Числа 22:41

But Balak conducted the soothsayer to Bamoth-baal, not because it was consecrated to Baal, but because it was the first height on the way to the steppes of Moab, from which they could see the camp of Israel, or at all events, "the end of the people," i.e., the outermost portion of the camp. For "Balak started with the supposition, that Balaam must necessarily have the Israelites in view if his curse was to take effect" (Hengstenberg).

At this chapter begins the famous story of Balak and Balaam, their attempt to curse Israel, and the baffling of that attempt; God's people are long afterwards told to remember what Balak the king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him, that they might know the righteousness of the Lord, Mic 6:5. In this chapter we have, I. Balak's fear of Israel, and the plot he had to get them cursed (Num 22:1-4). II. The embassy he sent to Balaam, a conjurer, to fetch him for that purpose, and the disappointment he met with in the first embassy (Num 22:5-14). III. Balaam's coming to him upon his second message (Num 22:15-21). IV. The opposition Balaam met with by the way (Num 22:22-35). V. The interview at length between Balak and Balaam (Num 22:36, etc.).

22:41 Bamoth-baal (“high places of Baal”) was along the ridge of hills that overlooks the plains of Moab northeast of the Dead Sea (cp. “Bamoth” in 21:19; Josh 13:17). It was the first of three locations to which the Moabite king took Balaam so that he could see the sprawling Israelite camp (also Num 22:41; 23:14, 28). From such a high point he could see the Israelites (22:11) and perform the ceremonies that Balak hoped would lead to a powerful imprecation (curse) against them.