numbers-23:1-11,-numbers-23:24-25

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 23:1-30

Balaam (continued)1-10. First Utterance of Balaam.1. On the meaning of these sacrifices see on Numbers 22:40. Balak may have intended these sacrifices for Baal, but Balaam at all events thinks of the God who spoke to him at Pethor and whose angel met him on the way (see Numbers 23:4).3. I will go] to inspect the omens, to see what indications are visible of God’s will: cp. Numbers 24:1; Leviticus 19:31. To an high place] RV ’to a bare height’: see on Numbers 22:41. 7. Balaam is constrained to... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:1

XXIII.(1) Build me here seven altars.—The patriarchs of old, as their pious descendants after the giving of the Law, never erected more than one altar in one place. A plurality of altars was the badge of idolatry. Hengsten-berg adduces several instances in proof that the ancients were accustomed to have recourse to sacrifice and conjuration in order to avert calamity and produce prosperity. (History of Balaam and his Prophecies, p. 392.) The number seven was regarded as significant among the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:2

(2) And Balak and Balaam offered.—It is more probable that Balak, as a king, performed priestly functions than that Balaam performed them alone. (See Note on Numbers 22:40.) read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:3

(3) To an high place.—Rather, to a bare or barren height The heathen augurs were accustomed to choose elevated places for their auspices with an extensive prospect, especially the barren summits of mountains. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:5

(5) The Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth.—“God, who had opened the mouth of the ass,” says Bishop Wordsworth, in loc., “in a manner contrary to her nature, now opens Balaam’s mouth in a manner contrary to his own will.” read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:9

(9) For from the top of the rocks I see him . . . —From the summit of the rocky mountain on which Balak had erected his seven altars, Balaam, according to one interpretation (see Numbers 22:41, and Note), had a full view of the outstretched camps of Israel.Lo, the people shall dwell alone . . . —Better, Lo, it is a people that dwelleth alone, and that is not numbered, &c. In the fact that the host of Israel dwelt by itself in a separate encampment, Balaam discerned a type of the essential... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:10

(10) Who can count the dust of Jacob?—These words point back to the promise made to Abraham: “And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth,” &c. (Genesis 13:16).And the number of the fourth part of Israel.—The Israelites were divided into four great encampments (Numbers 2:0). It is probable that Balaam could only see one of these encampments from Bamoth-Baal (Numbers 22:41); but see below on Numbers 23:13.The death of the righteous.—The Hebrew word yesharim (upright, or righteous) is... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:11

(11) Thou hast blessed them altogether.—Hebrew, Thou hast blessed, to bless: an emphatic mode of stating that Balaam had continued to give utterance to nothing but blessings. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Numbers 23:1-30

Sacrifice Without Obedience Numbers 23:4 Balaam wished to serve his own ends, and yet, if possible, to please God. He has prepared seven altars, etc.; will not God be appeased and accept his service, and be won over to his side? This is the kind of attempt that many people make. I. Perfect Orthodoxy in place of Humble Christian Graces. Balaam is particular as to the number. The number seven, sacred and complete. Nothing has been omitted. But might we not say that the very elaborateness and... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Numbers 23:1-30

The Parables of Balaam CHAPTERS 23-24 1. The first parable (Numbers 23:1-10 ) 2. Balak’s surprise and Balaam’s answer (Numbers 23:11-12 ) 3. At Zophim (Numbers 23:13-17 ) 4. The second parable (Numbers 23:18-24 ) 5. Balak’s request and Balaam’s reply (Numbers 23:25-30 ) 6. Balaam’s third parable (Numbers 24:1-9 ) 7. Balak’s anger and Balaam’s firmness (Numbers 24:10-14 ) 8. Balaam’s fourth parable (Numbers 24:15-24 ) 9. Balaam and Balak separate (Numbers 24:25 ) The parables... read more

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 23:1-30

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:1

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:2

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:3

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:5

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:9

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:10

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:11

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Numbers 23:1-30

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Numbers 23:1-30

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