Numbers 23:13

Translations

Modern

Then 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.”

Traditional

And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

Literal

And Balak said to him, “Come, please, with me, to another place from that you may see them. Only the outer part of them you shall see, and you shall not see them all. And curse them for me from there.”

Latin

Dixit ergo Balac: Veni mecum in alterum locum unde partem Israël videas, et totum videre non possis: inde maledicito ei.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then 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.”

Notes

Numbers 23:13–26

Balak hoped for different results by changing the location. The exact location of the plateau of Zophim on Pisgah Peak is unknown. Yet, Pisgah is part of the ridge that is above the plains of Moab (Deuteronomy 34:1). It is near Bamoth-baal and Mount Peor (Numbers 22:41; 23:28).

Numbers 23:1–30

As a diviner, Balaam carried out rituals to look for signs about the future of Israel (compare 23:23; 24:1). Balak had called him to curse Israel, but God repeatedly stopped him.
These sacrifices might have related to extispicy. This was the practice of examining animal livers or other organs to predict the future. Ancient Near Eastern texts show that this fortune-telling method was common and well-developed. God had forbidden Israel from such practices (see Deuteronomy 18:9–14; compare Ezekiel 21:21).

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

Related verses

Psalm 109:17
The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.
James 3:9–10
With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Numbers 22:41
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.
1 Kings 20:23
Meanwhile, the servants of the king of Aram said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they prevailed over us. Instead, we should fight them on the plains; surely then we will prevail.
Joshua 24:9
Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you,
Micah 6:5
My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”
1 Kings 20:28
Then the man of God approached the king of Israel and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans have said that the LORD is a god of the hills and not of the valleys, I will deliver all this great army into your hand. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”

People

Balak: King of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel

Glossary

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

Topics

God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The

Numbers 23:13

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