Numbers 22:38
Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Balaam is speaking to Balak, saying that he can only say what God tells him to say. He doesn't have any control over what he says; he must say exactly what God puts in his mouth.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who can only say what your parents tell them to say. If your parents tell your friend to say 'good morning,' that's all they'll say. Balaam is like that friend, and God is the parent. He can only say what God tells him to say.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the Book of Numbers, which was written by Moses around 1400 BC. It describes the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The audience is primarily the Israelites, and the cultural setting involves a complex interplay of tribal alliances and conflicts.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, imagine a public speaker who is asked to speak at a conference. Instead of preparing a speech, this speaker decides to only share insights that come to them in the moment, trusting that what they say will be meaningful and on-point, just like Balaam trusting God's words.