Keraia
Numbers 22

Numbers 22:41

The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey · Numbers 22:22–41
Read Numbers 22

Translations

Modern
The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.
Traditional
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.
Literal
And it was the next day that Balak took Balaam and brought him up into Bamoth-baal, that he might observe from there the extremity of the people.
Latin
Mane autem facto, duxit eum ad excelsa Baal, et intuitus est extremam partem populi.

Original

Hebrew
English
The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.

Notes

Numbers 22:41

Bamoth-baal means "high places of Baal." It was on a ridge of hills above the plains of Moab, northeast of the Dead Sea (compare "Bamoth" in 21:19; Joshua 13:17). It was the first of three places where the Moabite king took Balaam to view the large, spread-out Israelite camp (also Numbers 22:41; 23:14, 28). From this high point, he could see the Israelites and perform ceremonies (22:11). Balak hoped these would result in a strong curse against them.

Numbers 22:39–41

  • Balak tried to get Balaam to curse Israel. First, he used a ceremonial offering and meal to summon the gods and Balaam. Then, he took Balaam to view the Israelite camp.

  • Kiriath-huzoth is an unknown location.

Numbers 22:21–41

This passage clearly uses humor to make fun of Balaam, the professional diviner. The story shows that his spiritual understanding and obedience to God were less than those of his own donkey.

Numbers 22:2–24:25

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

Theme notes and profiles

Balaam Moab and Ammon

People

Balaam: A prophet hired to curse Israel but blessed them instead Balak: King of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel

Places

Bamoth-baal: Moabite high place where Balak took Balaam

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Bamah Bamoth, Bamoth-Baal Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of False Prophets Jannes and Jambres Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Prophets, False Shittim (Place)

Topics

High Places: Baal High Places: Signify a Place of Idolatrous Worship Idolatry: Objects of, Worshipped: On High Places Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Return to the Plains of Moab: Balaam not Permitted to Curse Israel