Then Balaam said to Balak, "Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams." 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 who hears from God, yet he is not part of the Israelite community. The historical context here is crucial; Balak, fearing the Israelites, seeks Balaam's help to curse them. This interaction highlights the tension between the Moabites and Israelites and sets the stage for God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies a declaration or command, indicating Balaam's authoritative role in this narrative. Build for me seven altars here and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams 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, known for his interactions with God despite his pagan background. 2. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites due to their numbers and seeks to weaken them by having Balaam curse them. 3. Seven Altars The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars, which may indicate an attempt to fully appease or seek favor from God. 4. Seven Bulls and Seven Rams These animals were commonly used in sacrificial offerings. The use of seven of each further emphasizes the attempt to make a complete or perfect offering. 5. Moab The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea. Moabites were often in conflict with the Israelites. Teaching Points The Nature of True WorshipTrue worship is not about the quantity or grandeur of offerings but the heart's posture towards God. Balaam's altars and sacrifices, though numerous, were not aligned with God's will. God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans Despite Balak's intentions and Balaam's actions, God's purposes for Israel were not thwarted. This reminds us that God's plans prevail over human schemes. Discernment in Spiritual Matters Balaam's account encourages believers to seek discernment. Not all who claim spiritual insight are aligned with God's purposes. The Danger of Compromise Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request shows the danger of compromising one's integrity for personal gain or pressure. Symbolism of Numbers in Scripture The repeated use of the number seven in this passage invites reflection on its biblical significance, often associated with divine completeness and perfection. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the construction of seven altars and the offering of seven bulls and rams reveal about Balaam's understanding of God, and how does this compare to biblical teachings on worship?2. How does Balaam's interaction with Balak challenge us to consider the influences and pressures we face in our own spiritual journeys? 3. In what ways does the account of Balaam and Balak illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty, and how can this assurance impact our daily lives? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that involved potential compromise. How can Balaam's account inform your approach to similar situations in the future? 5. How does the use of the number seven in this passage connect to other biblical instances of the number, and what can we learn about God's character from these connections? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 22The concept of altars and sacrifices is reminiscent of Abraham's offering of Isaac, highlighting themes of obedience and divine intervention. 1 Kings 18 Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal also involves the construction of an altar and a demonstration of God's power, contrasting true worship with pagan practices. Hebrews 10 Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, providing a New Testament perspective on the limitations of Balaam's offerings.
People Aram, Balaam, Balak, Jacob, Moses, ZipporPlaces Aram, Bamoth-baal, Egypt, Moab, Peor, PisgahTopics Altars, Balaam, Balak, Build, Bullocks, Bulls, Male, Oxen, Prepare, Provide, Rams, Ready, Seven, SheepDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 23:1-4Library 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 Scripture Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final Development of Hellenism in Its Relation to Rabbinism and the Gospel According to St. John. Balaam's Wish Num 23:10 The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret The Nature of Spiritual Hunger Memoir of John Bunyan How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which they Bewail, and those Who, Abstaining from Them, Bewail them Not. Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7. 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 Christ a Complete Saviour: Of the Decrees of God. The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven: The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Thirdly, for Thy Actions. The Unchangeableness of God Numbers Links Numbers 23:1 NIVNumbers 23:1 NLT Numbers 23:1 ESV Numbers 23:1 NASB Numbers 23:1 KJV Numbers 23:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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