And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

NUMBERS 22:8KJV
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Numbers 22:8 (KJV)

What does Numbers 22:8 mean?

Numbers 22:8 shows Balaam telling the Moabite officials to stay the night so he can consult the LORD and report back what God tells him. Balaam does not give an immediate answer, but instead waits to hear from the LORD before responding to the request of the Moabite princes.

In this verse, Balaam is speaking to the princes (officials) sent by Balak, the king of Moab, who want Balaam to curse Israel. Balaam’s response shows a pause for divine guidance, making it clear that he will only speak what the LORD (the God of Israel) tells him. The officials remain with Balaam overnight, waiting for his answer, which sets up the following events where God will speak to Balaam.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 22:8

  • "Lodge" (לִינוּ, linū) means to stay overnight or spend the night. This word shows that Balaam is not rushing but is taking time to seek an answer, emphasizing the seriousness of the request.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) is the specific name for the God of Israel, not a generic term for deity. Balaam’s use of this name signals that he recognizes the authority of Israel’s God, not just any god.
  • "Princes" (שָׂרֵי, sarē) refers to high-ranking officials, not just ordinary messengers. This highlights the importance Balak places on the mission to Balaam.

Why Numbers 22:8 matters

  • Numbers 22:8 clarifies that Balaam does not act on his own authority or for personal gain; he waits for direction from the LORD before making any promises.
  • The verse shows the tension between Moab’s urgent request and Balaam’s insistence on seeking God’s will, which is a key theme in the larger story.
  • This moment sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where God’s communication with Balaam becomes central to the unfolding events.

Where else these words appear

“Balaam” Hebrew H1109 · used in 57 verses

  • Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
  • Numbers 22:34 And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.
  • Numbers 23:29 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.

“Lodge” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 4:3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
  • Job 17:2 Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?