Numbers 23:6

Modern

So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab.

Traditional

And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab.

Literal

And he returned to him, and behold, he is standing by his burnt offering, he and all the princes of Moab.

Latin

Reversus invenit stantem Balac juxta holocaustum suum, et omnes principes Moabitarum:

Hebrew

English

So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab.

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.

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