King James Version

What Does Numbers 22:7 Mean?

Numbers 22:7 in the King James Version says “And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unt...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.”

Numbers 22:7 · KJV

Context

5

He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: face: Heb. eye

6

Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

7

And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

8

And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

9

And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?

Read Numbers 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The elders departing 'with the rewards of divination in their hand' shows the pagan assumption that spiritual power operates through commercial transaction. The Hebrew qesamim (divinations) indicates payment for occult practices. This mercenary approach to spiritual matters contrasts sharply with biblical prophecy, where true prophets spoke God's word freely (Isaiah 55:1). Balaam's willingness to consult God for profit reveals his syncretism—mixing Yahweh worship with pagan practices. Simon Magus later made the same error, thinking God's power could be purchased (Acts 8:18-20).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Divination for hire was common in the ancient Near East. Mesopotamian diviners read omens from various phenomena—animal livers, bird flights, dreams—for payment. Balaam's fame as a diviner who could successfully bless or curse made him valuable. The Bible consistently condemns divination as an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:10), distinguishing true prophecy from pagan manipulation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the desire to purchase spiritual power manifest in contemporary Christianity?
  2. What distinguishes true prophetic ministry from mercenary religious practices?
  3. How do we avoid treating God's gifts as commodities to be bought?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ1 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְזִקְנֵ֣י2 of 14

“And the elders”

H2205

old

מוֹאָב֙3 of 14

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וְזִקְנֵ֣י4 of 14

“And the elders”

H2205

old

מִדְיָ֔ן5 of 14

“of Midian”

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

וּקְסָמִ֖ים6 of 14

“with the rewards of divination”

H7081

a lot; also divination (including its fee), oracle

בְּיָדָ֑ם7 of 14

“in their hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙8 of 14

“and they came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בִּלְעָ֔ם10 of 14

“unto Balaam”

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ11 of 14

“and spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָ֖יו12 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דִּבְרֵ֥י13 of 14

“unto him the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בָלָֽק׃14 of 14

“of Balak”

H1111

balak, a moabitish king

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 22:7 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 22:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 3:111 Samuel 9:7-8Titus 1:11Romans 16:18Ezekiel 13:19Isaiah 56:11

Places in This Verse

MidianRegion · Modern: Al Bad · 28.49°N, 35.01°E51 verses across 11 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Numbers 22 →

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