Numbers 22:17 - for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.’”
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What does "Numbers 22:17" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Balaam and Balak in the Book of Numbers. Let's break it down:
"For I will promote you to very great honor..." This is Balak, the king of Moab, speaking to Balaam, a diviner or prophet. Balak is offering Balaam a significant reward – elevated status and prestige – in exchange for his services. This is the core of the temptation being presented to Balaam. Balak is appealing to Balaam's greed and ambition.
"...and whatever you say to me I will do." This is a promise of unlimited resources and cooperation. Balak is telling Balaam that he will fulfill whatever requests Balaam has, emphasizing the extent of the power and wealth at Balaam's disposal if he agrees to help.
"Please come therefore, and curse this people for me." This is the specific request. Balak wants Balaam to use his supposed prophetic powers to curse the Israelites. Balak is afraid of the Israelites, who are camped near his land and have already defeated some neighboring kingdoms. He believes that a curse from a powerful figure like Balaam will weaken the Israelites and allow him to defeat them.
In essence, the verse means:
Balak is offering Balaam a bribe of great wealth and influence to curse the Israelites. He promises to give Balaam whatever he wants if Balaam will use his powers to weaken or destroy Balak's enemies.
Key takeaways:
Temptation and Corruption: The verse highlights the corrupting influence of money and power. Balak is attempting to manipulate Balaam by appealing to his ambition.
Fear and Insecurity: Balak's request stems from his fear of the Israelites. He believes that supernatural intervention is necessary to protect his kingdom.
Contrast to God's Will: The story unfolds to show that God's will is sovereign. Despite Balak's efforts, God prevents Balaam from cursing the Israelites.
The story of Balaam and Balak is a significant narrative in the Bible, illustrating themes of temptation, divine sovereignty, and the importance of obedience to God. This verse is the crux of the offer that sets the stage for the rest of the story.
Numbers 22:17 - for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.’”
What does "Numbers 22:17" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Balaam and Balak in the Book of Numbers. Let's break it down:
"For I will promote you to very great honor..." This is Balak, the king of Moab, speaking to Balaam, a diviner or prophet. Balak is offering Balaam a significant reward – elevated status and prestige – in exchange for his services. This is the core of the temptation being presented to Balaam. Balak is appealing to Balaam's greed and ambition.
"...and whatever you say to me I will do." This is a promise of unlimited resources and cooperation. Balak is telling Balaam that he will fulfill whatever requests Balaam has, emphasizing the extent of the power and wealth at Balaam's disposal if he agrees to help.
"Please come therefore, and curse this people for me." This is the specific request. Balak wants Balaam to use his supposed prophetic powers to curse the Israelites. Balak is afraid of the Israelites, who are camped near his land and have already defeated some neighboring kingdoms. He believes that a curse from a powerful figure like Balaam will weaken the Israelites and allow him to defeat them.
In essence, the verse means:
Balak is offering Balaam a bribe of great wealth and influence to curse the Israelites. He promises to give Balaam whatever he wants if Balaam will use his powers to weaken or destroy Balak's enemies.
Key takeaways:
Temptation and Corruption: The verse highlights the corrupting influence of money and power. Balak is attempting to manipulate Balaam by appealing to his ambition.
Fear and Insecurity: Balak's request stems from his fear of the Israelites. He believes that supernatural intervention is necessary to protect his kingdom.
Contrast to God's Will: The story unfolds to show that God's will is sovereign. Despite Balak's efforts, God prevents Balaam from cursing the Israelites.
The story of Balaam and Balak is a significant narrative in the Bible, illustrating themes of temptation, divine sovereignty, and the importance of obedience to God. This verse is the crux of the offer that sets the stage for the rest of the story.