Numbers 22:9

9 Then God came to Balaam and asked, "Who are these men with you?"

Numbers 22:9 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 22:9

And God came unto Balaam
In a dream very probably, as he did to Abimelech and Laban, ( Genesis 20:3 ) ( 31:24 ) :

and said, what men are these with thee?
who lodged with him that night. This he said, not as ignorant who they were, or from whence they came, or what they came about; but in order to lead on to a discourse with Balaam, and to have from him the account of the men, and their business, and to try his fidelity in relating the affair.

Numbers 22:9 In-Context

7 The elders of Moab and Midian departed with fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and reported Balak's words to him.

8 He said to them, "Spend the night here, and I will give you the answer the Lord tells me." So the officials of Moab stayed with Balaam.

9 Then God came to Balaam and asked, "Who are these men with you?"

10 Balaam replied to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent [this message] to me:

11 'Look, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the surface of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.' "