במדבר, פרק כ״ג, פסוק י״ז

The second encounter between the Moabite king and the hired prophet unfolds under a heavy cloud of tension. The initial excitement of their partnership has evaporated, replaced by deep disappointment, frustration, and mounting cynicism after the first attempt to curse the Israelites ended in a blessing.

The prophet's approach to the king reflects this shifted dynamic. Rather than returning promptly and eagerly, he hesitates. He delays his arrival and shows a clear reluctance to deliver God's message, dragging his feet until the king is forced to prompt him to speak [העמק דבר]. When he finally arrives, he finds the king standing by the sacrifice exactly as instructed [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

However, the royal entourage has noticeably changed. During their first meeting, the king was surrounded by all his high-ranking officials. Now, the group is much smaller. The primary approach among commentators is that the initial failure shattered their confidence. Having watched the prophet bless the Israelites instead of cursing them, many officials simply lost hope and abandoned the mission. Others, however, suggest this smaller gathering was entirely intentional. One view proposes that the king deliberately selected only six officials who shared his background in sorcery, stationing each one at a different altar to maintain intense focus and keep the dark ritual hidden from the general public [שפתי כהן]. Another explanation points to the nature of the sacrifices. While the first offering was a joint effort that included the prophet's own officials, this second offering belonged solely to the king. Therefore, only the Moabite officials remained present [העמק דבר].

The silence that follows is broken by the king asking what God has spoken. This is far from an innocent inquiry. Commentators agree that the question drips with sarcasm and mockery. During their first attempt, the king did not need to ask anything; he simply waited, and the prophet immediately began to speak. This time, the prophet remains silent, giving the king an opening to humiliate him. By asking what God said, the king reminds the prophet of his own powerlessness and lack of control over his words. He is essentially saying that since the prophet already admitted he cannot speak his own mind and only repeats what God dictates, they might as well hear what God has decided to put in his mouth this time [רלב״ג, בכור שור, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Adding to the insult, the king sits down dismissively as he delivers this sarcastic remark. This blatant show of disrespect prompts an immediate reaction from the prophet, who orders the king to get back on his feet. The message is clear: when hearing the word of God, one must stand in absolute awe and reverence [שפתי כהן].