Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 22:19 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Numbers 22:19 (KJV)
Numbers 22:19 is part of the story of Balaam, a prophet who was approached by Balak, the king of Moab. Balak was afraid of the Israelites because they were numerous and strong. He wanted Balaam to curse them so that he could defeat them.
Balak sent messengers to Balaam, offering him riches and honor if he would curse Israel. However, Balaam sought God’s guidance, and God told him not to go with them and not to curse Israel because they were blessed.
When Balak heard this, he sent even more important messengers and promised greater rewards. Balaam responded in Numbers 22:18 that he could not go beyond God’s word, no matter how much silver or gold Balak offered. However, in Numbers 22:19, Balaam asked the messengers to stay the night so that he could ask God again.
This verse is significant because it reveals Balaam’s struggle between obedience to God and his desire for earthly rewards.
Numbers 22:19 (KJV)
“Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more.”
Numbers 22:19 Meaning
Numbers 22:19 gives insight into Balaam’s character and his response to temptation. Below are key points to understand this verse:
1. Balaam Had Already Received an Answer from God
In Numbers 22:12, God had already told Balaam not to go with the men and not to curse Israel because they were blessed. Balaam did not need to ask God again. Yet, when Balak’s second group of messengers came with greater rewards, Balaam acted as if he needed to seek God’s answer again. This suggests that Balaam was hoping God would change His mind.
2. Balaam’s Struggle with Temptation
Balaam had previously stated in Numbers 22:18 that he could not go beyond God’s word. However, the fact that he asked God again in verse 19 shows that he was struggling with the temptation of wealth and honor. He wanted God to give him permission to go with Balak’s messengers.
3. God Allowed Balaam to Go but Not to Curse Israel
Later, in Numbers 22:20, God told Balaam that if the men came to call him, he could go, but he was only allowed to speak what God commanded. This shows that sometimes, if people persist in asking for something, God may allow them to follow their desires—even when it is not the best choice for them.
4. The Danger of Trying to Change God’s Will
Balaam’s actions in verse 19 show that he was trying to change God’s will. Instead of accepting God’s command from the first time, he hoped that by asking again, he would get a different answer. This is a warning that we should accept God’s word and not try to manipulate Him for our own desires.
5. God’s Sovereignty and Patience
Even though Balaam was acting with selfish motives, God was still in control. He allowed Balaam to go, but He later sent an angel to block his path (Numbers 22:22-35). This shows that God is sovereign and patient, but He does not allow disobedience to go unchecked.
Numbers 22:19 Application in Life
Numbers 22:19 is an important lesson for us today. Here are some ways we can apply this verse to our lives:
1. Accepting God’s First Answer
When God gives us a clear answer, we should accept it and not try to find a way around it. Balaam knew that God had already spoken, yet he asked again because he wanted a different answer. This can happen in our lives when we pray for something but do not accept God’s response.
2. Avoiding the Love of Money
Balaam’s actions were influenced by the promise of wealth and honor. This verse warns us about the dangers of greed. We should seek to obey God rather than chase after money or success.
3. Trusting God’s Will
Instead of trying to change God’s mind, we should trust that His plans are best. Balaam’s actions show what happens when someone tries to force their own desires instead of submitting to God’s will.
4. Being Careful with Our Requests
Sometimes, when people insist on something, God allows them to have it—but with consequences. Balaam was allowed to go with Balak’s men, but his journey was filled with difficulties, including an encounter with an angel who nearly killed him. This teaches us to be careful about what we ask from God.
5. Obedience Over Personal Gain
Balaam’s story is a reminder that obedience to God is more important than any earthly reward. We must make decisions based on what pleases God, not on what benefits us materially.
Conclusion
Numbers 22:19 is a powerful verse that shows Balaam’s struggle between obedience to God and his desire for riches. Instead of accepting God’s clear answer, Balaam tried to ask again, hoping for a different response. This teaches us to trust God’s will, resist the temptation of wealth, and accept His first answer.
Balaam’s story is a warning to all believers: we should not try to manipulate God’s will to fit our desires. Instead, we must seek to obey Him fully and trust that His plans are always for our good.
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