Numbers 22:19

19 Pray, now, tarry here this night also, that I may know what more the LORD will say to me."

Numbers 22:19 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 22:19

Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night
As the former messengers had; this shows his strong inclination to go along with them, and do what was desired of him, could he be permitted; otherwise he might and ought to have told the messengers at once that Balak needed not to have given himself and them so much trouble, since it was not in his power to do for him what he requested; nor would he attempt it, as being contrary to the will of God, and therefore it would be their best way to return as soon as they could; but instead of that, he desires them to stay that night, which must give them some hope of succeeding in their embassy:

that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more;
he hoped he would change his mind, and say something to him different from, and contrary to what he had before declared unto him, which to suppose of God is great vileness and wickedness; to such a pitch did his greedy desire after riches and honour work him up into; he ought to have been satisfied with the answer already given him, and not to have inquired more.

Numbers 22:19 In-Context

17 for I will surely do you great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do; come, curse this people for me.'"
18 But Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, "Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
19 Pray, now, tarry here this night also, that I may know what more the LORD will say to me."
20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, "If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only what I bid you, that shall you do."
21 So Balaam rose in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.