"Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone," Balaam said to Balak. "Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you." So Balaam went off to a barren height, Then Balaam said to BalakThis phrase introduces us to the interaction between Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, and Balak, the king of Moab. Balaam's role is significant as he is a prophet for hire, which is unusual in the biblical narrative. His willingness to speak to Balak shows the tension between divine will and human ambition. Historically, Balaam is a complex figure, often seen as a symbol of false prophecy, yet here he is portrayed as someone who seeks divine guidance. Stay here beside your burnt offering
The "burnt offering" is a significant element in ancient Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. In this context, Balak's offering is an attempt to gain favor or manipulate divine will. The Hebrew term for burnt offering, "olah," implies something that ascends, reflecting the smoke rising to the heavens. This act of sacrifice is a common practice in the ancient Near East, intended to appease or communicate with deities. while I am gone
Balaam's departure signifies a moment of seeking solitude for divine communication. This reflects a common biblical theme where prophets often retreat to hear God's voice, emphasizing the need for separation from worldly distractions to discern divine will. The act of going away underscores the seriousness and sacredness of the task at hand. Perhaps the LORD will meet with me
The use of "perhaps" indicates uncertainty and humility in approaching God. The Hebrew word for "meet," "qarah," suggests an encounter or happening, often used in contexts of divine intervention. Balaam's hope for a meeting with the LORD (Yahweh) highlights the unpredictability of divine revelation and the prophet's dependence on God's initiative. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you
This phrase underscores Balaam's commitment to convey only what God reveals, despite any personal or external pressures. The Hebrew root for "reveals," "gala," means to uncover or disclose, emphasizing the unveiling of divine truth. Balaam's promise to relay God's message faithfully is a testament to the integrity expected of a prophet, even one with questionable motives. So Balaam went off to a barren height
The "barren height" or "bare height" is a place often associated with divine encounters in the Bible. The Hebrew term "bamot" refers to high places used for worship, both legitimate and idolatrous. This setting away from the camp signifies a place of spiritual significance, where Balaam seeks to connect with God. The barrenness of the location may symbolize the emptiness of human efforts without divine intervention, setting the stage for God's sovereign will to be revealed. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is called upon by Balak to curse the Israelites. Balaam is a complex figure who acknowledges the power of the LORD but is also enticed by the rewards offered by Balak. 2. BalakThe king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and past victories. He seeks Balaam's help to curse the Israelites in hopes of defeating them. 3. Burnt OfferingA sacrificial offering made by Balak, which is a common practice in ancient times to seek favor or guidance from a deity. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who ultimately controls the outcome of Balaam's prophecies and demonstrates His sovereignty over all nations and peoples. 5. Barren HeightA high place where Balaam goes to seek a divine encounter. High places were often used in ancient times for worship and seeking divine revelation. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod's control over the situation with Balaam and Balak demonstrates His ultimate authority over all nations and individuals. No curse or human intention can thwart God's plans for His people. Seeking God's WillBalaam's approach to seek what the LORD will reveal is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will in our decisions. We should prioritize divine guidance over human desires or pressures. The Danger of CompromiseBalaam's account warns against the temptation to compromise our faith for personal gain. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to God's commands, even when faced with enticing offers. The Power of Blessing and CurseThe account illustrates the spiritual reality of blessings and curses. As believers, we are called to bless others and trust in God's protection against any spiritual opposition. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's interaction with Balak illustrate the tension between human desires and divine will? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in our own lives, similar to Balaam's attempt to hear from the LORD? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that involved potential compromise. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Balaam's account? 4. How does the concept of God's sovereignty in Balaam's account provide comfort and assurance in your current life circumstances? 5. Considering the connection to Genesis 12:3, how can we actively participate in being a blessing to others, knowing that God honors those who bless His people? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:3God's promise to Abraham that He will bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him. This is relevant as Balaam is unable to curse Israel because of God's covenant with Abraham. Deuteronomy 23:5This verse recounts how God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, highlighting God's protective nature over His people. 2 Peter 2:15Balaam is mentioned in the New Testament as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, showing the danger of being swayed by material gain over obedience to God. People Aram, Balaam, Balak, Jacob, Moses, ZipporPlaces Aram, Bamoth-baal, Egypt, Moab, Peor, PisgahTopics Aside, Balaam, Balak, Bare, Barren, Beside, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Declared, Height, Hill, Meet, Offering, Open, Peradventure, Perhaps, Reveals, Says, Sheweth, Shews, Showeth, Shows, Stand, Station, Stay, Thyself, Whatever, WhatsoeverDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 23:3 4830 height
8135 knowing God, nature of Numbers 23:1-4 4615 bull Numbers 23:3-8 8129 guidance, examples Numbers 23:3-12 1421 oracles Library An Unfulfilled Desire
'... Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!'--NUM. xxiii. 10. '... Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.'--NUM. xiii. 8. Ponder these two pictures. Take the first scene. A prophet, who knows God and His will, is standing on the mountain top, and as he looks down over the valley beneath him, with its acacia-trees and swift river, there spread the tents of Israel. He sees them, and knows that they are 'a people whom the Lord hath blessed.' Brought there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScripturePhilo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final Development of Hellenism in Its Relation to Rabbinism and the Gospel According to St. John.
It is strange how little we know of the personal history of the greatest of uninspired Jewish writers of old, though he occupied so prominent a position in his time. [173] Philo was born in Alexandria, about the year 20 before Christ. He was a descendant of Aaron, and belonged to one of the wealthiest and most influential families among the Jewish merchant-princes of Egypt. His brother was the political head of that community in Alexandria, and he himself on one occasion represented his co-religionists, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Balaam's Wish Num 23:10
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John Newton—Olney Hymns The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
THE last question of the Baptist, spoken in public, had been: Art Thou the Coming One, or look we for another?' It had, in part, been answered, as the murmur had passed through the ranks: This One is truly the Prophet, the Coming One!' So, then, they had no longer to wait, nor to look for another! And this Prophet' was Israel's long expected Messiah. What this would imply to the people, in the intensity and longing of the great hope which, for centuries, nay, far beyond the time of Ezra, had swayed …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6 We are now come to the fourth step of blessedness: Blessed are they that hunger'. The words fall into two parts: a duty implied; a promise annexed. A duty implied: Blessed are they that hunger'. Spiritual hunger is a blessed hunger. What is meant by hunger? Hunger is put for desire (Isaiah 26:9). Spiritual hunger is the rational appetite whereby the soul pants after that which it apprehends most suitable and proportional …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which they Bewail, and those Who, Abstaining from Them, Bewail them Not.
(Admonition 31.) Differently to be admonished are those who lament their transgressions, and yet forsake them not, and those who forsake them, and yet lament them not. For those who lament their transgressions and yet forsake them not are to be admonished to learn to consider anxiously that they cleanse themselves in vain by their weeping, if they wickedly defile themselves in their living, seeing that the end for which they wash themselves in tears is that, when clean, they may return to filth. …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan
In this my relation of the merciful working of God upon my soul, it will not be amiss, if in the first place, I do in a few words give you a hint of my pedigree, and manner of bringing up; that thereby the goodness and bounty of God towards me, may be the more advanced and magnified before the sons of men. 2. For my descent then, it was, as is well known by many, of a low and inconsiderable generation; my father's house being of that rank that is meanest, and most despised of all the families in …
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Of the Decrees of God.
Eph. i. 11.--"Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."--Job xxiii. 13. "He is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." Having spoken something before of God, in his nature and being and properties, we come, in the next place, to consider his glorious majesty, as he stands in some nearer relation to his creatures, the work of his hands. For we must conceive the first rise of all things in the world to be in this self-being, the first conception …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Unchangeableness of God
The next attribute is God's unchangeableness. I am Jehovah, I change not.' Mal 3:3. I. God is unchangeable in his nature. II. In his decree. I. Unchangeable in his nature. 1. There is no eclipse of his brightness. 2. No period put to his being. [1] No eclipse of his brightness. His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psa 102:27. All created things are full of vicissitudes. Princes and emperors are subject to …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 23:3 NIVNumbers 23:3 NLTNumbers 23:3 ESVNumbers 23:3 NASBNumbers 23:3 KJV
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