King James Version
What Does Numbers 22:36 Mean?
“And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.”
Numbers 22:36 · KJV
Context
34
And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee , I will get me back again. displease: Heb. be evil in thine eyes
35
And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
36
And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.
37
And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?
38
And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhen Balak heard that Balaam was come—After Balaam's difficult journey (the donkey incident just occurred), King Balak personally travels to the border city of Arnon to meet him. The location in the utmost coast (בִּקְצֵה גְבוּלוֹ, biqtseh g'vulo, "at the extremity of his border") emphasizes urgency and honor. Moabite kings didn't typically travel to border towns; Balak's desperation over Israel's proximity drove him to this unusual courtesy.
The meeting place at Arnon carries geographical and theological significance—this river marked the border between Moab and Amorite territory that Israel had just conquered (21:13-15). Balak met Balaam at the very boundary that proved Israel's unstoppable advance. The irony: Balak seeks a curse at the site of Israel's recent victory, where God has already demonstrated His power.
The meeting place at Arnon carries geographical and theological significance—this river marked the border between Moab and Amorite territory that Israel had just conquered (21:13-15). Balak met Balaam at the very boundary that proved Israel's unstoppable advance. The irony: Balak seeks a curse at the site of Israel's recent victory, where God has already demonstrated His power.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Arnon (modern Wadi Mujib in Jordan) was the northern boundary of Moab, flowing west into the Dead Sea. Balak had recently lost territory north of Arnon to Israel, who defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. This meeting occurred circa 1406 BC, just before Israel entered Canaan.
Reflection Questions
- What does Balak's personal journey to meet Balaam reveal about the intensity of fear that Israel's God can inspire?
- How does meeting at the site of Israel's recent victory ironically undermine Balak's entire plan?
- When have you sought human solutions at the very place where God has already proven His sovereignty?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 17 wordsוַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע1 of 17
“heard”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּ֣י3 of 17
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וַיֵּצֵ֨א6 of 17
“he went out”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לִקְרָאת֜וֹ7 of 17
“to meet”
H7125an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
עִ֣יר9 of 17
“him unto a city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁר֙11 of 17
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל12 of 17
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַגְּבֽוּל׃13 of 17
“coast”
H1366properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
אֲשֶׁ֖ר15 of 17
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַגְּבֽוּל׃17 of 17
“coast”
H1366properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 22:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 22:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge