Numbers 23:2

Modern

So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

Traditional

And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram.

Literal

And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

Latin

Cumque fecisset juxta sermonem Balaam, imposuerunt simul vitulum et arietem super aram.

Hebrew

English

So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

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).

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

Numbers 23:14
So 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.
Numbers 23:30
So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

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