Numbers 23:4

Modern

…and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.”

Traditional

And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.

Literal

And God met with Balaam, and he said to Him, “Seven altars I have prepared, and I have offered a bull and a ram on each altar.”

Latin

Cumque abiisset velociter, occurrit illi Deus. Locutusque ad eum Balaam: Septem, inquit, aras erexi, et imposui vitulum et arietem desuper.

Hebrew

English

…and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.”

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 23:16
And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.”
Ephesians 2:9
…not by works, so that no one can boast.
Luke 18:12
I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’
Matthew 20:12
‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’
John 16:2
They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.
Numbers 23:1
Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”
Romans 3:27
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith.
Numbers 22:9
Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?”
Isaiah 58:3–4
“Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers.
Numbers 22:20
That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.”

Balaam: A prophet hired to curse Israel but blessed them instead