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Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Numbers 23:1-2

I would beg the Reader to observe, for it is well worth observation, what vast pains and expense bad men will put themselves to, under the cover of religion. Alas! what are seven altars, or seventy times seven sacrifices, offered from a wicked heart! But in all ages it is the same. If GOD would but compound with the ungodly, and indulge them in their sins, they will pay him with any expensive sacrifices. Dearest JESUS! be thou my altar, my priest, my only sacrifice: and be it my noblest desire... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Numbers 23:3-5

I would beg the Reader to consult the first verse of the next chapter, and this will throw a light upon the whole subject. For it is very plain, from what is there said, that Balaam's leaving Balak, under pretence to hear what the LORD would say to him, was to use enchantments. But how striking is that expression: the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth; that is, overruled the wretch to say, the very reverse of what he wished. So that in the very moment this awful character hired himself out to... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Numbers 23:8

Observe what he saith: that he could not; not that he would not, for that he wished. But how precious an instruction doth this hold forth to the believer in JESUS: neither magicians, nor devils, can curse those whom GOD hath pronounced blessed. And if the poor man did but call this to resemblance, never would he be led to fear, much less to put confidence in, the juggling arts of conjurers and fortune-tellers, who go about to impose on the unwary. read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Numbers 23:9

What a delightful string of the most glorious prophecies doth the LORD constrain this man to deliver! Yes! the LORD doth send, by whom he will send, his blessed truths to his church and people. And let the Reader remark with me, that our GOD hath in all ages made use of the worst of instruments to promote the best of causes. For rather than his children shall want bread, be will feed them from their enemies' table. Reader! amidst the prophecies here delivered dwell a short period on the... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Numbers 23:10

Sweet thought! though the flock of JESUS be but a little flock when comparatively considered; yet it is in itself an innumerable company. Reader! if it be your portion to be of the number of the ransomed which shall return to Zion, you will find the house of GOD to be neither scanty nor small. Multitudes have already entered it, and multitudes are continually pouring into it from all the quarters of the earth. Revelation 7:9 ; Matthew 8:11 . But how awful a thought is it, that any man, like... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Numbers 23:11

Is it not highly probable, that as the LORD wrought so powerfully on the mind of Balaam, he did not leave Balak altogether unconscious of his overruling presence? If so how applicable doth the psalmist speak; Psalms 109:16-20 . read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:2

Altar. They both join in sacrificing to Chamos or the devil, whom Balaam styles his lord, Yehovah: but the true God was pleased to hinder the idol from interfering at present, and answered Balaam, in order that he might see the folly of his conduct and repent; and that others, who were more willing to listen to him, than to the servants of God, might be instructed by his declaration. (Haydock) --- "God's voice is heard sounding from a profane mouth." (St. Jerome, de 42. mans.) (Worthington) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:4

Speed. Hebrew shephi, may signify also "on the straight road," (Septuagint) "into the plain," (Louis de Dieu) "all alone," (Onkelos) or most probably "upon an eminence." (Kimchi) (Calmet) --- God, in the visible form of an angel. (Menochius) --- To him. Balaam might suppose that he was addressing his idol. But Moses informs us, that the true God or his angel was present, and forced Balaam to deliver an unwelcome message to the king. (Haydock) read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:7

Parable. Beginning to speak in a beautiful and poetic style, like a man inspired. (Calmet) --- Mashal, denotes a striking and elegant prophecy. (Menochius) --- Aram, when placed alone, properly means Syria; but when Padan or Naharaim are added, Mesopotamia is meant, whence Balaam came, Deuteronomy xxii. 5. --- East of Moab, though lying to the north, or higher part of Mesopotamia. (Calmet) read more

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