◄ Numbers 23 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Balaam’s First Oracle 1Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” 2So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 3“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, 4and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.” 5Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.” 6So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab. 7And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’ 8How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced? 9For I see them from atop the rocky cliffs, and I watch them from the hills. Behold, a people dwelling apart, not reckoning themselves among the nations. 10Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!” 11Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!” 12But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?” Balaam’s Second Oracle 13Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.” 14So Balak took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, where he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 15Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.” 16And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” 17So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked. 18Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor. 19God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? 20I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. 21He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them. 22God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. 23For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’ 24Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.” 25Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!” 26But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?” 27“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.” 28And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland.a 29Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” 30So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar. Footnotes: 28 a Or Jeshimon Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Numbers 23 Summary Balaam's First Oracles Verses 1–6 – Balaam Sets Up the First Seven Altars Balak and Balaam construct seven altars on the heights of Moab overlooking Israel’s camp. Each altar receives a bull and a ram. Balaam waits apart to hear from God while Balak stands by the burnt offerings. Verses 7–12 – Balaam’s First Oracle: Israel Cannot Be Cursed Balaam blesses instead of cursing: “How can I curse whom God has not cursed?” (v. 8). Israel is a people set apart, innumerable, and righteous before the LORD. Balak protests, but Balaam insists he can only speak what God puts in his mouth. Verses 13–24 – Second Attempt: Another Oracle Confirms Blessing From a different vantage point, seven more altars are raised. Again the Spirit gives Balaam words of blessing. God is not a man that He should lie (v. 19). No misfortune is seen in Jacob; the LORD is with them, and they arise like a lion sure of victory. Verses 25–30 – Balak Persists with a Third Location Frustrated, Balak suggests yet another site, hoping partial sight of Israel will change the outcome. A third series of altars and sacrifices is arranged, setting the stage for chapter 24. Numbers 23 presents an intriguing narrative in which King Balak of Moab seeks to curse the Israelites through the prophecies of Balaam. However, God's divine protection overshadows human motives, and the intended curse turns into a blessing for Israel. This chapter underscores the undeniable sovereignty of God over human intents and purposes. Historical Context: Moab’s Anxiety and Balaam’s Journey • Israel’s encampment in the plains of Moab (Numbers 22:1) alarmed Balak, king of Moab, who feared military defeat and loss of territory. • Moab and Midian formed a temporary alliance, illustrating how shared fear can override old rivalries (Judges 3:29 flashes back to Moab’s earlier power). • Balaam, a well-known diviner from Pethor near the Euphrates, traveled roughly 400 miles because of the rich fee Balak offered (Numbers 22:7). His reputation made him the ancient equivalent of an international consultant. The Role of Altars and Sacrifices • Seven altars mirror the number of completeness; bulls and rams were the costliest standard offerings (Leviticus 22:18-24). • Balak treats sacrifice like a magical fee to leverage God, but true worship is relational, not transactional (1 Samuel 15:22). • Balaam instructs Balak to stand by the offerings—an outward show of piety that fails to sway the LORD, who responds out of sovereign grace, not bribery. Balaam’s Oracles: Key Themes 1. God’s Unchanging Word – “God is not a man, that He should lie…Has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?” (23:19). Echoed in Titus 1:2 and Hebrews 6:18. 2. Israel’s Separation – “A people dwelling alone” (23:9) previews Deuteronomy 7:6 and 1 Peter 2:9, underscoring God’s desire for a distinct, holy nation. 3. Irreversible Blessing – Once God blesses, no curse can reverse it. This principle emerges again in Romans 11:29: “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” 4. Victory Imagery – Israel rises “like a lion” (23:24). Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5 frame God’s people and Messiah in similar lion-like strength. Israel’s Separation and Blessed Identity • Numbers 23 shouts that Israel’s status is rooted in God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3). • Even in wilderness weakness, God sees “no iniquity” (23:21) because He regards them through covenant mercy. This anticipates the gospel lens where believers are clothed in righteousness not their own (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Separation is not isolation; Israel is blessed to be a light for nations (Isaiah 49:6). The surrounding pagans observe a different kind of community—one shielded by the living God, unlike their idols. Echoes in the New Testament • Peter cites Balaam as a warning against greed-driven teachers (2 Peter 2:15-16). Jude 11 echoes the same. Their point: knowledge of God without obedience invites judgment. • Revelation 2:14 recalls Balaam again, noting his later counsel that led Israel into sin at Peor (Numbers 25). The Numbers narrative shows how spiritual compromise can follow spiritual victory if watchfulness lapses. Archaeological Insights: Balaam Son of Beor Inscription • In 1967, an 8th-century BC plaster inscription was found at Deir Alla, Jordan, mentioning “Balaam son of Beor” as a seer of the gods. Though written centuries after Moses, it confirms that Balaam’s name lingered in regional memory, supporting the historicity of the narrative. • The text is polytheistic, contrasting sharply with the monotheistic message of Numbers yet showing Balaam’s broad fame. Practical Applications for Believers Today • Rely on God’s Word: Like Balak, many try to bend Scripture to fit agendas. The chapter reminds us God’s message stands firm. • Guard Motives in Worship: Sacrifices without surrender are empty. Modern equivalents include giving, singing, or serving to get something rather than honor God. • Stand in Your Blessing: Believers need not fear spoken curses, gossip, or spiritual attack when walking in Christ’s covenant protection (Romans 8:31-39). • Stay Alert After Victory: Balaam fails to curse, yet Israel will stumble at Peor. Success can breed carelessness; vigilance keeps blessing from turning into downfall. Conclusion Numbers 23 is a vivid stage where a pagan prophet becomes an unwitting herald of God’s faithfulness. Every attempt to manipulate the Almighty collapses. The chapter reassures God’s people that no scheme, no sorcerer, and no hostile king can void what the LORD has decreed. Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Despite Balak's intentions, God controls the outcome. Balaam can only speak what God allows. How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced? (Numbers 23:8). God's Unchanging Nature God's promises to Israel remain steadfast. God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? (Numbers 23:19). Blessing Over Curse Balaam's attempts to curse Israel turn into blessings, highlighting God's protective hand over His people. Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. (Numbers 23:20). God's Presence with His People The presence of God among Israel is a source of strength and protection. The LORD their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them. (Numbers 23:21). Practical Applications Trust in God's Promises Just as God’s promises to Israel were unbreakable, we can trust that His promises to us are sure and steadfast. Recognize God's Sovereignty In situations where we feel opposition or adversity, remember that God is in control and can turn intended harm into good. Seek God's Blessing Instead of fearing curses or negative words from others, focus on seeking and living under God's blessing. Value God's Presence Cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your life, knowing it brings protection and guidance. People 1. Balaam A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is summoned by Balak to curse the Israelites. Despite his intentions, he ends up blessing Israel instead, as God intervenes. The Hebrew root for Balaam's name is "בִּלְעָם" (Bil'am), which can mean "not of the people" or "devourer of the people." 2. Balak The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. His name in Hebrew is "בָּלָק" (Balaq), meaning "devastator" or "waster." 3. God (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who communicates with Balaam and ultimately controls the outcome of Balaam's prophecies. In the Hebrew text, God is referred to as "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the sacred name of God. Places 1. Moab This is the region where the events of Numbers 23 take place. Moab is located east of the Dead Sea and is the land of the Moabites, descendants of Lot. In the context of Numbers 23, Balak, the king of Moab, is seeking Balaam's help to curse the Israelites. 2. Bamoth-baal This is the first location where Balak takes Balaam to observe the Israelites and attempt to curse them. The name "Bamoth-baal" can be translated as "high places of Baal," indicating a site of pagan worship. The Hebrew root "במות" (bamot) refers to high places, often used for religious rituals. 3. Pisgah Specifically, the "field of Zophim" on the top of Pisgah is the second location where Balak takes Balaam. Pisgah is a mountain range in Moab, and the field of Zophim means "field of watchers" or "field of seers," suggesting a place of vision or prophecy. The Hebrew root "צופים" (zophim) relates to watching or observing. 4. Peor The third location is the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland. Peor is another high place associated with pagan worship, specifically the worship of the deity Baal-peor. The Hebrew root "פעור" (peor) is linked to the idea of an opening or gap, possibly referring to a cleft in the mountain. Events 1. Balaam's First Oracle Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for sacrifice. Balaam then seeks the LORD's message. The LORD puts a word in Balaam's mouth, and he delivers a blessing over Israel instead of a curse, saying, "How can I curse whom God has not cursed?" (Numbers 23:8). 2. Balak's Disappointment Balak is displeased with Balaam's blessing over Israel and takes him to another location, hoping a different perspective might change the outcome. This reflects Balak's misunderstanding of the divine will, as he believes location might influence God's message. 3. Balaam's Second Oracle At the new location, Balaam again instructs Balak to build seven altars and offer seven bulls and seven rams. Balaam receives another message from the LORD, which he delivers, affirming God's unchanging nature and His blessing over Israel: "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind" (Numbers 23:19). 4. Affirmation of Israel's Blessing Balaam continues to declare the strength and protection of Israel, stating, "There is no sorcery against Jacob, no divination against Israel" (Numbers 23:23). This emphasizes the futility of attempting to curse a nation that God has blessed. Lessons from Numbers 23 1. God’s Unchanging Nature In Numbers 23:19, we are reminded of the steadfastness of God: "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind." This verse underscores the reliability of God's promises. Unlike humans, who may falter or change their minds, God remains constant and true. This assurance allows us to trust in His word and find peace in His unchanging nature. 2. The Power of Blessing Balaam's story in Numbers 23 illustrates the power of blessing. Despite King Balak's desire to curse Israel, Balaam declares in verse 20, "I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it." This highlights that when God blesses, no earthly power can reverse it. It encourages us to seek God's favor and blessings, knowing they are irrevocable. 3. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations Numbers 23:23 states, "There is no sorcery against Jacob, no divination against Israel." This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty over nations and His protection over His people. It reassures us that no external force can thwart God's plans for His chosen ones, encouraging us to rest in His divine protection. 4. The Importance of Obedience Balaam's journey is a testament to the importance of obedience to God. Despite external pressures, Balaam ultimately follows God's instructions. This teaches us that obedience to God should take precedence over worldly desires or pressures, aligning our actions with His will. 5. God’s Faithfulness to His Promises In Numbers 23:21, we read, "He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen trouble in Israel." This reflects God's faithfulness to His promises, seeing His people through the lens of His covenant. It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when we falter, and His grace covers us. 6. The Futility of Opposing God’s Will Balak's repeated attempts to curse Israel through Balaam demonstrate the futility of opposing God's will. Despite Balak's persistence, God's plan prevails. This lesson encourages us to align ourselves with God's will, knowing that His plans are unstoppable and ultimately for our good. 7. God’s Presence Among His People Numbers 23:22 highlights, "God brought them out of Egypt; He is for them like the horns of a wild ox." This imagery of strength and deliverance reminds us of God's powerful presence among His people. It reassures us that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding and protecting us. 8. The Role of Prophets Balaam's role as a prophet in Numbers 23 shows the importance of speaking God's truth. Despite personal gain or pressure, a true prophet delivers God's message faithfully. This encourages us to value truth and integrity, speaking God's word boldly in our lives. 9. God’s Ultimate Authority The narrative in Numbers 23 underscores God's ultimate authority over all creation. Balaam acknowledges in verse 26, "Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?" This recognition of God's authority reminds us to submit to His will, trusting in His supreme power and wisdom. 10. The Assurance of God’s Favor Finally, Numbers 23 reassures us of God's favor towards His people. Despite challenges, God's favor remains upon Israel. This assurance encourages us to seek and cherish God's favor in our lives, knowing it brings peace, protection, and blessings beyond measure. Topics 1. Balaam's First Oracle (Numbers 23:1-12) Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for sacrifice. Balaam seeks the LORD's message, and God puts a word in Balaam's mouth. Balaam declares that he cannot curse whom God has not cursed. The Hebrew root for "curse" (אָרַר, 'arar) emphasizes the binding nature of a curse, which Balaam is unable to pronounce against Israel. 2. Balaam's Second Oracle (Numbers 23:13-26) Balak takes Balaam to another location, hoping for a different outcome. Again, Balaam receives a message from God, stating that God is not a man that He should lie or change His mind. Balaam affirms that God has blessed Israel, and he cannot reverse it. The Hebrew word for "bless" (בָּרַךְ, barak) signifies a divine favor that is irrevocable by human means. 3. God's Unchanging Nature (Numbers 23:19) This verse highlights the immutability of God, emphasizing that He does not lie or repent. The Hebrew term for "repent" (נָחַם, nacham) in this context underscores God's steadfastness and reliability, contrasting human fickleness. 4. The Strength of Israel (Numbers 23:22-24) Balaam describes Israel's strength, likening them to a wild ox and a lion. The imagery used here reflects Israel's divinely granted power and protection. The Hebrew word for "strength" (כֹּחַ, koach) conveys the idea of vigor and might, which is attributed to God's presence among His people. 5. Balak's Frustration (Numbers 23:25-30) Balak expresses his frustration with Balaam's inability to curse Israel. Despite Balak's persistence, Balaam insists on speaking only what the LORD commands. The narrative underscores the futility of opposing God's will, as seen in the Hebrew concept of divine sovereignty (מֶלֶךְ, melech), which denotes God's ultimate authority over nations. Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty and Blessing In Numbers 23, the theme of God's sovereignty is evident as Balaam is unable to curse Israel because God has blessed them. "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). The Hebrew root for "bless" (בָּרַךְ, barak) emphasizes God's authority in bestowing favor. 2. God's Unchanging Nature The immutability of God is highlighted in Balaam's declaration: "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind" (Numbers 23:19). This underscores the Hebrew concept of God's faithfulness and reliability, rooted in the word אֱמוּנָה (emunah). 3. The Uniqueness of Israel Israel's distinct status as God's chosen people is affirmed: "Behold, a people who rise like a lioness and lift themselves like a lion" (Numbers 23:24). This theme reflects the Hebrew understanding of Israel's covenant relationship with God, marked by the term עַם (am), meaning "people" or "nation." 4. The Futility of Opposing God's Will Balaam's repeated attempts to curse Israel illustrate the futility of opposing God's will. "There is no sorcery against Jacob, no divination against Israel" (Numbers 23:23). The Hebrew word for "sorcery" (נַחַשׁ, nachash) indicates the ineffectiveness of human schemes against divine purposes. 5. Prophetic Revelation Balaam's oracles reveal God's plans and purposes, demonstrating the theme of prophetic revelation. "The LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth" (Numbers 23:16). The Hebrew root נָבָא (naba) for "prophet" or "prophesy" highlights the divine origin of true prophecy. Prayer Points Praise God for His Sovereignty Thank God for His control over all situations and His ability to turn curses into blessings. Ask for Faith in His Promises Pray for a deeper trust in God's unchanging promises and His faithfulness. Seek His Presence Invite God's presence into your daily life, asking for His guidance and protection. Pray for Blessings Request God's blessings over your life and the lives of those around you, trusting in His good plans. Answering Tough Questions 1. Numbers 23:1–2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam’s elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams? 2. Numbers 23:8–10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king’s demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives? 3. Numbers 23:19: How do we reconcile “God is not a man...that he should repent” with passages elsewhere depicting God changing His mind (e.g., Genesis 6:6)? 4. Numbers 23:22–24: Is there historical or scientific support for a mass exodus and the claim of supernatural might symbolized by “the strength of a wild ox”? 5. Numbers 23: Why does this chapter imply a favorable view of Israel among foreign nations while other Old Testament accounts describe hostility and conflict? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Balaam's inability to curse Israel tell us about the nature of God's blessings? 2. How does King Balak's reaction to Balaam's prophecies reflect human attempts to manipulate spiritual forces? 3. Discuss the significance of the number seven in the sacrificial rituals. How is this number significant in other biblical narratives? 4. How does this chapter illustrate the concept of divine sovereignty? 5. In what ways do we, like Balak, try to control or manipulate outcomes instead of submitting to God's will? 6. How does the shift of locations for each attempted curse reflect Balak’s desperation and misunderstanding of God’s power? 7. How would you handle a situation where you are pressured into going against God's will, as Balaam was by Balak? 8. In what ways have you witnessed God turning intended harm into blessings in your life? 9. Discuss the symbolism of the high places from where Balak and Balaam observed the Israelites. 10. In our present day, where do we see attempts to curse or undermine God's plans? 11. How can we apply the lessons from Balaam's oracles in dealing with contemporary issues like prejudice, discrimination, or hatred? 12. What does Balaam's experience teach us about the role of obedience in our spiritual lives? 13. How does God's reaction to Balak's attempt to curse Israel reflect His protective love for us? 14. How can we rely on God's blessings and protection in times of fear and uncertainty? 15. What can we learn from King Balak's repeated failure to acknowledge God's will? 16. How can we identify when we're being like King Balak, trying to force our desires onto God's plan? 17. How does this chapter inspire you to trust more deeply in God's sovereignty? 18. In what ways does this chapter challenge our understanding of prophetic messages? 19. How does Balaam's interaction with God influence our perception of divine-human communication? 20. How does the narrative of Numbers 23 encourage you in your faith journey when facing opposition or challenges? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions