John Calvin Commentary Numbers 22:36

"And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto the City of Moab, which is on the border of the Arnon, which is in the utmost part of the border." — Numbers 22:36 (ASV)

And when Balak heard that Balaam was come. This passage admirably represents to us the spirit of all those who are devoted to their various superstitions without a sincere fear of God. They cringe before their false prophets, meanly flatter them, and hardly stop short of worshipping them, so that nothing more obsequious can be imagined. Yet they inwardly cherish pride, which breaks out when they by no means expect it.

The king goes out to meet the prophet and to pay due honors to him and his office. It is a great condescension, for it is equivalent to laying his crown and scepter at his feet. But his dissimulation soon reveals itself when, expostulating with Balaam, he boasts of his power and riches, with which he was able to reward him. This is precisely as if he were to make the prophetic office subservient to money and claim dominion over its revelations by means of his wealth.

However great, then, the servility may be with which superstitious persons flatter their idols and priests, they still never lay aside their proud spirits. We may see such zeal in the Papists, who are as prodigal as possible with the reverence they parade toward their prelates and monks, but on the condition that these, on their part, will be complacent to their lusts. If, therefore, a priest (sacrificus) will not gratify his worshippers, they inveigh against him with as much bitterness as if he were any swineherd.

Balaam's answer at first sight breathes nothing but piety: “I have come,” he says, “but I must necessarily speak as God commands.” By this he signifies that, as far as civility required and insofar as it depended on him, he would have complied with the king’s wishes. However, in regard to his office as a prophet, he was not at liberty to do this, since he would disregard the favor of all mankind to obey the commands of God alone.