Numbers 22:9

9 Then ¹God came to Balaam and said, "Who are these men with you?"

Numbers 22:9 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 22:9

And God came unto Balaam
In a dream very probably, as he did to Abimelech and Laban, ( Genesis 20:3 ) ( 31:24 ) :

and said, what men are these with thee?
who lodged with him that night. This he said, not as ignorant who they were, or from whence they came, or what they came about; but in order to lead on to a discourse with Balaam, and to have from him the account of the men, and their business, and to try his fidelity in relating the affair.

Numbers 22:9 In-Context

7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak's words to him.

8 He said to them, "Spend the night here, and I will bring word back to you as the LORD may speak to me." And the leaders of Moab stayed with Balaam.

9 Then God came to Balaam and said, "Who are these men with you?"

10 Balaam said to God, "Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent word to me,

11 'Behold, there is a people who came out of Egypt and they cover the surface of the land; now come, curse them for me; perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them out.' "

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 20:3