Numbers 23
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Neither eunuchs, bastards, Ammonites, nor Moabites, shall be incorporated with the genuine Israelites, Deu 23:1-3. The reason why the Ammonites and Moabites were excluded, Deu 23:4-6. Edomites and Egyptians to be respected, Deu 23:7. Their descendants in the third generation may be incorporated with the Israelites, Deu 23:8. Cautions against wickedness when they go forth against their enemies, Deu 23:9. To keep the camp free from every defilement, and the reason why, Deu 23:10-14. The slave who had taken refuge among them is not to be delivered up to his former master, Deu 23:15, Deu 23:16. There shall be no prostitutes nor sodomites in the land, Deu 23:17. The hire of a prostitute or the price of a dog is not to be brought into the house of God, Deu 23:18. The Israelites shall not lend on usury to each other, Deu 23:19; but they may take usury from strangers, Deu 23:20. Vows must be diligently paid, Deu 23:21-23. In passing through a vine yard or field a man may eat of the grapes or corn, but must carry away none with him, Deu 23:24, Deu 23:25.
Open source ↗BALAK'S SACRIFICES. (Num. 23:1-30) Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars--Balak, being a heathen, would naturally suppose these altars were erected in honor of Baal, the patron deity of his country. It is evident, from Num 23:4 that they were prepared for the worship of the true God; although in choosing the high places of Baal as their site and rearing a number of altars (Kg2 18:22; Isa 17:8; Jer 11:13; Hos 8:11; Hos 10:1), instead of one only, as God had appointed, Balaam blended his own superstitions with the divine worship. The heathen, both in ancient and modern times, attached a mysterious virtue to the number seven; and Balaam, in ordering the preparation of so many altars, designed to mystify and delude the king.
Open source ↗And Balaam said unto Balak,.... When upon one of the high places of Baal, and after having taken a view of the people of Israel as they lay encamped: build me here seven altars; this was purely Heathenish; for not only the Israelites after the law of Moses had but one altar, but the patriarchs before that never built but one altar at a time. Some have thought regard is had to the seven planets worshipped by Heathens; though no doubt Balaam pretended to sacrifice to Jehovah the true God, in order to gain him over to him to agree to it to curse Israel, and persuaded Balak, though an idolater, to join with him; and, the more easily to bring him to it, mixes Heathen rites and customs in sacrifice to him: and prepare me here seven oxen, and seven rams; which were creatures offered in sacrifice according to the law of Moses, and before that was given, and by persons who were not under it; and even by seven of each sort, and that by the express command of God, Job 42:8. It may be observed, that both in this, and the preceding clause, the word here is carefully expressed, namely, in one of the high places; there the altars were erected, and thither the oxen were brought to be sacrificed; so that both the place, and the number of the altars, savoured of Heathenish worship, in which he complied to induce the king to sacrifice to Jehovah.
Open source ↗Balaam's First Words. - Num 23:1-3. Preparations for the first act, which was performed at Bamoth-baal. At Balaam's command Balak built seven altars, and then selected seven bullocks and seven rams, which they immediately sacrificed, namely, one bullock and one ram upon each altar. The nations of antiquity generally accompanied all their more important undertakings with sacrifices, to make sure of the protection and help of the gods; but this was especially the case with their ceremonies of adjuration. According to Diod. Sic. ii. 29, the Chaldeans sought to avert calamity and secure prosperity by sacrifices and adjurations. The same thing is also related of other nations (see Hengstenberg, Balaam, p. 392). Accordingly, Balaam also did everything that appeared necessary, according to his own religious notions, to ensure the success of Balak's undertaking, and bring about the desired result. The erection of seven altars, and the sacrifice of seven animals of each kind, are to be explained from the sacredness acquired by this number, through the creation of the world in seven days, as being the stamp of work that was well-pleasing to God. The sacrifices were burnt-offerings, and were offered by themselves to Jehovah, whom Balaam acknowledged as his God.
Open source ↗Here is, I. Great preparation made for the cursing of Israel. That which was aimed at was to engage the God of Israel to forsake them, and either to be on Moab's side or to stand neuter. O the sottishness of superstition, to imagine that God will be at men's beck! Balaam and Balak think to bribe him with altars and sacrifices, offered without any warrant or institution of his: as if he would eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats. Ridiculous nonsense, to think that these would please God, and gain his favour, when there could be in them no exercise either of faith or obedience! Yet, it should seem, they offered these sacrifices to the God of heaven the supreme Numen - Divinity, and not to any of their local deities. But the multiplying of altars was an instance of their degeneracy from the religion of their ancestors, and their apostasy to idolatry; for those that multiplied altars multiplied gods. Ephraim made many altars to sin, Hos 8:11. Thus they liked not to retain God in their knowledge, but became vain in their imaginations; and yet presumptuously expected hereby to gain God over to them from Israel, who had his sanctuary among them, and his anointed altar. Observe here, 1. How very imperious Balaam was, proud to have the command of a king and to give law to princes. Such is the spirit of that wicked one who exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. With what authority does Balaam give orders! Build me here (in the place I have pitched upon) seven altars, of stone or turf. Thus he covers his malice against Israel with a show of devotion, but his sacrifice was an abomination, being brought with such a wicked mind, Pro 21:27. That which he aimed at was not to honour God with the sacrifices of righteousness, but to enrich himsel…
Open source ↗23:1-30 As a diviner, Balaam performed rituals to interpret omens and ascertain Israel’s future (cp. 23:23; 24:1). Balak had summoned him to pronounce imprecations, but God repeatedly prohibited him from doing so. • It is possible that these sacrifices were connected with the practice of extispicy—the examination of animal livers or other organs for an omen concerning the future. According to ancient Near Eastern texts, this form of fortune-telling was a widely practiced and highly developed art. Such practices were banned from Israel (see Deut 18:9-14; cp. Ezek 21:21). 23:1 The number seven was a sacred symbol (also 23:4, 14, 29; cp. Job 42:8; see “Symbolic Numbers” Theme Note).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm, H1109) — Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) בָּלָק (Bâlâq, H1111) — Balak, a Moabitish king בָּנָה (bânâh, H1129) — to build (literally and figuratively) שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week;… מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar כּוּן (kûwn, H3559) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a… פַּר (par, H6499) — a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof) אַיִל (ʼayil, H352) — properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a…
Open source ↗בָּלָק (Bâlâq, H1111) — Balak, a Moabitish king עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm, H1109) — Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar פַּר (par, H6499) — a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof) אַיִל (ʼayil, H352) — properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a…
Open source ↗בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm, H1109) — Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) בָּלָק (Bâlâq, H1111) — Balak, a Moabitish king יָצַב (yâtsab, H3320) — to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God קָרָה (qârâh, H7136) — to light upon (chiefly by accident); causatively, to bring about; specifically, to impose… קִרְאָה (qirʼâh, H7125) — an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite) דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… שְׁפִי (shᵉphîy, H8205) — bareness; concretely, a bare hill or plain
Open source ↗אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… קָרָה (qârâh, H7136) — to light upon (chiefly by accident); causatively, to bring about; specifically, to impose… בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm, H1109) — Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) עָרַךְ (ʻârak, H6186) — to set in a row, i.e. arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications) שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week;… מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… פַּר (par, H6499) — a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof) אַיִל (ʼayil, H352) — properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a…
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm, H1109) — Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… בָּלָק (Bâlâq, H1111) — Balak, a Moabitish king דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a…
Open source ↗שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… נָצַב (nâtsab, H5324) — to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively) עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) שַׂר (sar, H8269) — a head person (of any rank or class) מוֹאָב (Môwʼâb, H4124) — Moab, an incestuous son of Lot; also his territory and descendants
Open source ↗נָשָׂא (nâsâʼ, H5375) — to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative מָשָׁל (mâshâl, H4912) — properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage,… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) בָּלָק (Bâlâq, H1111) — Balak, a Moabitish king מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king מוֹאָב (Môwʼâb, H4124) — Moab, an incestuous son of Lot; also his territory and descendants נָחָה (nâchâh, H5148) — to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists) אֲרָם (ʼĂrâm, H758) — Aram or Syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of Shem, a grandson of… הָרָר (hârâr, H2042) — a mountain קֶדֶם (qedem, H6924) — the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the East) or time (antiquity);… יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) אָרַר (ʼârar, H779) — to execrate יַעֲקֹב (Yaʻăqôb, H3290) — Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch זָעַם (zâʻam, H2194) — properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e. to be enraged
Open source ↗מָה (mâh, H4100) — properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what!… נָקַב (nâqab, H5344) — to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to… אֵל (ʼêl, H410) — strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity) קָבַב (qâbab, H6895) — to scoop out, i.e. (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e. stab with words) זָעַם (zâʻam, H2194) — properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e. to be enraged יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God
Open source ↗רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… צוּר (tsûwr, H6697) — properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder;… רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… גִּבְעָה (gibʻâh, H1389) — a hillock שׁוּר (shûwr, H7789) — to spy out, i.e. (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… שָׁכַן (shâkan, H7931) — to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively) בָּדָד (bâdâd, H910) — separate; adverb, separately חָשַׁב (châshab, H2803) — properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (generally) to… גּוֹי (gôwy, H1471) — a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight…
Open source ↗מָנָה (mânâh, H4487) — properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to… עָפָר (ʻâphâr, H6083) — dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud יַעֲקֹב (Yaʻăqôb, H3290) — Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch מִסְפָּר (miçpâr, H4557) — a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also… רֹבַע (rôbaʻ, H7255) — a quarter יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… מָוֶת (mâveth, H4194) — death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades);… יָשָׁר (yâshâr, H3477) — straight (literally or figuratively) אַחֲרִית (ʼachărîyth, H319) — the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
Open source ↗בָּלָק (Bâlâq, H1111) — Balak, a Moabitish king אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) בִּלְעָם (Bilʻâm, H1109) — Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) קָבַב (qâbab, H6895) — to scoop out, i.e. (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e. stab with words) אֹיֵב (ʼôyêb, H341) — hating; an adversary בָרַךְ (bârak, H1288) — to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as…
Open source ↗עָנָה (ʻânâh, H6030) — properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond;… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);…
Open source ↗בָּלָק (Bâlâq, H1111) — Balak, a Moabitish king אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) אַחֵר (ʼachêr, H312) — properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc. מָקוֹם (mâqôwm, H4725) — properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific);… רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… אֶפֶס (ʼepheç, H657) — cessation, i.e. an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the… קָצֶה (qâtseh, H7097) — an extremity קָבַב (qâbab, H6895) — to scoop out, i.e. (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e. stab with words)
Open source ↗לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) שָׂדֶה (sâdeh, H7704) — a field (as flat) צֹפִים (Tsôphîym, H6839) — Tsophim, a place East of the Jordan צָפָה (tsâphâh, H6822) — properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe,… רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… פִּסְגָּה (Piçgâh, H6449) — Pisgah, a Mountain East of Jordan בָּנָה (bânâh, H1129) — to build (literally and figuratively) שֶׁבַע (shebaʻ, H7651) — seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week;… מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… פַּר (par, H6499) — a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof) אַיִל (ʼayil, H352) — properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”
Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.
You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.
So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.”
But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.
They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And the king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD.
On the seventh day you are to present seven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished,
Each day during the seven days of the feast, he shall provide seven bulls and seven rams without blemish as a burnt offering to the LORD, along with a male goat for a sin offering.
And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.