Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 22:37 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Numbers 22:37 (KJV)
The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and is part of the Torah. It details the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and their interactions with different nations as they head toward the Promised Land. Numbers 22 is part of the larger story of Balaam, a prophet from Mesopotamia, who is called by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites. Balak fears the growing power of the Israelites and believes that by cursing them, he can protect his own people.
The story of Balaam is unique in that it includes supernatural occurrences, such as the angelic confrontation on the road and Balaam’s donkey speaking to him. God repeatedly warns Balaam not to curse the Israelites, even though Balak offers him great wealth and honor. Despite these warnings, Balaam initially agrees to go with Balak’s messengers, but he can only speak the words that God gives him. This sets the stage for Numbers 22:37, where Balak speaks to Balaam in frustration after seeing that Balaam has not cursed the Israelites as requested.
Numbers 22:37 (KJV)
“And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?” (Numbers 22:37, KJV)
This verse occurs when Balak is expressing his frustration and confusion to Balaam. After several attempts to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites, Balak is now questioning Balaam’s decision not to act according to his expectations. In his words, Balak is also reminding Balaam of the power and rewards he can offer him, which seems to be a subtle form of pressure.
Numbers 22:37 Meaning
To understand the meaning of this verse, we must look at Balak’s response to Balaam and the deeper themes that are being revealed in this conversation.
Balak’s Frustration
Balak’s words to Balaam in Numbers 22:37 reflect his growing frustration. Earlier in the narrative, Balak sent messengers to invite Balaam to curse the Israelites. He offered Balaam riches and honor in exchange for this curse. But Balaam, after speaking with God and receiving His instructions, made it clear that he could only say what God told him to say. Balak had hoped for more — he wanted Balaam’s curse to succeed in stopping the Israelites, but Balaam’s responses did not align with Balak’s desires.
Balak’s question, “Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee?” is an expression of his dissatisfaction with Balaam’s refusal to immediately cooperate. Balak is frustrated because he believes that Balaam, a prophet with great influence, should have followed through on his initial promise. Balak had invested time and effort in summoning Balaam, and now he expects immediate results. The verse shows Balak’s impatience with God’s will and his focus on personal gain and power rather than the spiritual truth that Balaam is trying to uphold.
Balak’s Offer of Honor
Balak’s next statement, “am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?” highlights his belief that he has the ability to elevate Balaam’s status in exchange for Balaam’s compliance. Balak is offering Balaam wealth, honor, and influence if he will only curse the Israelites as requested. This offer is not just an expression of financial incentive but also a form of manipulation. Balak believes that Balaam can be swayed by material rewards, demonstrating his reliance on worldly power and his disregard for God’s sovereign authority.
This also reveals the ongoing tension between the spiritual realm, in which God controls what will happen, and the earthly realm, where humans often seek control through power, wealth, and influence. Balak is tempting Balaam with these things, but Balaam is in a position where his obedience to God must come first, regardless of the earthly rewards that Balak offers.
Balak’s Desire for Control
Balak’s question implies that he believes he should have some influence over Balaam’s actions. He wants to control the situation, to bend Balaam to his will, and to use the prophet for his own purposes. Balak is acting out of a sense of desperation, trying to manipulate Balaam by offering him earthly rewards in the hope of achieving his desired result: the defeat of the Israelites.
However, the fact that Balaam is only willing to speak what God tells him to speaks volumes about the limits of human power in the face of God’s authority. Balak’s words reveal a stark contrast between the fleeting and temporary power that he offers and the eternal power and authority of God that Balaam must obey.
Numbers 22:37 Application in Life
Numbers 22:37 offers a few valuable lessons that are applicable to our lives, especially in the areas of obedience, worldly temptation, and reliance on God’s will rather than personal desires.
The Temptation of Earthly Rewards
Balak’s offer of honor, riches, and influence is a reminder of the temptations that we face in our own lives. Whether it’s the pursuit of wealth, power, or recognition, we are constantly bombarded by offers of earthly rewards. However, this verse reminds us that worldly rewards are temporary and fleeting. Balak’s offer, while enticing, ultimately cannot compare to the eternal rewards that God offers those who remain faithful to Him.
Like Balaam, we may face moments where we are tempted to compromise our values for earthly gain. However, the story of Balaam shows that we are to remain faithful to God’s will, regardless of the offers of honor or wealth that the world might present. We are reminded to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), knowing that God’s rewards are far greater than any earthly gain.
Obedience to God Over Worldly Influence
Balak’s attempt to manipulate Balaam with promises of honor and reward contrasts with Balaam’s unwavering commitment to speak only what God tells him to say. In our own lives, we may face pressure from various sources to act in ways that contradict our faith. Whether it’s peer pressure, workplace demands, or societal expectations, we must be cautious of those who may try to influence us away from God’s will.
Just as Balaam remained obedient to God, even when tempted with worldly rewards, we must strive to honor God in all that we do. We are called to obey God’s Word and follow His commands, regardless of the external pressures or promises we may face. Balaam’s story challenges us to prioritize God’s will over the approval or rewards of others.
The Consequences of Trying to Control God’s Will
Balak’s attempts to control Balaam reveal a common human tendency to try to manipulate situations for our own benefit. Balak wanted to bend Balaam’s actions to suit his desires, but in doing so, he overlooked God’s authority and the fact that God’s plans will always prevail. This serves as a reminder that we cannot control or manipulate God’s will. God’s purposes are far beyond our understanding, and when we try to control the outcomes of our lives based on our own desires, we are bound to fall short.
Instead of trying to control God’s will, we are called to trust in His plan for our lives and submit to His guidance. It is only by surrendering our own desires and trusting in God’s sovereignty that we can experience true peace and fulfillment.
The Importance of Trusting in God’s Sovereignty
Ultimately, Numbers 22:37 teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty. While Balak believed that his offer of earthly rewards could sway Balaam, Balaam knew that his obedience to God was what mattered most. The verse highlights the reality that God is in control, and His will will always prevail, even in situations where human influence seems powerful.
In our lives, we must learn to trust God even when circumstances seem beyond our control. Like Balaam, we must be willing to follow God’s direction, knowing that His plan is perfect and that His will is what is best for us in the long run.
Conclusion
Numbers 22:37 provides a powerful insight into the human tendency to rely on worldly influence and the importance of submitting to God’s will. Balak’s frustration and his offer of honor and wealth serve as a reminder that we must resist the temptation of earthly rewards and prioritize obedience to God’s Word. Balaam’s unwavering commitment to follow God’s direction, even when pressured by Balak, challenges us to be faithful to God’s guidance in our own lives.
In the face of worldly temptation and the desire for personal gain, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and follow His will, knowing that His rewards far surpass anything this world can offer. Through the example of Balaam, we learn that true honor and fulfillment come from obedience to God, not from the pursuit of earthly power or status. Let us strive to remain faithful to God’s calling, trusting that He will guide us and provide for us according to His perfect plan.
You Might Be Interested In: