King James Version
What Does Numbers 22:39 Mean?
“And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth . Kirjathhuzoth: or, a city of streets”
Numbers 22:39 · KJV
Context
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.
39
And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth . Kirjathhuzoth: or, a city of streets
40
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
41
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth—Balaam's journey (הָלַךְ halakh) with Balak toward the cursing mission marks the prophet's fatal compromise—traveling where God had forbidden (22:12), motivated by promised rewards (22:17-18). The destination Kirjathhuzoth (קִרְיַת חֻצוֹת Qiryat Chutzot, 'city of streets/marketplaces') was likely a Moabite border town staging the encounter with Israel.
This verse demonstrates the subtle progression of compromise: Balaam initially refused Balak's request (22:13), then inquired again seeking God's reversal (22:19), received conditional permission (22:20), but proceeded with wrong motives (22:21-22). Peter warns against prophets who 'have forsaken the right way' following 'the way of Balaam who loved the wages of unrighteousness' (2 Peter 2:15).
This verse demonstrates the subtle progression of compromise: Balaam initially refused Balak's request (22:13), then inquired again seeking God's reversal (22:19), received conditional permission (22:20), but proceeded with wrong motives (22:21-22). Peter warns against prophets who 'have forsaken the right way' following 'the way of Balaam who loved the wages of unrighteousness' (2 Peter 2:15).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Balaam was a renowned Mesopotamian diviner (from Pethor near the Euphrates, 22:5) hired by Moab's king Balak to curse invading Israel (ca. 1407 BC). Despite claiming to serve Yahweh, Balaam's mercenary prophetic practice led to fatal compromise and later death in Israel's judgment on Midian (Numbers 31:8).
Reflection Questions
- How does Balaam's progression (clear refusal → seeking reversal → conditional obedience with wrong motives) warn against rationalized compromise?
- What 'Kirjathhuzoth destinations' (places God forbids but we pursue anyway) might you be traveling toward despite initial prohibitions?
- How can believers discern the difference between God's permissive will (allowing us to proceed) versus His perfect will (what He desires)?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsעִם3 of 7
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
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 22:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.