Numbers 23:15

Translations

Modern

Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.”

Traditional

And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the Lord yonder.

Literal

And he said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering, and I meet Him over there.”

Latin

…dixit ad Balac: Sta hic juxta holocaustum tuum, donec ego obvius pergam.

Original

Hebrew

English

Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.”

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

Numbers 23:3
“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,
Numbers 22:8
“Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

People

Balak: King of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak 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 Pisgah: Balaam Prophesies On

Numbers 23:15

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