Definition: And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage. It’s a really interesting story about God’s power and a man who tried to trick Him. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Balaak is a King: Balak was a powerful king who wanted to bring a curse on a group of Israelite men who were gathering in the wilderness. He was incredibly angry and determined to make them suffer. Balak Sends His Messenger: Balak sent a messenger named Balaam to try and stop the men from coming. Balaam is a Priest: Balaam was a priest, specifically a spiritual leader, who was chosen by God to deliver messages of judgment. He was tasked with stopping evil and wickedness. Balaam's Request: Balaam asked the messenger, “Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor…” This is where it gets interesting. Balak is asking for a way to stop the men from coming. What’s the Meaning? The key part of the verse is "Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me." Here's what it means: Balak is angry and desperate: He's feeling incredibly powerful and wants to stop these men from doing their work. He’s trying to manipulate God: Balak is essentially pleading with God to allow the men to come, even though he knows they are a source of trouble. It shows him he doesn't want to see them suffer. The Significance – It's About Obedience and God's Will: This verse is incredibly important because it highlights a few things: 1. God’s Sovereignty: God isn’t just passively allowing events to happen. He’s actively intervening to stop evil and protect His people. 2. Following Instructions: Balak’s request demonstrates that he was disobeying God's instructions. He was trying to force a situation where God didn’t want it to be. 3. God’s Will is Always Right: Ultimately, God wants the men to come and complete their work. Balak’s attempt to thwart them shows how important it is to obey His commands. In short, this verse tells us that when we disobey God's will, He will intervene to protect His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Talk about the significance of this verse in a more detailed way?