Old Testament

Numbers 22:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the leaders from Moab and Midian are on a mission to seek the help of Balaam, a well-known diviner.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian set out, carrying payment for divination. They arrived at Balaam's home and delivered Balak's message.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the leaders from Moab and Midian are on a mission to seek the help of Balaam, a well-known diviner. They bring with them rewards, likely money or gifts, as payment for his services in divination. This indicates that they are serious about their request to Balaam, who has a reputation for being able to bless or curse people effectively. The elders deliver a message from Balak, the king of Moab, who is concerned about the Israelites and wants Balaam to curse them to weaken their influence. This sets the stage for the events that follow, where Balaam's interactions with God and his eventual decisions will play a crucial role in the fate of the Israelites. The act of seeking divination reflects the cultural practices of the time, where people often turned to spiritual figures for guidance in critical matters. This verse highlights the intersection of faith, power, and the influence of spiritual leaders in ancient societies. Explore related leadership.

How to apply Numbers 22:7 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking guidance in our decisions. However, we should be cautious about where we seek that guidance. Instead of turning to questionable sources, we should rely on prayer and the wisdom found in scripture to navigate our challenges.

Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Numbers 22:7 mean?

Numbers 22:7 describes the elders of Moab and Midian seeking Balaam's help by bringing rewards for his divination services. They deliver a message from Balak, the king of Moab, who wants Balaam to curse the Israelites.

What is the significance of divination in Numbers 22:7?

Divination in Numbers 22:7 highlights the cultural practices of the time, where leaders sought spiritual guidance for important decisions. It reflects the reliance on spiritual figures like Balaam for blessings or curses.

Who are the key figures in Numbers 22:7?

The key figures in Numbers 22:7 are the elders of Moab and Midian, who represent their nations, and Balaam, a well-known diviner. Balak, the king of Moab, is also significant as he sends the elders to seek Balaam's help.

What does the term 'rewards of divination' refer to in this verse?

The term 'rewards of divination' in Numbers 22:7 refers to the payment or gifts that the elders brought to Balaam as compensation for his services in seeking spiritual insight or blessings.

The Book of Numbers
Book Summary

The Book of Numbers

Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders

The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.

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