Numbers 23:18
And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
And he took up
H5375
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
And he took up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 10
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
מְשָׁל֖וֹ
his parable
H4912
מְשָׁל֖וֹ
his parable
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
ק֤וּם
Rise up
H6965
ק֤וּם
Rise up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
4 of 10
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וּֽשֲׁמָ֔ע
and hear
H8085
וּֽשֲׁמָ֔ע
and hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 10
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הַֽאֲזִ֥ינָה
hearken
H238
הַֽאֲזִ֥ינָה
hearken
Strong's:
H238
Word #:
7 of 10
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
עָדַ֖י
H5704
עָדַ֖י
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern protocol required standing to receive royal or divine pronouncements, showing respect for the message's authority. Balaam's formal opening established that what followed was God's word, not his own assessment.
Questions for Reflection
- How should you receive God's word with the solemnity and respect it deserves?
- What distinguishes delivering God's message faithfully from imposing personal interpretations?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam begins the second oracle 'Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor.' This formal introduction commands Balak's attention for God's authoritative word. The imperative 'rise up' (Hebrew 'qum') indicates standing for solemn pronouncement. Balaam's role as messenger delivering words he didn't author demonstrates the prophetic office—not personal opinion but divine revelation.