Numbers 22:5-7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 22:1-14

The children of Israel have at length finished their wanderings in the wilderness, out of which they went up (Num. 21:18), and are now encamped in the plains of Moab near Jordan, where they continued till they passed through Jordan under Joshua, after the death of Moses. Now we have here, I. The fright which the Moabites were in upon the approach of Israel, Num. 22:2-4. They needed not to fear any harm from them if they knew (and it is probable that Moses let them know) the orders God had... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 22:5

He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor ,.... In consequence of the consultation held by the king of Moab with the elders of Midian; and very probably through a motion of theirs, and by advice they gave, Balak dispatched messengers of both people to the person here described by his name and parentage; but who he was is not easy to say: the Jews sometimes make him to be a magician in Pharaoh's court, at the time when Moses was born F26 Dibre Hayamim Shekmoaseh, fol. 3. 2.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 22:6

Come now, therefore, I pray thee ,.... To my country, city, and court: curse me this people ; by imprecations on them; and which being attended with various rites and ceremonies, brought calamities on persons, which men of Balaam's character were supposed to have power to do: for they are too mighty for me ; to oppose and subdue by force of arms; and therefore was obliged to have recourse to such arts and methods he was master of; suggesting, that he was able to do more by his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 22:7

And the elders of Moab, and the elders of Midian, departed ,.... By which it appears that they were princes and nobles; for such the elders were, that were sent on this errand to Balaam; and that they were some of both people, Midian and Moab, that went upon it, see Numbers 22:14 which shows, that if they were not one people, under one king, which yet seems likely, nevertheless they made a common cause of it, and joined in this expedient to save their country: with the rewards of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:5

To Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people - Dr. Kennicott justly remarks, that "the description now given of Balaam's residence, instead of being particular, agrees with any place in any country where there is a river; for he lived by Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people. But was Pethor then near the Nile in Egypt? Or in Canaan, near Jordan? Or in Mesopotamia, near the Euphrates, and belonging to the Ammonites? This last was... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:6

Come now, therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people - Balaam, once a prophet of the true God, appears to have been one of the Moshelim, (see Numbers 21:27 ;), who had added to his poetic gift that of sorcery or divination. It was supposed that prophets and sorcerers had a power to curse persons and places so as to confound all their designs, frustrate their counsels, enervate their strength, and fill them with fear, terror, and dismay. See Genesis 9:25 ; Psalm 109:6 , Psalm 109:20 ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:7

The rewards of divination - Whoever went to consult a prophet took with him a present, as it was on such gratuitous offerings the prophets lived; but here more than a mere present is intended, perhaps every thing necessary to provide materials for the incantation. The drugs, etc., used on such occasions were often very expensive. It appears that Balaam was very covetous, and that he loved the wages of unrighteousness, and probably lived by it; see 2 Peter 2:15 . read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:5

Verse 5 5.He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam. This passage shews us, like many others, that the errors wherein Satan entangles unbelievers are derived from good principles. The modesty of king Balak appears to be worthy of praise, in that, conscious of his own weakness, and placing no confidence in human aid, he sets about imploring the help of God. For this is our only safe refuge, although earthly aids may fail us, still to maintain our courage, and to rely upon God, who is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 22:1-40

I. The character and position of Balaam with regard to God and man; II. The policy of Balak in sending for Balaam; III. The conduct of Balaam when asked and urged to come to Balak; IV. The incidents, natural and supernatural, of Balaam's coming. I. THE CHARACTER OF BALAAM , AND HIS POSITION WITH REGARD TO GOD AND MAN . Consider under this head— 1 . That Balaam had a true knowledge of the most high Cod. He was not in any sense a heathen as far... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 22:1-40

I. BALAAM 'S LOFTY POSITION AND PRIVILEGES . II. THE SECRET OF BALAAM 'S HUMILIATING FALL . II. Balaam's name mentioned in the New Testament only three times, and each time it is covered with reproach ( 2 Peter 2:15 ; Jud 2 Peter 1:11 ; Revelation 2:14 ). His root sin was the ancient, inveterate vice of human nature, selfishness. He knew God, but did not love him, for "he loved the wages of unrighteousness." He did not follow the Divine voice, but "followed... read more

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