Numbers 23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 23:20

I have received commandment to bless - literally, “I have received to bless.” The reason of his blessing lay in the augury which he acknowledged, and in the divine overruling impulse which he could not resist, not in any “commandment” in words. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 23:21

“Iniquity” and “perverseness” are found together again in the Hebrew of Psalms 10:7; Psalms 90:10, and elsewhere; and import wickedness together with that tribulation which is its proper result.The shout - The word is used (Leviticus 23:24 note) to describe the sound of the silver trumpets. The “shout of a king” will therefore refer to the jubilant sounds by which the presence of the Lord as their King among them was celebrated by Israel. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 23:22

An unicorn - A wild bull, the now extinct Aurochs, formidable for its size, strength, speed, and ferocity. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 23:23

Enchantment ... divination - More strictly “augury” and “soothsayer’s token,” or the omen that was superstitiously observed. “Soothsayer” is the term applied to Balaam in Joshua 13:22.The verse intimates that the seer was at last, through the overruling of his own auguries, compelled to own what, had he not been blinded by avarice and ambition, he would have discerned before - that there Was an indisputable interference of God on Israel’s behalf, against which all arts and efforts of man must... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 23:28

The position of Peor northward from Pisgah, along the Abarim heights, is approximately determined by the extant notices of Beth-peor.Jeshimon - was the waste, in the great valley below, where stood Beth-jeshimoth, “the house of the wastes.” read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 23

A.M. 2552. B.C. 1452. Balaam’s first attempt to curse Israel turned into a blessing, Numbers 23:1-10 . His second attempt with like success, Numbers 23:11-24 . The preparation for a third attempt, Numbers 23:25-30 . read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 23:1

Numbers 23:1. Build me seven altars To the true God, otherwise he would not have mentioned it to God as an argument why he should grant his requests, as he does, Numbers 23:4. And though Balak was averse from God and his worship, yet he would be easily overruled by Balaam, who doubtless told him that it was in vain to make an address to any other than the God of Israel, who alone was able either to bless or curse them, as he pleased. Seven This being the usual number in the more solemn... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 23:3

Numbers 23:3. Stand by thy burnt-offering As in God’s presence; as one that offers himself, as well as his sacrifices, to obtain God’s favour. I will go To some solitary and convenient place, where I may prevail with God to appear to me. From this passage it is inferred, that in those early times it was customary for prophets, and other pious persons, after performing the sacred rites, to retire into some solitary place, there to wait for an answer from God. Whatsoever he showeth me ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 23:7

Numbers 23:7. His parable That is, his oracular and prophetical speech; which he calls a parable, because of the weightiness of the matter, and the liveliness of the expressions which is usual in parables. Jacob The posterity of Jacob. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 23:9

Numbers 23:9. From the hills I behold him The hills on which he then stood. This and the former expression may relate not only to the present view he had of the camp of Israel, but to their future settlement in Canaan; wherein they were represented to the eye of his mind, as dwelling securely under the protection of the Almighty. The people shall dwell alone Separated from other nations by peculiar laws, religion, and manners. See on Exodus 19:5; Leviticus 20:24-26; Exodus 3:8. By which... read more

Group of Brands