Numbers 22

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:15

Verse 15 15.And Balak sent yet again princes. Here we see that, however humbly ungodly men implore God’s grace, still they do not lay aside their pride; as if their grandeur could avail to dazzle the eyes of God. In order, therefore, to make Him comply with their wishes, they think it enough to display their magnificent ceremonies; and, indeed, whatever modesty superstition may pretend, it always swells with secret confidence Thus Balak, in order to obtain favor, makes a show of his dignity and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:20

Verse 20 20.And God came to Balaam at, night. Although God is far from being deceitful, still hypocrites with their quibbles deserve that He should delude their craft. If we more closely consider the desire of Balaam, it was that God should belie Himself. For, if he was persuaded that He was truthful, what else was there to be hoped except that he should ratify His reply ten times over? Nevertheless, he wickedly lies to God, when he asks for a permission to go, which would convict God Himself... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:22

Verse 22 22.And God’s anger was kindled because he went. How is it consistent that God should be angry when Balaam had attempted nothing, thus far, contrary to His command? But we must bear in mind, what I have lately hinted, that God apparently permits much which He does not approve. He allowed the people in the wilderness to eat flesh: He permitted men to give a writing of divorce to their wives, and even to marry several at once; still it was not right for them to eat the flesh, nor were... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:28

Verse 28 28.And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass. Sceptical persons criticize this passage, and ridicule it, as if Moses related an incredible fable. And, indeed, their scoff appears to be plausible, when they object that there is a great difference between the bray of all ass and all articulate voice; but, however they may now indulge in such wanton observations, they will at length be made to feel how seriously and reverently we ought to speak of the marvellous works of God, by their... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:31

Verse 31 31.Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam. This passage teaches us, that whatever be the acuteness of our senses, it is not only implanted in us by God, but also either sustained or extinguished by His secret inspiration. Balaam’s eyes are opened; consequently there was a veil before them previously, which prevented him from seeing what was manifest. Thus God at His pleasure makes dull the senses of those who seem to themselves to be very acute; since perception is His special gift. ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:35

Verse 35 35.And the angel of the Lord said unto Balaam. Again this wicked man is ironically permitted to do what could not be carried out without sin. But, as I have said before, he was so conscious of his ungodly covetousness, that he knowingly and wilfully deceived himself, instead of being deceived. At the same time, we must observe that, as Paul calls God’s wisdom “manifold,” (Ephesians 3:10,) so His will is declared in various ways, as if He were inconsistent with Himself, though it always... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:36

Verse 36 36.And whenBalak heard that Balaam was come. This passage admirably represents to us the spirit of all those who are devoted to their various superstitions without a sincere fear of God. They are cringing to their false prophets; they meanly flatter them, and hardly stop short of worshipping them, so that nothing more obsequious can be imagined; yet they inwardly cherish pride, which breaks out when they by no means expect, it. The king goes forth to meet the prophet, and to pay due... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:39

Verse 39 39.And Balaam went with Balak. Moses proceeds to relate how honorably and sumptuously Balaam was received. And first, he records that he was taken to the city of Huzoth; (150) which some would understand as a proper name, others as a noun appellative. In whichever way you take it, it denotes the extent of the city, which was divided into various streets. Secondly, Moses tells us that an abundance of animals were slain in preparation for the feast, and that guests were invited to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 22

1 . As concerns Balak. Balaam does not tell the first messengers all that God had spoken to him; they do not tell Balak all that Balaam had spoken to them. The consequence is that he comes to a wrong conclusion, and really he had no information by which to come to a right one. His thoughts on the subject may be supposed to have run thus:—"All the difficulty lies with Balaam. He took the night to think the matter over, and concluded it was not worth his while on such poor considerations to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 22:1-40

I. The character and position of Balaam with regard to God and man; II. The policy of Balak in sending for Balaam; III. The conduct of Balaam when asked and urged to come to Balak; IV. The incidents, natural and supernatural, of Balaam's coming. I. THE CHARACTER OF BALAAM , AND HIS POSITION WITH REGARD TO GOD AND MAN . Consider under this head— 1 . That Balaam had a true knowledge of the most high Cod. He was not in any sense a heathen as far... read more

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