Numbers 24:11

24:11 So now, go back where you came from! ¹  I said that I would greatly honor you; but now the Lord has stood in the way of your honor.”

Numbers 22:17

22:17 For I will honor you greatly, ²  and whatever you tell me I will do. So come, put a curse on this nation for me.’”

Numbers 22:15

Balaam Accompanies the Moabite Princes

22:15 Balak again sent princes, ³  more numerous and more distinguished than the first. ⁴ 

Numbers 22:37

22:37 Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send again and again ⁵  to you to summon you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?” ⁶ 

¹ tn Heb “flee to your place.”

² tn The construction uses the Piel infinitive כַּבֵּד (kabbed) to intensify the verb, which is the Piel imperfect/cohortative אֲכַבֶּדְךָ (’akhabbedkha). The great honor could have been wealth, prestige, or position.

³ tn The construction is a verbal hendiadys. It uses the Hiphil preterite of the verb “to add” followed by the Qal infinitive “to send.” The infinitive becomes the main verb, and the preterite an adverb: “he added to send” means “he sent again.”

⁴ tn Heb “than these.”

⁴ tn The emphatic construction is made of the infinitive absolute and the perfect tense from the verb שָׁלַח (shalakh, “to send”). The idea must be more intense than something like, “Did I not certainly send.” Balak is showing frustration with Balaam for refusing him.

⁵ sn Balak again refers to his ability to “honor” the seer. This certainly meant payment for his service, usually gold ornaments, rings and jewelry, as well as some animals.