Numbers 22:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ
H1980
וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מוֹאָב֙
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָב֙
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
3 of 14
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
מִדְיָ֔ן
of Midian
H4080
מִדְיָ֔ן
of Midian
Strong's:
H4080
Word #:
5 of 14
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
וּקְסָמִ֖ים
with the rewards of divination
H7081
וּקְסָמִ֖ים
with the rewards of divination
Strong's:
H7081
Word #:
6 of 14
a lot; also divination (including its fee), oracle
בְּיָדָ֑ם
in their hand
H3027
בְּיָדָ֑ם
in their hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙
and they came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙
and they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
8 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ
and spake
H1696
וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ
and spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
11 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Historical Context
Divination for hire was common in the ancient Near East. Mesopotamian diviners read omens from various phenomena—animal livers, bird flights, dreams—for payment. Balaam's fame as a diviner who could successfully bless or curse made him valuable. The Bible consistently condemns divination as an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:10), distinguishing true prophecy from pagan manipulation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the desire to purchase spiritual power manifest in contemporary Christianity?
- What distinguishes true prophetic ministry from mercenary religious practices?
- How do we avoid treating God's gifts as commodities to be bought?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The elders departing 'with the rewards of divination in their hand' shows the pagan assumption that spiritual power operates through commercial transaction. The Hebrew qesamim (divinations) indicates payment for occult practices. This mercenary approach to spiritual matters contrasts sharply with biblical prophecy, where true prophets spoke God's word freely (Isaiah 55:1). Balaam's willingness to consult God for profit reveals his syncretism—mixing Yahweh worship with pagan practices. Simon Magus later made the same error, thinking God's power could be purchased (Acts 8:18-20).