Numbers 22:8
And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
Original Language Analysis
לִ֤ינוּ
unto them Lodge
H3885
לִ֤ינוּ
unto them Lodge
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
3 of 17
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
הַלַּ֔יְלָה
here this night
H3915
הַלַּ֔יְלָה
here this night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
וַהֲשִֽׁבֹתִ֤י
again
H7725
וַהֲשִֽׁבֹתִ֤י
again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 17
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶתְכֶם֙
H853
אֶתְכֶם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דָּבָ֔ר
you word
H1697
דָּבָ֔ר
you word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
shall speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
shall speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ
abode
H3427
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ
abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
שָׂרֵֽי
unto me and the princes
H8269
שָׂרֵֽי
unto me and the princes
Strong's:
H8269
Word #:
14 of 17
a head person (of any rank or class)
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
15 of 17
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
Historical Context
The narrative's portrayal of a non-Israelite receiving genuine revelation from Yahweh is theologically significant. God is sovereign over all nations and can speak to anyone He chooses (Amos 9:7). However, receiving revelation does not equal salvation—Balaam later counseled Midian to seduce Israel (Numbers 31:16), showing that knowledge of God differs from saving faith. Even demons have theological knowledge (James 2:19).
Questions for Reflection
- How is it possible to receive genuine revelation from God without having saving faith?
- What does Balaam's mixed character teach about the difference between knowledge and obedience?
- How do we distinguish between those who speak about God and those who truly know Him?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam's response 'Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me' reveals his claim to receive revelation from Yahweh. The use of God's covenant name 'LORD' (Hebrew YHWH) is striking for a pagan diviner. This either indicates Balaam had genuine knowledge of Israel's God (perhaps from Abraham's legacy in Mesopotamia), or he cleverly used Israel's God's name to impress the elders. His willingness to inquire rather than immediately blessing or cursing shows unusual restraint for a hired diviner, suggesting God's hand was already restraining him.