Definition: And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 22:7. It's a really interesting story about God’s judgment and a bit of trickery. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Balak Wants to Pay Balaam a Price: Balak, a leader of the Moabites and Midianites (two groups of people), is looking for someone to do something – he wants to pay someone a lot of money for a specific task. He’s essentially offering a huge reward. Balaam Comes Along: Balaam is a priest who was called by God to offer sacrifices. He’s a fairly straightforward and honest person. Balaam Talks to Balak: Balaam doesn't immediately refuse the deal. Instead, he engages in a conversation with Balak. Balaam Reveals a Secret: In this conversation, Balaam tells Balak that God has already decided who is going to do the task – and it’s not Balak! He reveals that God wants someone else to carry out the work. Putting It All Together - A Simple Explanation: Balaam was tricked into agreeing to help Balak. He was being used as a pawn in a larger scheme of God's will. God is using Balaam to fulfill His plan, even though Balaam doesn’t understand it himself. Key Takeaways: Divine Sovereignty: This verse shows that God is in control and knows what He wants to happen, even if people try to manipulate or deceive Him. Faith and Obedience: Balaam's willingness to speak up against Balak demonstrates faith in God’s plan. The Importance of Listening to God: It highlights the idea that we should listen to God’s guidance and not be swayed by temptation or deceit. Important Note: This story is a classic example of how humans can sometimes try to get ahead through trickery, but it also emphasizes that ultimately, God's plan is always good and will prevail. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this in more detail? Discuss the significance of the story’s themes (like faith, obedience, or deception)?