Keraia
Numbers 23

Numbers 23:29

Balaam’s Second Oracle · Numbers 23:13–30
Read Numbers 23

Translations

Modern
Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”
Traditional
And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.
Literal
And Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me in this place seven altars, and prepare for me in this place seven bulls and seven rams.”
Latin
…dixit ei Balaam: Ædifica mihi hic septem aras, et para totidem vitulos, ejusdemque numeri arietes.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”

Notes

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 23:27–24:14

Unhappy with Balaam's blessing, Balak hoped a new location would change the outcome. Although the exact location of Mount Peor is unknown, it was probably near a worship site for Baal of Peor and the Beth-peor (compare 25:3, 5). See Deuteronomy 3:29; 34:6 for where they buried Moses.

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

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)

Topics

Altar: Built by Balaam Altars of Balaam God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Peor: Balak Builds Altars On