King James Version
What Does Numbers 22:40 Mean?
“And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.”
Numbers 22:40 · KJV
Context
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 Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him—Balak's sacrificial offerings (זָבַח zavach, to slaughter for sacrifice) attempted to curry divine favor for the cursing mission, treating Israel's God as manageable through ritual manipulation. The phrase sent to Balaam (שָׁלַח לְבִלְעָם shalach le-Bil'am) indicates portions were delivered as honor-gifts, binding the prophet through hospitality obligations.
This verse illustrates pagan misunderstanding of Yahweh—Balak assumed Israel's God operated like territorial deities who could be bribed or manipulated through sacrifices. The biblical response throughout Balaam's oracles consistently demonstrates that God cannot be bought, controlled, or turned against His covenant people. Paganism offers sacrifices to control gods; biblical faith offers sacrifices in submission to God's sovereign will.
This verse illustrates pagan misunderstanding of Yahweh—Balak assumed Israel's God operated like territorial deities who could be bribed or manipulated through sacrifices. The biblical response throughout Balaam's oracles consistently demonstrates that God cannot be bought, controlled, or turned against His covenant people. Paganism offers sacrifices to control gods; biblical faith offers sacrifices in submission to God's sovereign will.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern religion treated deities as negotiable powers manipulable through proper rituals and payments. Kings routinely hired prophets and diviners (like Balaam) to pronounce blessings or curses, viewing spiritual power as purchasable commodity. Israel's God consistently defied these assumptions.
Reflection Questions
- How do contemporary Christians sometimes treat God like Balak did—attempting to manipulate blessing through religious performance?
- What does Balak's assumption that sacrifices could buy God's cooperation teach about pagan versus biblical worship?
- How can you examine your prayers and giving to ensure they reflect submission to God's will rather than attempts to control outcomes?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsבָּקָ֣ר3 of 9
“oxen”
H1241a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
וָצֹ֑אן4 of 9
“and sheep”
H6629a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 9
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִתּֽוֹ׃9 of 9
H854properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
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 22:40 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 22:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge