Numbers 23:22

Translations

Modern

God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox.

Traditional

God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

Literal

God brings them out of Egypt; strength like a wild ox He has.

Latin

Deus eduxit illum de Ægypto, cujus fortitudo similis est rhinocerotis.

Original

Hebrew

English

God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox.

Notes

Numbers 23:18–24

This message emphasizes God’s faithfulness to his people. He would remain with them and keep all the promises he had made.

Nothing would cause him to abandon his word or turn away from Israel.

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 Jacob Moab and Ammon

Related verses

Numbers 24:8
God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.
Deuteronomy 33:17
His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”
Job 39:9–11
Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will he stay by your manger at night?
Psalm 22:21
Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!
Exodus 20:2
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
Psalm 68:35
O God, You are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!
Psalm 92:10
But You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; with fine oil I have been anointed.
Exodus 9:16
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
Numbers 22:5
…he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.
Exodus 14:18
The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I am honored through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of False Prophets Jannes and Jambres Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Poetry, Biblical Prophets, False Shittim (Place) Wild Ox

Topics

Beasts: Unclean: Wild Ox God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Pisgah: Balaam Prophesies On Wild Ox of God As the Strength of Israel

Numbers 23:22

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