What does Numbers 22:11 mean?

"Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out." - Numbers 22:11

"Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out." - Numbers 22:11

The Bible verse Numbers 22:11 in the King James Version (KJV) reads:

"Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out."

This verse is part of the story of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet who was hired by the king of Moab, Balak, to curse the Israelites. The context of this verse is important in understanding its meaning and significance. The Israelites had just defeated the Amorites and were encamped in the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan River from the Promised Land. Balak, the king of Moab, was fearful of the Israelites and sought to weaken them by enlisting the help of Balaam to curse them.

In this verse, Balak is speaking to Balaam, expressing his concern about the Israelites and his desire for them to be cursed. He recognizes the great number and the power of the Israelites, and he hopes that by cursing them, he will be able to overcome them and drive them out of the area. This verse highlights the fear and desperation of Balak, as well as his recognition of the Israelites as a formidable force.

The themes present in this verse include power, fear, and divine intervention. The power of the Israelites is emphasized by Balak's recognition of their vast numbers and the way they "covereth the face of the earth." This reflects the strength and influence of the Israelites as a nation. Additionally, fear is a prominent theme in this verse, as Balak's actions are driven by his fear of the Israelites and his desire to weaken them. Finally, the concept of divine intervention is present in Balak's belief that Balaam has the ability to curse the Israelites and potentially drive them out. This reflects the belief in the supernatural and the power of curses in ancient times.

Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in the imagery of the Israelites "covering the face of the earth." This can be seen as symbolic of the Israelites' prominence and influence on the land, as well as their overwhelming presence in the region. Additionally, the idea of cursing the Israelites can be seen as symbolic of the desire to weaken or diminish their power, reflecting the ongoing struggle between nations and the use of supernatural means to gain advantage.

In terms of commentary, this verse provides insight into the mindset of Balak and the challenges faced by the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. It highlights the fear and desperation of those who sought to oppose them, as well as the recognition of the Israelites as a significant force. Additionally, it sets the stage for the story of Balaam and his interactions with the Israelites, which will unfold in subsequent verses.

Overall, Numbers 22:11 in the KJV offers a glimpse into the political and spiritual dynamics of the ancient Near East, as well as the ongoing struggles and conflicts faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land. It also provides valuable insight into the themes of power, fear, and divine intervention, as well as the symbolic significance of the Israelites as a dominant presence in the region.

Have questions about Numbers 22:11?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Numbers 22:11 Artwork

Numbers 22:11 - "Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out."

Numbers 22:11 - "Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out."

"Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out." - Numbers 22:11

"Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out." - Numbers 22:11

Numbers 11:22 - "Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?"

Numbers 11:22 - "Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?"

Numbers 11

Numbers 11

James 2:2-4

James 2:2-4

Numbers 6:22 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 6:22 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 7:22 - "One kid of the goats for a sin offering:"

Numbers 7:22 - "One kid of the goats for a sin offering:"

Numbers 33:22 - "And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah."

Numbers 33:22 - "And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah."

"Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?" - Numbers 11:22

"Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?" - Numbers 11:22

Numbers 11:17

Numbers 11:17

Numbers 11 quail

Numbers 11 quail

Numbers 11:15

Numbers 11:15

Numbers 11:5

Numbers 11:5

Numbers 34:22 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli."

Numbers 34:22 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli."

Numbers 22:39 - "And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth."

Numbers 22:39 - "And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth."

Numbers 31:22 - "Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,"

Numbers 31:22 - "Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,"

Numbers 11:16-26

Numbers 11:16-26

Numbers 28:22 - "And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you."

Numbers 28:22 - "And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you."

Numbers 22:9 - "And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?"

Numbers 22:9 - "And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?"

Numbers 11. 4 to 6

Numbers 11. 4 to 6

Genesis 22:11

Genesis 22:11

Leviticus 11:22

Leviticus 11:22

Numbers 1:11 - "Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni."

Numbers 1:11 - "Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni."

Numbers 26:11 - "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not."

Numbers 26:11 - "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not."

Numbers 2:22 - "Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni."

Numbers 2:22 - "Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni."

Numbers 26:22 - "These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred."

Numbers 26:22 - "These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred."

Numbers 4:22 - "Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;"

Numbers 4:22 - "Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;"

Numbers 22:2 - "¶ And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites."

Numbers 22:2 - "¶ And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites."

Numbers 22:15 - "¶ And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they."

Numbers 22:15 - "¶ And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they."

Numbers 22:40 - "And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him."

Numbers 22:40 - "And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him."