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◄ Numbers 22:7►
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
Balak’s messengers, who were elders of Moab and Midian, set out with money to pay Balaam to place a curse upon Israel. They went to Balaam and delivered Balak’s message to him.

English Standard Version
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand. And they came to Balaam and gave him Balak’s message.

Berean Standard Bible
The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.

King James Bible
And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

New King James Version
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak.

New American Standard Bible
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian left with thefees for divination in their hands; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak’s words to him.

NASB 1995
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak’s words to him.

NASB 1977
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with thefees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak’s words to him.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian went away with thefees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and spoke Balak’s words to him.

Amplified Bible
So the elders of Moab and of Midian departed withfees for divination (foretelling) in hand; and they came to Balaam and told him the words of Balak.

Christian Standard Bible
The elders of Moab and Midian departed with fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and reported Balak’s words to him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The elders of Moab and Midian departed with fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and reported Balak’s words to him.

American Standard Version
And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

Contemporary English Version
The leaders of Moab and Midian left and took along money to pay Balaam. When they got to his house, they gave him Balak's message.

English Revised Version
And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The leaders of Moab and Midian left, taking money with them to pay for Balaam's services. They came to Balaam and told him what Balak had said.

Good News Translation
So the Moabite and Midianite leaders took with them the payment for the curse, went to Balaam, and gave him Balak's message.

International Standard Version
So the elders of Moab and Midian left to visit Balaam, bringing an honorarium with them, and communicated Balak's concerns to him.

NET Bible
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fee for divination in their hand. They came to Balaam and reported to him the words of Balak.

New Heart English Bible
The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.

World English Bible
The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand. They came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And [the] elderly of Moab and [the] elderly of Midian go with divinations in their hand, and they come to Balaam and speak the words of Balak to him,

Young's Literal Translation
And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian go, and divinations in their hand, and they come in unto Balaam, and speak unto him the words of Balak,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the old men of Moab and the old men of Midian, will go, and divinations in their hand; and they will come to Balsam, and they will speak to him the words of Balak.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the ancients of Moab, and the elders of Madian, went with the price of divination in their hands. And when they were come to Balaam, and had told him all the words of Balac:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the elders of Moab, and those greater by birth of Midian, continued on, holding the price of divination in their hands. And when they had come to Balaam, and had explained to him all the words of Balak,

New American Bible
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian, themselves experts in divination, left and went to Balaam, to whom they gave Balak’s message.

New Revised Standard Version
So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and gave him Balak’s message.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with gifts for divination in their hands; and they came to Balaam and told him the words of Balak.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Elders of Moab and the Elders of Midian went and their divinations were in their hands and they came to Balaam and they told him the words of Balaq.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spoke unto him the words of Balak.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the elders of Moab went, and the elders of Madiam, and their divininginstruments were in their hands; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balac.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Balak Summons Balaam
…6So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”7The eldersof Moaband Midiandepartedwith the fees for divinationin hand.They cametoBalaamand relayedto himthe wordsof Balak.8“Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 23:4-5
For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.

Joshua 24:9-10
Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.

Nehemiah 13:2
because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).

2 Peter 2:15
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.

Jude 1:11
Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.

Micah 6:5
My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”

2 Kings 17:17
They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

1 Samuel 9:7-8
“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?” / The servant answered him again. “Look,” he said, “I have here in my hand a quarter shekel of silver. I will give it to the man of God, and he will tell us our way.”

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Acts 8:18-20
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. / “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” / But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!

Proverbs 17:23
A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.

Ezekiel 13:19
You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived.

2 Corinthians 11:7-9
Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? / I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you. / And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

1 Kings 13:7-8
Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” / But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place.


Treasury of Scripture

And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.

rewards of divination

1 Samuel 9:7,8
Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold,if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, andthere is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? …

Isaiah 56:11
Yea,they are greedy dogswhich can never have enough, and theyare shepherdsthat cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

Ezekiel 13:19
And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hearyour lies?

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Numbers 22
1.Balak's first message for Balaam is refused
15.His second message obtains him
22.An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey
36.Balak entertains him














The elders of Moab and Midian departed
This phrase highlights the collaboration between Moab and Midian, two distinct groups with a common interest in opposing Israel. Historically, Moab and Midian were neighboring tribes often in conflict with Israel. Their alliance here underscores the perceived threat of the Israelites. The elders' involvement indicates the seriousness of the situation, as elders were respected leaders and decision-makers within their communities.

with the fees for divination in hand.
Divination was a common practice in the ancient Near East, used to seek guidance from the gods. The mention of fees suggests a formal transaction, indicating that Balaam was a professional diviner. This practice was condemned in Israelite law (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), highlighting the contrast between Israel's faith in Yahweh and the pagan practices of surrounding nations. The fees also imply the expectation of a favorable outcome, as diviners were often paid to pronounce blessings or curses.

They came to Balaam
Balaam was a well-known figure, likely a non-Israelite prophet or seer, whose reputation extended across the region. His name appears in other ancient texts, suggesting he was a historical figure. Balaam's role in this narrative is complex, as he is both a conduit for God's messages and a participant in pagan practices. His story illustrates the tension between divine sovereignty and human free will.

and relayed to him the words of Balak.
Balak, the king of Moab, was deeply concerned about the Israelites' presence and sought supernatural intervention. By sending a message through the elders, Balak demonstrates his desperation and belief in the power of curses. This act of communication sets the stage for the unfolding drama, where God's will ultimately prevails over human schemes. The narrative foreshadows the theme of God's protection over Israel, as seen in other scriptures likePsalm 121:7-8.

Persons / Places / Events
1.Elders of Moab and Midian
These are the leaders or representatives from the nations of Moab and Midian. They were sent by Balak, the king of Moab, to seek Balaam's help in cursing the Israelites.

2.Balak
The king of Moab who was fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and their recent victories over neighboring nations. He sought to use Balaam's prophetic abilities to curse the Israelites.

3.Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by the Moabite and Midianite elders to curse the Israelites.

4.Fee for Divination
This refers to the payment or reward offered to Balaam for his services in divination, which was a common practice in ancient times for seeking supernatural insight or influence.

5.Moab and Midian
Two ancient nations located near the land of Canaan. Moab was directly east of the Dead Sea, while Midian was located in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Seeking Divination
The elders of Moab and Midian sought supernatural intervention through divination, which is condemned in Scripture. Believers are reminded to seek God's guidance through prayer and His Word, not through forbidden practices.

The Influence of Fear
Balak's fear of the Israelites led him to take drastic measures. Fear can drive us to make unwise decisions. Trusting in God's sovereignty can help us overcome fear.

The Temptation of Material Gain
Balaam's account is a cautionary tale about the temptation of wealth and material gain. Christians are encouraged to prioritize spiritual integrity over financial gain.

God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans
Despite human intentions, God's will prevails. The account of Balaam shows that God can turn intended curses into blessings, demonstrating His ultimate control over all situations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 22:7?

2.How does Numbers 22:7 illustrate the dangers of seeking ungodly counsel?

3.What role does wealth play in influencing decisions, according to Numbers 22:7?

4.How can we discern God's will when faced with enticing offers?

5.Compare Numbers 22:7 with Proverbs 11:14 on seeking guidance. What insights emerge?

6.How should Christians respond to worldly temptations similar to those in Numbers 22:7?

7.Why did Balak send money to Balaam in Numbers 22:7?

8.Does Numbers 22:7 suggest that prophecy can be bought?

9.How does Numbers 22:7 reflect on the nature of divine messages?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22?

11.Who was Balak in the Bible?

12.Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22?

13.If Balaam’s initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty?

14.Numbers 31:15-16: Why is Balaam's influence singled out as the sole reason for divine judgment on Midian, given previous chapters mention other deeds?
What Does Numbers 22:7 Mean
The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand.

• These “elders” represent the political and religious leadership of two historically rival peoples who are now united by fear of Israel’s advance (Numbers 22:2–4).

• Their departure shows an intentional, organized mission, not a casual errand; the leaders themselves go, underscoring how seriously Balak takes the perceived threat (compareJoshua 2:1, where the king of Jericho also reacts decisively to Israel).

• “Fees for divination” signals a transactional, pagan approach to spiritual matters—paying for supernatural favor. Scripture records this practice as morally corrupt (Ezekiel 13:19;Micah 3:11). By contrast, true prophecy is never for sale (2 Kings 5:15–16;Acts 8:18–20).

• Balaam’s later condemnation as one “who loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15;Jude 11) roots back to this moment. The silver in their hands foreshadows the moral compromise ahead.

• The verse also sets up the clash between hired divination and God’s sovereign word; no amount of money can bend the Lord’s blessing (Numbers 23:20).

They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.

• Balaam lives far from Moab (Numbers 22:5), yet his reputation as a powerful seer precedes him—proof that pagan nations acknowledged genuine spiritual power while lacking true knowledge of the Lord (cf.Joshua 13:22).

• By “relaying” Balak’s exact words, the messengers act as formal envoys, highlighting that Balaam is being contracted like a mercenary prophet.

• Balak’s message (Numbers 22:6) is blunt: “Come and curse this people for me.” It exposes human attempts to manipulate blessing and curse, ignoring God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:3).

• Balaam will soon claim, “I can speak only what God puts in my mouth” (Numbers 22:18, 38), yet his willingness to entertain the offer shows a divided heart—echoing Jesus’ warning that one cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24).

• The narrative prepares readers to witness God overruling pagan plans, much as He later frustrates Ahithophel’s counsel (2 Samuel 17:14) and Haman’s plot (Esther 6:13).

summary

Numbers 22:7 captures a pivotal first step in a larger drama: influential leaders, clutching payment for sorcery, approach a famed diviner to curse Israel. The verse exposes mankind’s tendency to buy spiritual outcomes, contrasts mercenary religion with God’s free and sovereign word, and foreshadows the Lord’s ultimate refusal to let Balaam speak anything but blessing.

(7)And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian.--The close alliance which existed between the two nations appears throughout the whole of the narrative.

The rewards of divination.--Literally,the divinations.Some think the meaning to beinstruments of divination;but asbesorahmeans not onlytidings,but also thereward for tidings(2Samuel 4:10), sokesamimmay mean not onlydivinations,but also therewards of divination.

Verse 7. -With the rewards of divination.קְסָמִים, "soothsayings." Septuagint,τὰμαντεῖα. Here the soothsayer's wages, which St. Peter aptly calls the wages of unrighteousness. The ease with which, among ignorant and superstitious people, a prophet might become a hired soothsayer is apparent even from the case of Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6-8). That it should be thought proper to resort to the man of God for information about some lost property, and much more that it should be thought necessary to pay him a fee for the exercise of his supernatural powers, shows, not indeed that Samuel was a soothsayer, for he was a man of rare integrity and independence, but, that Samuel was but little distinguished from a soothsayer in the popular estimation. If Samuel had learnt to care more for money than for righteousness, he might very easily have become just what Balaam became.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The elders
זִקְנֵ֤י(ziq·nê)
Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2205:Old

of Moab
מוֹאָב֙(mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124:Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled

and Midian
מִדְיָ֔ן(miḏ·yān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4080:Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled

departed
וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ(way·yê·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walk

with the fees for divination
וּקְסָמִ֖ים(ū·qə·sā·mîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7081:A lot, divination, oracle

in hand.
בְּיָדָ֑ם(bə·yā·ḏām)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3027:A hand

They came
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙(way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

Balaam
בִּלְעָ֔ם(bil·‘ām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1109:Balaam -- a prophet

and relayed
וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ(way·ḏab·bə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to him
אֵלָ֖יו(’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

the words
דִּבְרֵ֥י(diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of Balak.
בָלָֽק׃(ḇā·lāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1111:Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king


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OT Law: Numbers 22:7 The elders of Moab and the elders (Nu Num.)
Numbers 22:6
Numbers 22:8
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