“And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.”
Numbers 22:14 is part of the narrative in the Book of Numbers that recounts the events surrounding the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, the princes of Moab approach Balak, the king of Moab, to inform him about Balaam’s refusal to come with them.
To fully understand the significance of this verse, it’s helpful to examine the broader context. Balak was concerned about the Israelites’ encampment near the plains of Moab, and he perceived them as a threat. He wanted to protect his people from the Israelites’ growing power, so he decided to call upon Balaam, a renowned diviner or prophet, to curse the Israelites and weaken them.
Balak sent messengers, the princes of Moab, to Balaam with a request to come and curse the Israelites. However, in verse 14, we see that Balaam refused their invitation to go with them. This refusal by Balaam sets the stage for the subsequent events that unfold in the narrative.
Balaam’s refusal to accompany the Moabite princes is significant for a couple of reasons. First, it indicates that Balaam recognized the importance of seeking God’s will and guidance. In the following verses, we learn that Balaam, as a diviner, sought divine instruction and was told not to go with the messengers (Numbers 22:12).
Second, Balaam’s refusal demonstrates the sovereignty of God and His protection over His chosen people, the Israelites. Despite Balak’s desire to curse the Israelites, God intervenes to prevent Balaam from going with the messengers, as Balaam could only speak the words that God put in his mouth (Numbers 22:38; Numbers 23:5, 16).
Ultimately, God’s plan for the Israelites would prevail, and Balaam would be used by God to bless the Israelites rather than curse them. This series of events reveals God’s faithfulness to His covenant with the Israelites and His power over the schemes of other nations.
In summary, Numbers 22:14 highlights Balaam’s refusal to accompany the princes of Moab, demonstrating his commitment to seeking God’s guidance. It also serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, foreshadowing God’s ultimate protection and blessing upon the Israelites.
