Numbers 23:9 NIV

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Numbers 23:9

9. from the top—literally, "a bare place" on the rocks, to which Balak had taken him, for it was deemed necessary to see the people who were to be devoted to destruction. But that commanding prospect could contribute nothing to the accomplishment of the king's object, for the destiny of Israel was to be a distinct, peculiar people, separated from the rest of the nations in government, religion, customs, and divine protection ( :-). So that although I might be able to gratify your wishes against... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Numbers 23:1-12

Balaam offered seven burnt offerings to God on seven separate altars. Pagans as well as Israelites regarded seven as a complete number based on the seven days of creation and seven days of the week. Pagans commonly offered sacrifices on important occasions, as did the Israelites, to secure divine favor and help."The most arresting element of the introductory section is in the words ’God met with him’ (Numbers 23:4) and ’the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth’ (Numbers 23:5). Despite the pagan... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Numbers 23:1-30

Balaam’s seven oracles chs. 23-24"Chapters 23 and 24 are two of the brightest chapters in the book of Numbers. Scores of wonderful things are said about Israel, mainly prophetical. The dark sins of the past were forgotten; only happy deliverance from Egypt was cited." [Note: Jensen, p. 99.] read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 23:1-30

Balaam (continued)1-10. First Utterance of Balaam.1. On the meaning of these sacrifices see on Numbers 22:40. Balak may have intended these sacrifices for Baal, but Balaam at all events thinks of the God who spoke to him at Pethor and whose angel met him on the way (see Numbers 23:4).3. I will go] to inspect the omens, to see what indications are visible of God’s will: cp. Numbers 24:1; Leviticus 19:31. To an high place] RV ’to a bare height’: see on Numbers 22:41. 7. Balaam is constrained to... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Numbers 23:9

(9) For from the top of the rocks I see him . . . —From the summit of the rocky mountain on which Balak had erected his seven altars, Balaam, according to one interpretation (see Numbers 22:41, and Note), had a full view of the outstretched camps of Israel.Lo, the people shall dwell alone . . . —Better, Lo, it is a people that dwelleth alone, and that is not numbered, &c. In the fact that the host of Israel dwelt by itself in a separate encampment, Balaam discerned a type of the essential... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Numbers 23:1-30

Sacrifice Without Obedience Numbers 23:4 Balaam wished to serve his own ends, and yet, if possible, to please God. He has prepared seven altars, etc.; will not God be appeased and accept his service, and be won over to his side? This is the kind of attempt that many people make. I. Perfect Orthodoxy in place of Humble Christian Graces. Balaam is particular as to the number. The number seven, sacred and complete. Nothing has been omitted. But might we not say that the very elaborateness and... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Numbers 23:1-30

The Parables of Balaam CHAPTERS 23-24 1. The first parable (Numbers 23:1-10 ) 2. Balak’s surprise and Balaam’s answer (Numbers 23:11-12 ) 3. At Zophim (Numbers 23:13-17 ) 4. The second parable (Numbers 23:18-24 ) 5. Balak’s request and Balaam’s reply (Numbers 23:25-30 ) 6. Balaam’s third parable (Numbers 24:1-9 ) 7. Balak’s anger and Balaam’s firmness (Numbers 24:10-14 ) 8. Balaam’s fourth parable (Numbers 24:15-24 ) 9. Balaam and Balak separate (Numbers 24:25 ) The parables... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Numbers 23:9

23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the {e} nations.(e) But shall have religion and laws apart. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 23:1-30

BALAAM'S FIRST PROPHECY (vs.1-12) THE SANCTIFICATION OF ISRAEL Chapter 22:41 tells us that Balak brought Balaam to the high places of Baal in order to prophecy against Israel. Here he observed only "a portion of the people" (NASB), for Balak wanted to give Balaam the impression that Israel was not a large nation so he might more safely curse them. Balaam exposed his idolatrous character immediately by asking Balak to build seven altars, offering on each one a bull and a ram. God allowed... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:1-30

BALAAM AND HIS PROPHECIES THE HISTORICAL SETTING (Numbers 22:0 ) In what neighborhood are the Israelites now camped (Numbers 22:1 )? Where is this located? Who was the king of this people (Numbers 22:4 )? What effect on him was wrought by Israel’s victories over his neighbors (Numbers 22:2-4 )? What plan of defense other than war does he adopt (Numbers 22:5-6 )? Balaam’s History and Character Balaam is a mystery. He comes from Mesopotamia where the knowledge of the true God lingered... read more