“And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.”
Context: The book of Numbers is part of the Torah, specifically the fourth book of the Bible, which describes the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. In this particular passage, we encounter the story of Balaam, a diviner whom Balak, the king of Moab, sought to hire to curse the Israelites.
Moab and Midian: The Moabites and Midianites were neighboring nations to Israel. Balak, the king of Moab, feared the Israelites because of their recent victories over other nations. Hoping to protect his kingdom, Balak sought the assistance of Balaam, a renowned diviner or prophet, to curse the Israelites.
Rewards of Divination: The elders of Moab and Midian came to Balaam bearing “rewards of divination” in their hands. Divination refers to the practice of seeking knowledge or guidance from supernatural forces. These rewards likely represented an enticement to persuade Balaam to use his prophetic abilities against the Israelites.
Balaam: Balaam was a non-Israelite diviner from the region of Pethor, which was located near the Euphrates River. He was known for his ability to communicate with God and receive divine messages. Balak hoped that Balaam’s curses would weaken the Israelites and give the Moabites an advantage.
Balak’s Request: Balak sent the elders of Moab and Midian to Balaam to convey his desire for Balaam to come and curse the Israelites. Balak believed that whoever Balaam cursed would be bound by a divine curse, ensuring their defeat or misfortune.
This passage sets the stage for the ensuing narrative of Balaam’s interactions with God and the remarkable events that unfold. It raises important themes such as the power of God’s blessings and the potential consequences of attempting to harm God’s chosen people. The story continues in subsequent verses, showcasing God’s intervention and Balaam’s struggle with his own intentions.
Please note that further exploration of this story and its significance can be found in subsequent verses and chapters of the Book of Numbers.
