Why did Balak question Balaam's delay in coming to him? Setting the Scene • Israel’s vast camp had just defeated the Amorites (Numbers 21). • Moab’s king Balak panicked: “Moab was terrified… Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites” (Numbers 22:3). • He believed only a supernatural curse could save his nation, so he twice sent impressive delegations to the pagan diviner Balaam (Numbers 22:5–7, 15–17). • In the second message Balak pleaded, “Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me… I will honor you richly” (22:16–17). Balak’s Question in Numbers 22:37 “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?”. Why Balak Challenged Balaam’s Delay 1. Urgency of the threat – Every day Israel camped on Moab’s border increased Balak’s fear (22:3–4). – He had no time for hesitation; a delayed curse looked like a lost battle. 2. Confidence in political power and wealth – Kings were accustomed to instant obedience. – He assumed gold and honor were irresistible: “Am I really not able to reward you?” (22:37). 3. Repeated refusals wounded his pride – Balaam had already said “No” once (22:13). – A second delay felt like public humiliation for a king who had promised “I will do whatever you say” (22:17). 4. Suspicion of Balaam’s motives – Balak hinted that Balaam might doubt the payout. – The New Testament confirms Balaam’s reputation for greed (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11), so Balak pressed the money angle. 5. Spiritual blindness – Balak saw only human factors—money, prestige, timing. – He did not grasp that the living God had intervened, first telling Balaam not to go (22:12), then permitting him only under strict conditions (22:20). The Divine Side of the Delay • Balaam waited overnight each time for God’s word (22:8–13; 22:18–20). • On the road God’s angel blocked him three times (22:22–35). • The delay was heaven-ordained; Balak’s impatience could not overrule God’s timetable. Key Takeaways for Today • Human fear and urgency often misread God’s purposes. • Wealth can neither hurry nor hinder God’s plan. • When God restrains or redirects, even kings must wait. • Like Balak, the world may question obedience-based delays, but Scripture shows that waiting on the Lord is never wasted (Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31). |
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