Numbers

Numbers 23:1-12

Seven altars were built at the request of Balaam.  This may have been to serve or seek seven different gods.  This is the only place in the bible where multiple altars are seen.  A bull and ram were offered on each.  Balaam went to a ‘desolate height’ to seek Yahweh.  The desolate height appears to be some other place than the high place of Baal.  Some consider this a higher place than altars.  

The Lord met with Balaam – we can only guess how this may have looked.  The Lord put a word in his mouth and was told to return to Balak and speak it.  Israel was blessed by God.  Who can count the dust?  This is a fulfillment of the covenant promise to Jacob.  The ‘one-fourth’ is a rare Hebrew word meaning either one fourth or dust cloud.  It seems dust cloud would be a better choice in the context – as a repeated poetic line of prophecy.  The last two lines appear to be the desire of the non-Israelite to die under the blessing and care of God (or maybe it should be their thought).

Numbers 23:13-26

Balak drags this party to another place, as if a different view would enhance Balaam to bring a curse.  Zophim means lookout or watchman.  It appears to be a known promontory and probably a place used to look for omens in the sky or the flight of birds.

The seven altar setup in reproduced and the offerings made.  Imagine carrying seven bulls and rams to these high places.  Balak stood by his offering while Balaam sought God.  Once again, this man with his error is used by God to deliver a message.  There was no conversation – only a message put in his mouth. 

Balaam speaks the message that is directed to Balak.  God can’t be bargained with and manipulated.  He wasn’t going to change his mind.  He would do what He said – being good to his word.  God Himself was the king among these people.  He likens himself to a tireless ox bringing them up from Egypt.  The word ‘sorcery’ in verse 23 is related to divination by reading omens.  The word ‘divination’ is related to casting lots.  Israel is likened to lioness that will not rest until it devours its prey.  

Balak was disappointed, he didn’t get a curse and in fact saw them blessed again.  Silence was preferable to this.

Numbers 23:27-30

Balak is a slow learner and a bad listener.  He drags the party to another place in hopes that God would allow a curse from there.  Peor appears to be a Baal worship site.  See Numbers 25:3 and Deuteronomy 4:3.

© 2023 Doug Ford, Calvary Chapel Sweetwate