Numbers 22:19

19 Stay here tonight, just as the others did. I'll find out what else the LORD will tell 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 I'll make you very rich. I'll do anything you say. Come. Put a curse on those people for me.' "
18 But Balaam gave them his answer. He said, "Balak could give me his palace filled with silver and gold. Even then, I still couldn't do anything at all that goes beyond what the LORD my God commands.
19 Stay here tonight, just as the others did. I'll find out what else the LORD will tell me."
20 That night God came to Balaam. He said, "These men have come to get you. So go with them. But do only what I tell you to do."
21 Balaam got up in the morning. He put a saddle on his donkey. Then he went with the princes of Moab.
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