Numbers Chapter 22 · Verse 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?
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.