper rituals and payments. Kings routinely hired prophets and diviners (like Balaam) to pronounce blessings or curses, viewing spiritual power as purchasable commodity. Israel's God consistently defied these assumptions.
Questions for Reflection
- How do contemporary Christians sometimes treat God like Balak did—attempting to manipulate blessing through religious performance?
- What does Balak's assumption that sacrifices could buy God's cooperation teach about pagan versus biblical worship?
- How can you examine your prayers and giving to ensure they reflect submission to God's will rather than attempts to control outcomes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him—Balak's sacrificial offerings (זָבַח zavach, to slaughter for sacrifice) attempted to curry divine favor for the cursing mission, treating Israel's God as manageable through ritual manipulation. The phrase sent to Balaam (שָׁלַח לְבִלְעָם shalach le-Bil'am) indicates portions were delivered as honor-gifts, binding the prophet through hospitality obligations.
This verse illustrates pagan misunderstanding of Yahweh—Balak assumed Israel's God operated like territorial deities who could be bribed or manipulated through sacrifices. The biblical response throughout Balaam's oracles consistently demonstrates that God cannot be bought, controlled, or turned against His covenant people. Paganism offers sacrifices to control gods; biblical faith offers sacrifices in submission to God's sovereign will.