Book of Numbers - Chapter 23 - Verse 18

When the Bible refers to "taking up a parable," it means that the speaker is about to impart a message using figurative language or a story with a moral lesson. In this particular verse, the speaker is addressing Balak, the son of Zippor, urging him to listen and pay attention to what he is about to say. Balak was a Moabite king who was concerned about the Israelites approaching his land and sought the help of the prophet Balaam to curse them. By telling Balak to rise up and listen, the speaker is setting the stage for an important message or prophecy to be delivered. Throughout the Bible, parables are used to convey deep spiritual truths or lessons about morality, faith, and the nature of God. In this context, the verse serves as a prelude to the message that is about to be revealed, emphasizing the importance of paying attention and heeding the words spoken.

In this verse from the book of Numbers, the phrase "took up his parable" is used to indicate that Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is about to deliver a message from God. The Hebrew word for "parable" in this context, "mashal," can also be translated as "oracle" or "prophetic utterance." By using this term, the text highlights the authoritative nature of Balaam's words and emphasizes the divine source of his message. Additionally, the name "Balak" means "destroyer" in Hebrew, which is significant given that Balak, the king of Moab, is seeking Balaam's help in cursing the Israelites. The plea to "rise up" and "hear" underscores the urgency and importance of the message that Balaam is about to deliver. Overall, this verse sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, where the divine will clash with human desires, and the power of prophecy is revealed.