Numbers 22:7 – “The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination. When they came to Balaam, they told him what Balak had said.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 22:7 shows the next step in King Balak’s plan to curse the Israelites. The elders of Moab and Midian, who were influential leaders in their respective nations, were sent with a “fee for divination” to hire Balaam, a well-known prophet. This fee was essentially payment for Balaam’s prophetic services, specifically to perform a curse against Israel. The verse captures the moment when these leaders come to Balaam, presenting both the payment and Balak’s message.
The act of paying a fee for divination indicates that Balak and his elders believed they could manipulate spiritual forces through financial means. It shows how serious they were about using whatever resources necessary to try to gain control over a situation that felt beyond their ability to handle on their own. This verse sets the stage for the unfolding conflict between Balaam’s prophetic words and God’s ultimate control over the situation.
Historical Context
At this point in Israel’s journey, they had become a powerful and intimidating presence near Moab’s borders. The Israelites had already defeated formidable enemies like the Amorites, causing fear and alarm among surrounding nations, including Moab and Midian. These two groups, despite their differences, found common ground in their fear of Israel and joined forces to seek Balaam’s help.
Divination was a common practice in the ancient world, where kings and leaders often consulted with prophets, seers, or other spiritual figures to gain insight, blessings, or curses. Balaam was known for his ability to communicate with spiritual forces, and his reputation had spread far beyond his homeland near the Euphrates River. By sending payment along with their request, the elders were treating Balaam’s prophetic abilities as a service that could be bought, reflecting the widespread belief that spiritual outcomes could be influenced through wealth and persuasion.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the flawed belief that spiritual power can be bought or manipulated. The act of bringing a fee for divination to Balaam highlights how the Moabites and Midianites misunderstood the nature of true spiritual authority. In their minds, paying Balaam would secure the curse they desired, but this is a stark contrast to the biblical understanding that God’s will cannot be controlled or swayed by human means.
Theologically, this verse serves as a reminder that God’s power and His plans are not subject to human manipulation. The Moabites’ attempt to use Balaam against Israel is ultimately futile because God’s purpose for His people cannot be altered by financial transactions or prophetic rituals. This stands as a warning against trying to control spiritual outcomes through human effort, highlighting the importance of seeking God’s will rather than trying to bend it to personal desires.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 22:7 uses straightforward language to convey the deliberate actions of the Moabite and Midianite elders. The phrase “taking with them the fee for divination” is significant, as it not only reveals their intentions but also their belief in the power of transactional spirituality. The verse captures a moment of negotiation, where the spiritual and material worlds intersect through the exchange of money for prophecy.
The narrative sets up a tension between human intention and divine authority. While the elders think they are setting a plan into motion, the reader is aware that God is ultimately in control of the situation. This literary tension builds suspense, as the unfolding story will reveal whether Balaam’s prophetic words align with the will of the people who paid him or with the will of God.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Micah 3:11: This verse criticizes leaders who rely on divination for money, showing that trying to use spiritual gifts for profit is condemned by God.
- Acts 8:18-20: Simon the Sorcerer tries to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, and Peter rebukes him, demonstrating that spiritual gifts and authority cannot be purchased.
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12: God explicitly forbids His people from engaging in divination and other similar practices, underscoring that true guidance comes from God alone.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 22:7 serves as a warning against trying to control or manipulate spiritual outcomes through worldly means. The elders of Moab and Midian thought they could buy the result they wanted by paying Balaam, but they were ignorant of the fact that true spiritual authority belongs to God alone. This verse challenges believers to trust in God’s power and guidance rather than attempting to influence spiritual matters through human effort, bribery, or manipulation.
It also reminds Christians that God’s plans cannot be thwarted by the schemes of others. When faced with opposition or attempts to harm, believers can rest in the assurance that God’s purpose for their lives is secure, regardless of external pressures or spiritual attacks. This trust in God’s control frees believers from the fear that others can manipulate their destiny through spiritual means.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse illustrates God’s protective love for His people, as He remains in control even when others plot against them. The actions of the Moabite and Midianite elders show the lengths to which people will go out of fear, but God’s love for Israel ensures that their schemes will not succeed. God’s protective love is a shield, guarding His people from curses and attacks that they may not even be aware of.
God’s love is not only a comfort but also a defense against all attempts to harm His children. This verse reminds us that God sees the plans of others and acts on behalf of His people, ensuring that no weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). His love is a constant protection, turning intended harm into opportunities for His purposes to be fulfilled.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The story of Balaam and the elders of Moab and Midian seeking to curse Israel can be seen as a foreshadowing of the opposition Jesus faced during His ministry. Just as Balak and the elders sought to use spiritual forces against Israel, religious leaders and authorities sought to discredit and destroy Jesus. However, just as God turned Balaam’s curses into blessings, Jesus turned the ultimate curse—death on the cross—into the greatest victory.
Jesus’ sacrifice ensures that no curse or accusation can stand against those who are in Him. Colossians 2:14-15 speaks of how Jesus disarmed spiritual powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them through the cross. In Christ, believers are protected from all spiritual harm, as He has already overcome the world and any attempts to derail God’s plans.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of seeking God’s guidance versus trying to control spiritual outcomes?
- What can you learn from the Moabite and Midianite elders about the dangers of relying on worldly methods to solve spiritual problems?
- How does God’s protective love in this verse encourage you when facing opposition or threats from others?
- In what ways can you trust Jesus’ victory over spiritual forces as you navigate challenges in your own life?
This verse invites us to reflect on the truth that God’s love and sovereignty protect us from all harm, encouraging us to place our trust fully in Him rather than in human schemes or manipulations.