Berean Study Bible Balaam’s First OracleBalaam addressed Balak, king of Moab, who had summoned him to curse Israel as the nation camped near Moab’s border. Jos 24:9-10 Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight… “Build for me seven altars here, Balaam directed Balak to prepare a complete series of altars for sacrifices, following the ritual expectations associated with seeking a divine response. Exo 20:24-25 You are to make for Me an altar of earth… and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” The costly offerings reflected Balak’s determination to secure a curse against Israel. Yet no sacrifice or ritual could overturn God’s purpose to bless the people He had brought out of Egypt. Job 42:8 So now, take seven bulls and seven rams… So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, Balak carried out the prophet’s directions because he was determined to secure a curse against Israel. Though he hoped to influence the outcome through ritual, the coming events would show that Israel’s destiny rested under God’s sovereign purpose, not Balak’s plans. Num 22:39-40 So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came… and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. Seven altars were prepared, and costly animals were sacrificed on each one as Balak and Balaam sought an answer from God. The elaborate offerings displayed Balak’s urgency, yet no sacrifice could compel the Lord to pronounce what He had not decreed. Exo 29:1-18 Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron… “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam left Balak beside the burnt offerings he had prepared, which sought divine attention and favor, while he sought an encounter with the LORD. The offerings could not compel God to act, but Balak expected Balaam to obtain a message concerning Israel. Gen 22:5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants… Balaam said to Balak. Balak, king of Moab, had hired Balaam to curse Israel because he feared their growing presence near his land. Balaam, though known as a diviner among the nations, was subject to the God of Israel and could speak only what God permitted. Mic 6:5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab… “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. Balaam acknowledged that the LORD was not under his control. God alone would determine whether He would reveal His will and what Balaam would be allowed to say. Exo 25:22 And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat,… And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” Balaam promised to report God’s message faithfully to Balak. Though Balak desired a curse, the word Balaam received would declare God’s purpose for Israel. 1Ki 22:14 As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak… So Balaam went off to a barren height, Balaam withdrew to an elevated, desolate place, away from Balak and the sacrificial altar, to await the LORD’s revelation. Num 22:41 The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought… and God met with him. God sovereignly confronted Balaam and placed His word in the prophet’s mouth. Though Balaam came from outside Israel and had practiced divination, the Lord controlled the encounter and prevented him from speaking a curse against Israel. Num 22:9 Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men… “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam reported that the prescribed ritual had been completed. Seven altars and sevenfold sacrifices reflected the formal religious practices associated with seeking divine favor, yet no ritual could alter God’s purpose for His covenant people. Gen 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD… Balaam said, Balaam presented himself before God as one who had fulfilled Balak’s request. His words reveal that he expected an answer, but the answer would come from the Lord rather than from Balaam’s divinatory methods. Num 22:18 But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak,… “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.” The costly offerings showed Balak’s determination to secure a curse against Israel. Bulls and rams were valuable sacrificial animals, but their number and expense could not purchase God’s approval or turn Him from blessing those He had chosen. Exo 29:1-3 Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron… Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, God directly governed Balaam’s words, showing that His purposes could not be controlled by Balak’s payment or Balaam’s desires. Though Balaam was not an Israelite, the Lord exercised authority over him and used him to proclaim what He had determined. Deu 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you… saying, “Return to Balak Balak, king of Moab, had summoned Balaam to curse Israel because he feared the nation’s advance near his territory. Instead of granting Balak’s request, God sent Balaam back with a word that would oppose the king’s plans. Num 22:35 But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men,… and give him this message.” Balaam was required to deliver God’s message faithfully, not alter it to satisfy Balak. The outcome rested with the Lord, who had chosen to bless Israel and would not allow a curse to overturn His covenant purpose. 1Ki 22:14 As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak… So he returned to Balak, Balaam went back to the Moabite king after receiving the message God had given him. Though Balak had hired him to curse Israel, Balaam could speak only what God allowed. His return brought the moment of decision, revealing that Balak’s plans could not overturn God’s blessing on Israel. Num 24:25 Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland… who was standing there beside his burnt offering, Balak remained beside the burnt offering, waiting for Balaam’s report and hoping the sacrifice would lead to a curse against Israel. His actions show Moab’s urgent fear and desperate attempt to manipulate spiritual forces as Israel approached their land. Num 22:40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions… with all the princes of Moab. Moab’s leading officials stood with their king, showing that the threat they perceived from Israel concerned the whole nation. Their united presence gave public importance to Balaam’s coming pronouncement, but neither royal authority nor national resolve could change God’s purpose. Num 22:7 The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees… And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: Balaam began the first of several prophetic declarations concerning Israel. Though hired by Balak, he could speak only the message God gave him. Num 24:3-4 “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor,… “Balak brought me from Aram, Balak summoned Balaam from Aram in Mesopotamia, far to the northeast of Moab, showing how urgently he sought supernatural help against Israel. Deu 23:4-5 For they did not meet you with food and water… the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. Moab feared Israel’s growing strength after its victories over neighboring kings. Balak hoped Balaam’s reputation as a seer could accomplish what Moab’s armies could not. Mic 6:5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab… ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; Jacob refers to the people of Israel, the descendants of the patriarch whose name God changed to Israel. Balak wanted a curse placed on the covenant nation in order to weaken it before battle. Num 22:12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them.… come and denounce Israel!’ Balak’s request directly opposed God’s purpose for Israel. He sought to turn divine judgment against a people whom God had chosen and blessed. Isa 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,… How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? Balaam had been hired by Balak, king of Moab, to place Israel under a curse as the nation approached Moab’s borders. Yet Balaam recognized that Israel stood under God’s blessing and protection. No payment, political pressure, or human hostility could overturn God’s purpose for the people He had chosen. Pro 26:2 Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow,… How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced? Balaam could not pronounce judgment where the LORD had given none. Israel’s enemies feared its strength, but the decisive reality was God’s covenant faithfulness. Balaam’s words exposed the futility of Balak’s plan and affirmed that judgment belongs to God, not to kings, prophets, or nations. Rom 8:33-34 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect?… For I see them from atop the rocky cliffs, Balaam looks upon Israel from the heights of Moab, where Balak had brought him in hopes that he would pronounce a curse. From this elevated place, God gives Balaam a clear view of the camp and compels him to speak according to divine revelation rather than the king’s wishes. Num 24:2 When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe… and I watch them from the hills. Israel’s vast encampment is visible before him, yet Balaam sees more than a migrating people: he recognizes a nation under God’s protection and purpose. Isa 21:6 For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout… Behold, a people dwelling apart, Israel had been chosen through the covenant made with Abraham and formed into a nation through the Lord’s deliverance from Egypt. Their separate dwelling reflected their distinct calling to worship the Lord alone and live under His law. Deu 33:28 So Israel dwells securely; the fountain of Jacob lives… not reckoning themselves among the nations. Though surrounded by powerful peoples, Israel was not to measure its identity or future by the standards of the nations. Its security and destiny rested on the God who had set it apart. 1Ch 17:21 And who is like Your people Israel—the one nation on earth… Who can count the dust of Jacob Balaam sees Israel as a people multiplied by God beyond ordinary reckoning, a nation preserved and strengthened according to the Lord’s covenant promise. Gen 13:16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth… or number even a fourth of Israel? Even one division of the camp appears too numerous to measure, emphasizing Israel’s size, order, and prosperity under God’s care. Hos 1:10 Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand… Let me die the death of the righteous; Balaam recognizes that Israel, though threatened by its enemies, stands under God’s favor and possesses the blessed end denied to the wicked. Pro 14:32 The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin,… let my end be like theirs!” He desires the peace and honor awaiting those who belong to the Lord, though his later actions show that he did not live in keeping with that desire. Psa 37:37 Consider the blameless and observe the upright… Then Balak said to Balaam, Balak, king of Moab, had summoned Balaam to place a curse on Israel as the nation advanced toward the Promised Land. Alarmed by Israel’s size and recent victories, he sought spiritual aid against them. Num 22:37 Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come… “What have you done to me? Balak reacted with anger and astonishment because Balaam had done the opposite of what he had been paid to do. His plans were being overturned by the God of Israel. Num 24:10 Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck… I brought you here to curse my enemies, Balak viewed Israel as a military threat and expected Balaam’s curse to weaken them before battle. He believed Balaam could secure Moab’s safety through divine power. Num 22:5-6 he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor,… and behold, you have only blessed them!” Balaam could not pronounce a curse where God had decreed blessing. Israel remained under God’s covenant protection, and Balak’s effort to resist God’s purpose could not succeed. Num 24:9 He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—… But Balaam replied, Though Balak had summoned him to curse Israel, Balaam recognized that he could not alter God’s purpose. Israel stood under the LORD’s blessing, and no payment or royal pressure could make a true word from God serve Moab’s plans. Num 22:38 “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied…… “Should I not speak Balaam acknowledged the responsibility placed on him as God’s messenger. He was not free to shape the message to please Balak or advance his own interests. Amo 3:8 The lion has roared—who will not fear?… exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?” God had determined that Balaam would bless Israel rather than curse them. Balaam’s words were right, even though his later conduct revealed a heart willing to pursue gain at Israel’s expense. Deu 18:18-19 I will raise up for them a prophet like you…
Balaam’s Second OracleBalak, king of Moab, remained determined to secure a curse against Israel despite Balaam’s earlier declaration that he could speak only what God gave him. Israel’s large encampment and recent victories had filled Moab with fear. Jos 24:9-10 Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight… “Please come with me to another place Balak led Balaam to a different high place, hoping that a new setting and new sacrifices would produce the result he wanted. He treated Balaam’s prophetic word as though it could be altered by location or ritual. Num 22:41 The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought… where you can see them. Balak believed that Balaam needed a clearer view of Israel in order to pronounce a curse. His concern was not with God’s will but with finding some means of weakening the people God had brought out of Egypt. Gen 13:14-15 After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram,… You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. From this vantage point Balaam could see only part of Israel’s vast camp. The size of the nation testified to God’s faithfulness in multiplying Abraham’s descendants. 2Ki 7:5 So they arose at twilight and went to the camp… And from there, curse them for me.” Balak continued to seek Israel’s harm, unaware that no curse could overturn God’s covenant blessing. His plans would again fail, and Balaam would declare what God had determined concerning Israel. Num 22:17 I will honor you richly and do whatever you say.… So Balak took him to the field of Zophim, Balak continued his effort to secure a curse against Israel by moving Balaam to another elevated location. From this lookout point, Israel’s camp could be seen below. Jos 24:9-10 Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight… to the top of Pisgah, Pisgah stood in the highlands of Moab and provided a broad view of the surrounding land. Balak hoped a different setting would produce a different outcome. Deu 3:27 Go to the top of Pisgah and look to the west… where he built seven altars The seven altars reflected a deliberate and costly attempt to obtain divine favor. Balak treated the sacrifices as a means of changing God’s purpose toward Israel. 1Ki 18:30-32 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.”… and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. The offerings were substantial, yet no sacrifice could overturn the Lord’s covenant blessing on His people. Exo 29:1-3 Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron… Balaam said to Balak, Though Balaam came from outside Israel and practiced divination, the LORD spoke to him and compelled him to declare God’s purpose. Balak, king of Moab, feared Israel’s advance and sought a curse that would weaken them. Jos 24:9-10 Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight… “Stay here beside your burnt offering Balak had prepared sacrifices in hope of securing a favorable oracle. He was to remain at the altar while Balaam withdrew to seek the LORD. Gen 22:5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants… while I meet the LORD over there.” Balaam separated himself from Balak and the sacrificial site, awaiting God’s direction. The outcome would not rest on Balak’s wealth, offerings, or plans, but on the sovereign will of the LORD. Exo 25:22 And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat,… And the LORD met with Balaam God intervened directly with Balaam, demonstrating His authority over a diviner from outside Israel and over the nations opposing His people. Num 22:20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men… and put a message in his mouth, The words Balaam would speak came from God, not from his own desire or from Balak’s payment. Jer 1:9 Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth…… saying, “Return to Balak Balak continued to seek Israel’s downfall, but his efforts could not overturn God’s purpose to bless the nation. Num 22:35 But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men,… and speak what I tell you.” Balaam was commanded to deliver God’s message faithfully, declaring only what the Lord had determined. 1Ki 22:14 As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak… So he returned to Balak, Balaam went back to the Moabite king after receiving God’s message. Balak had hired him to pronounce judgment on Israel, but Balaam could speak only what God gave him. Num 24:25 Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland… who was standing there by his burnt offering Balak remained beside the sacrifice he had offered in hope of obtaining a favorable oracle. His offerings could not alter God’s purpose or turn His blessing from Israel. 1Ch 21:26-27 And there he built an altar to the LORD.… with the princes of Moab. Moab’s leading officials stood with their king, showing the national concern over Israel’s approach and Balak’s effort to secure a curse against them. Num 22:7 The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees… “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked. Balak awaited Balaam’s report, recognizing that the outcome depended on the LORD’s word rather than on his sacrifices or plans. 1Sa 3:17 “What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked.… Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: Though Balaam was not an Israelite, the Lord used him to declare His unchanging purpose for Israel. Balak had hired Balaam to curse Israel, but God compelled him to speak only what was true. Jos 24:9-10 Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight… “Arise, O Balak, and listen; Balak, king of Moab, was summoned to give full attention to the word God was about to deliver. His royal authority could not alter the Lord’s decree concerning Israel. Mic 6:1 Hear now what the LORD says: “Arise, plead your case… give ear to me, O son of Zippor. The personal address reminded Balak that he stood before the God who rules over nations and kings. His plans against Israel would fail because Israel’s future rested on God’s promise, not on Moab’s strength or Balaam’s words. Isa 51:4 Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me;… God is not a man, that He should lie, God’s character is wholly true and faithful, unlike fallen humanity, which is marked by sin and deception. His promises rest on His own unchanging nature. 1Sa 15:29 Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie… or a son of man, that He should change His mind. God does not act impulsively or reverse His purposes because of weakness, ignorance, or changing circumstances. What He has determined to accomplish stands. Mal 3:6 Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob… Does He speak and not act? God’s word is effective in history. He brought Israel out of Egypt, preserved His covenant people, and carried out His declared judgments and mercies. 1Ki 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel… Does He promise and not fulfill? The blessing promised to Abraham, the establishment of Israel, and the coming of the Messiah demonstrate that God fulfills what He has pledged. Rom 4:21 being fully persuaded that God was able to do… I have indeed received a command to bless; Balaam, hired by Balak king of Moab to curse Israel, admits that God has directed him otherwise. Though Balaam stood outside Israel, God overruled Balak’s plans and preserved the people He had promised to bless. Num 6:23-27 Tell Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless… He has blessed, God’s favor rested on Israel according to His covenant promises. No payment, political pressure, or occult practice could turn that blessing into a curse. Gen 27:33 Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it… and I cannot change it. Balaam recognizes that God’s declared purpose cannot be reversed by human will. Israel’s security at that moment rested not in Balaam’s words or strength, but in God’s unalterable decree. 1Sa 15:29 Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie… He considers no disaster for Jacob; Balaam’s oracle declares that God will not allow Balak’s intended curse to bring calamity on Israel. Though Israel had sinned repeatedly in the wilderness, the Lord remained faithful to His covenant and had provided atonement for the people. Deu 23:5 Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam,… He sees no trouble for Israel. Israel stood before God as His redeemed nation, not as a people abandoned to judgment or placed under a foreign curse. Their safety rested on God’s purpose and mercy rather than their own strength. Psa 121:7-8 The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve… The LORD their God is with them, The Lord’s presence accompanied Israel through the wilderness in the tabernacle and in the cloud and fire that led them. He was not distant from His people but dwelt among them, guiding, protecting, and sustaining them, foreshadowing Christ, Immanuel, “God with us.” Exo 29:45-46 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.… and the shout of the King is among them. Israel’s true King was the Lord Himself. The cry among the camp reflects confidence in His victorious presence as He led His people against their enemies and preserved them for the land He had promised. Psa 47:5-7 God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD… God brought them out of Egypt God redeemed Israel from slavery through the Exodus and established them as His covenant people. Their security rested not in their own strength or in Balaam’s words, but in the Lord who had acted decisively on their behalf. Exo 20:2 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out… with strength like a wild ox. God’s power was irresistible and sufficient to protect Israel from every enemy. Balaam’s blessing affirmed that no curse could overcome the people whom God had delivered and sustained. Deu 33:17 His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns… For there is no spell against Jacob Israel stood under God’s covenant protection. Balak’s efforts to harm them through Balaam could not overcome the Lord’s purpose. Their safety rested not in their numbers or power, but in God’s faithfulness to the promises He had made to the patriarchs. Num 22:12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them.… and no divination against Israel. Balaam had been summoned to pronounce a curse, yet God prevented him from using divination, the supernatural seeking of hidden knowledge, against Israel and required him to speak blessing. No occult practice, human scheme, or hostile ruler could overturn what God had determined for His people. Isa 44:25 who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools… It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, The nations would witness God’s care for Israel as He brought them from Egypt, preserved them in the wilderness, and led them toward the land He had promised. Jacob and Israel identify the same covenant people, descended from the patriarch whom God renamed Israel. Isa 45:4 For the sake of Jacob My servant and Israel My chosen one… ‘What great things God has done!’ God’s mighty acts on Israel’s behalf would become known even among surrounding peoples. Balaam’s declaration recognizes that Israel’s future depended on the Lord, whose purposes could not be frustrated. Psa 126:3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled… Behold, the people rise like a lioness; Israel would emerge with God-given strength and courage, no longer acting as a fearful people but as a nation prepared to possess the land promised to them. The image anticipates their advance against the Canaanite kingdoms under the Lord’s direction. Gen 49:9 Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey.… they rouse themselves like a lion, Like a lion rising to act, Israel would be ready for conflict and would not depend on human strength alone. God had determined that no curse or hostile power could prevent His people from carrying out His purposes. Isa 31:4 For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion… not resting until they devour their prey Their campaigns in Canaan would continue until the enemies appointed for judgment had been defeated. The language describes decisive conquest rather than aimless violence, fulfilling God’s promise to give Israel the land. Psa 17:12 like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion… and drink the blood of the slain.” The graphic image portrays the completeness of victory over Israel’s enemies. It reflects the realities of ancient warfare and emphasizes that the nations opposing God’s purposes would not ultimately withstand Him. Deu 32:42-43 I will make My arrows drunk with blood… Now Balak said to Balaam, Balak had enlisted Balaam to weaken Israel by invoking a curse, but Balaam’s repeated declarations of God’s favor only heightened the king’s alarm. Num 22:37 Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come… “Then neither curse them at all Frustrated by Balaam’s blessing, Balak demanded that he stop speaking on Israel’s behalf. He could not accept that the God of Israel had determined to protect His people. Num 22:12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them.… nor bless them at all!” Balak preferred Balaam’s silence to further blessing, yet neither Balak nor Balaam could alter God’s purpose. Israel’s security rested not in Balaam’s words but in the Lord’s covenant faithfulness. Jos 24:10 I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you… But Balaam replied, Balak had summoned Balaam to curse Israel, but Balaam had repeatedly warned that he could speak only the message God gave him. Num 22:38 “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied…… “Did I not tell you Balak had already heard Balaam’s warning and could not claim surprise when the prophet blessed Israel rather than cursed them. Deu 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you… that whatever the LORD says, The God of Israel exercised authority over Balaam and over the outcome Balak sought to control. 2Sa 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me;… I must do?” Balaam could not change God’s word to satisfy Moab’s king or secure greater reward. His later actions show that outward submission did not reflect a faithful heart. Act 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied,… “Please come,” said Balak, Moab’s king continues to press Balaam because Israel’s advance has filled him with fear. Though he has seen that God will not permit Israel to be cursed, he still seeks a way to secure an advantage over them. Num 22:16 They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak…”… “I will take you to another place. Balak moves Balaam to another high place, assuming that a new location and fresh sacrifices may produce a different result. His actions reflect the pagan belief that divine favor could be influenced by place, ritual, or persistence. Num 22:39 So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came… Perhaps it will please God Balak does not understand that the God of Israel is not like the false gods of the nations. The Lord is not governed by geography or manipulated by human offerings, and He remains faithful to His covenant purpose for Israel. Deu 23:5 Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam,… that you curse them for me from there.” Balak wants Balaam to speak judgment against Israel so that Moab may escape what he believes is an approaching threat. Yet no human plan, ritual, or curse can overturn the blessing God has declared over His people. Num 22:12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them.… And Balak took Balaam After Balaam’s earlier blessings upon Israel, Balak moved him to another location in hope that a different setting might produce the curse he desired. His persistence revealed Moab’s fear of Israel’s advance and his refusal to accept God’s declared purpose. Num 22:41 The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought… to the top of Peor, Peor was a prominent height in Moab associated with pagan worship. From this elevated place, Balak again arranged for Balaam to view Israel, seeking spiritual advantage against the people whom God had blessed. Num 25:3 So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor,… which overlooks the wasteland. The site faced the barren wilderness east of the Jordan, where Israel had traveled under God’s provision. The desolate landscape stood in contrast to the land Israel was soon to enter, while God’s protection over them remained unchanged. Num 21:20 from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah… Then Balaam said, Balaam directed Balak to prepare for another encounter with the Lord. Though hired to curse Israel, he could speak only what God permitted. Num 22:38 “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied…… “Build for me seven altars here, Balak was to build seven altars at the high place where Balaam sought the Lord’s word. The number and arrangement reflected the seriousness of the occasion and the full sacrificial preparation expected. Exo 24:4-5 And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD.… and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” These costly offerings were presented as Balak continued seeking a favorable oracle against Israel. Yet no sacrifice could alter God’s purpose to bless the people He had chosen. Job 42:8 So now, take seven bulls and seven rams… So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, Determined to secure a curse against Israel, Balak carried out Balaam’s directions without hesitation. Israel’s presence near Moab had filled the king with fear, and he sought through Balaam’s sacrifices to gain divine help against them. Num 22:40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions… and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar. The costly sacrifices on the seven altars showed the seriousness of Balak’s effort. Yet neither Balak’s offerings nor Balaam’s rituals could turn the Lord against the people He had chosen to bless. 2Ch 29:21-24 They brought seven bulls, seven rams, and seven lambs… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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