Numbers 23:27-24:14

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 23:13-30

Here is, I. Preparation made the second time, as before, for the cursing of Israel. 1. The place is changed, Num. 23:13. Balak fancied that Balaam, having so full a prospect of the whole camp of Israel, from the top of the rocks (Num. 23:9), was either so enamoured with the beauty of it that he would not curse them or so affrighted with the terror of it that he durst not; and therefore he would bring him to another place, form which he might see only some part of them, which would appear more... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:27

And Balak said unto Balaam, come, I pray thee ,.... Come along with me: I will bring thee unto another place: if not better for the view of the people, yet a more religious place, on which account the king hoped for success: peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence ; it may be God will give thee leave to curse the people from that place, being devoted to sacred service: this is the first time that Balak makes mention of the name of God; and he now seems... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 23:27

I will bring thee unto another place. At first ( Numbers 23:25 ) Balak had in his vexation desired to stop the mouth of Balaam, but afterwards he thought it wiser to make yet another attempt to change the mind of God; as a heathen, he still thought that this might be done by dint of importunity and renewed sacrifices. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:1-30

Balaam’s announcements (22:36-24:25)Balak welcomed Balaam and took him to a high place where he could see the vastness of the Israelite camp. Balak no doubt hoped that Balaam, on seeing this, would be convinced that the Israelites were a serious threat and would put a destructive curse upon them (36-41). But Balaam announced God’s approval of the Israelites. Their vast number, their place in history and their present migration were according to God’s will. Balaam comforted himself with the... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Numbers 23:27

"And Balak said unto Balaam, Come now, I will take thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence. And Balak took Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh down upon the desert. And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams. And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered up a bullock and a ram on every altar.""Another place ..." (Numbers 23:27). Balak again and again sought "another... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Numbers 23:27

Numbers 23:27. I will bring thee unto another place— As the Syrians imagined that some gods were powerful in the hills, who could do nothing in the plains, 1 Kings 20:23; 1Ki 20:28 so it seems there was such a conceit at this time in these countries, that some gods had more power on one hill than on another. The idea of local deities was very general. Thus Balak might imagine that his God had hitherto been withheld by the gods of Israel from granting his desire, but might be more powerful in... 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 23:27

(27) Peradventure it will please God . . . —Here Balak makes mention of God as Elohim. He appears to be satisfied that Balaam was hindered by God from uttering the curses which he desired him to pronounce upon Israel (comp. Numbers 24:11). Or the words may have been spoken ironically (comp. Numbers 24:11, and Note). 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

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