Numbers 22:9
And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?
Original Language Analysis
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
And God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
And God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מִ֛י
H4310
מִ֛י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
6 of 9
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
Cross References
Genesis 20:3But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.Numbers 22:20And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.
Historical Context
God's appearance to Balaam in the night (verse 20) parallels His nighttime revelations to other non-Israelites like Abimelech (Genesis 20:3) and Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:19). These nocturnal revelations often came as dreams or visions, the primary modes of prophetic experience. That God would speak to a pagan diviner shows His sovereignty over all revelation and His determination to protect Israel from cursing.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's questions to us function to reveal our hearts rather than inform Him?
- What does God speaking to pagans teach about His universal sovereignty?
- How should we respond when God asks questions we know He already knows the answer to?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God coming to Balaam and asking 'What men are these with thee?' demonstrates divine omniscience interrogating not for information but for revelation. God knew the messengers' identity and purpose; the question forced Balaam to articulate the situation, revealing his own heart. This mirrors God's question to Adam 'Where art thou?' (Genesis 3:9) and to Cain 'Where is Abel thy brother?' (Genesis 4:9). God's questions are pedagogical and judicial, not informational. They expose human hearts before rendering judgment or instruction.