Book of Numbers - Chapter 22 - Verse 40

In this verse, Balak, the king of Moab, is attempting to seek the assistance of Balaam, a renowned diviner, to curse the Israelites. To persuade Balaam to come and curse the Israelites, Balak sends messengers to him bearing gifts of oxen and sheep as a form of bribery. In the ancient world, such offerings were commonly used to seek favor or blessing from a deity or a respected individual. Balak's decision to offer these valuable animals highlights the seriousness of his request and his desire for Balaam's help in cursing the Israelites.

Additionally, Balak also sends his officials along with the messengers to ensure that his message is delivered clearly and effectively to Balaam. The presence of the princes indicates that this request is of high importance to the king, and he is willing to go to great lengths to convince Balaam to comply. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent interactions between Balak, Balaam, and the Israelites, ultimately leading to important events in the biblical narrative.

In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see the king of Moab, Balak, attempting to use his wealth to coerce the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. The act of offering oxen and sheep was a common way to seek favor from gods or spiritual figures in ancient Near Eastern culture. By offering these sacrifices, Balak believed he could manipulate Balaam into cursing the Israelites. However, this verse serves as a reminder that no amount of material wealth can influence the plans and purposes of God. Despite Balak's attempts, Balaam remained faithful to God's will and was ultimately unable to curse the Israelites. This event highlights the power and sovereignty of God over all earthly kings and rulers. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God's providence, even in the face of pressure and temptation.