And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
Lodge here this night ... God usually revealed His will in visions and dreams; and Balaam's birth and residence in Mesopotamia, where the remains of patriarchal religion still lingered, account for his knowledge of the true God. His real character has long been a subject of discussion. Some, judging from his language, have thought him a saint; others, looking to his conduct, have described him as an irreligious charlatan; and a third class consider him a novice in the faith, who had a fear of God, but who had not acquired power over his passions (Hengstenberg).
Verse 13. The Lord refuseth to give me leave. This answer has an appearance of being good; but it studiously concealed the reason of the divine prohibition, and it intimated his own willingness and desire to go-if permitted. Balak despatched a second mission, which held out still more flattering prospects both to his avarice and his ambition (Micah 3:11).