Numbers 22:19

19 I pray you to stay here this night also, that I may know what the Lord will answer me once more.

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 am ready to honour thee, and will give thee whatsoever thou wilt: come and curse this people.
18 Balaam answered: If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot alter the word of the Lord my God, to speak either more or less.
19 I pray you to stay here this night also, that I may know what the Lord will answer me once more.
20 God therefore came to Balaam in the night, and said to him: If these men be come to call thee, arise and go with them: yet so, that thou do what I shall command thee.
21 Balaam arose in the morning, and saddling his ass went with them.
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