Numbers 22:8

Study note

Setting — Balaam addresses the Moabite and Midianite princes who have just arrived with Balak’s fees and message. He instructs them to remain overnight while he waits to receive the Lord’s response.

The words — The imperative לִ֤ינוּ (li.nu) commands the men to “lodge” or stay in place, creating a temporal pause. The noun דָּבָ֔ר (da.Var) denotes the specific “word” or divine message Balaam promises to return with after consultation.

The thread — This pattern of waiting for a direct divine utterance aligns with the prophetic standard in Numbers 12:6 and Balaam’s later declaration in Numbers 23:12 that he will speak only what the Lord puts in his mouth. The same overnight waiting motif recurs in Numbers 22:19 when Balaam seeks further instruction.

Why it lands — The text records a factual pause for divine communication before any reply is given. It requires the reader to recognize that authoritative speech depends on receiving a direct command rather than responding to human payment or pressure.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.