King James Version
What Does Numbers 22:9 Mean?
“And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?”
Numbers 22:9 · KJV
Context
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?
10
And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,
11
Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. I shall: Heb. I shall prevail in fighting against him
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryGod coming to Balaam and asking 'What men are these with thee?' demonstrates divine omniscience interrogating not for information but for revelation. God knew the messengers' identity and purpose; the question forced Balaam to articulate the situation, revealing his own heart. This mirrors God's question to Adam 'Where art thou?' (Genesis 3:9) and to Cain 'Where is Abel thy brother?' (Genesis 4:9). God's questions are pedagogical and judicial, not informational. They expose human hearts before rendering judgment or instruction.
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Historical & Cultural Context
God's appearance to Balaam in the night (verse 20) parallels His nighttime revelations to other non-Israelites like Abimelech (Genesis 20:3) and Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:19). These nocturnal revelations often came as dreams or visions, the primary modes of prophetic experience. That God would speak to a pagan diviner shows His sovereignty over all revelation and His determination to protect Israel from cursing.
Reflection Questions
- How do God's questions to us function to reveal our hearts rather than inform Him?
- What does God speaking to pagans teach about His universal sovereignty?
- How should we respond when God asks questions we know He already knows the answer to?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsאֱלֹהִ֖ים2 of 9
“And God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מִ֛י6 of 9
H4310who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים7 of 9
“What men”
H582properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
עִמָּֽךְ׃9 of 9
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 22:9 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 22:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge