Numbers 23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 23

In this chapter we have Balak and Balaam busy at work to do Israel a mischief, and, for ought that appears, neither Moses nor the elders of Israel know any thing of the matter, nor are in a capacity to break the snare; but God, who keeps Israel, and neither slumbers nor sleeps, baffles the attempt, without any intercession or contrivance of theirs. Here is, I. The first attempt to curse Israel. 1. The preparation made for it by sacrifice, Num. 23:1-3. 2. The contrary instruction God gave... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 23:1-12

Here is, I. Great preparation made for the cursing of Israel. That which was aimed at was to engage the God of Israel to forsake them, and either to be on Moab's side or to stand neuter. O the sottishness of superstition, to imagine that God will be at men's beck! Balaam and Balak think to bribe him with altars and sacrifices, offered without any warrant or institution of his: as if he would eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats. Ridiculous nonsense, to think that these would... read more

Matthew Henry

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

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 23 This chapter gives an account of the sacrifices offered by Balak and Balaam, and how God met Balsam, and put a word into his mouth, which he delivered in the presence of the king of Moab and his princes, Numbers 23:1 , the substance of which are, the separate state and condition of Israel from other nations, their number, and the happiness of the righteous at death, Numbers 23:8 , which made Balak uneasy, since instead of cursing he blessed Israel, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:1

And Balaam said unto Balak ,.... When upon one of the high places of Baal, and after having taken a view of the people of Israel as they lay encamped: build me here seven altars ; this was purely Heathenish; for not only the Israelites after the law of Moses had but one altar, but the patriarchs before that never built but one altar at a time. Some have thought regard is had to the seven planets worshipped by Heathens; though no doubt Balaam pretended to sacrifice to Jehovah the true... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:2

And Balak did as Balaam had spoken ,.... Ordered seven altars to be built, and prepared seven bullocks and rams for sacrifice: and Balak and Balsam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram ; both seem to be concerned in offering the sacrifices; Balak, though a king, it being usual for kings to be priests also, as Melchizedek was, and Balaam as a prophet; and these sacrifices were offered to the true God, as seems clear from Numbers 23:4 and to which Balak, at the direction of Balaam,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:3

And Balaam said unto Balak , stand by thy burnt offering,.... By which it appears that the sacrifices offered were of this sort, and there might be one, which was more peculiarly the burnt offering of Balak; though he might be more or less with Balaam concerned in them all; at which he was directed to stand while it was burning, presenting that and himself to the Lord, that he would have respect to both: and I will go ; depart from thence, at some little distance, unto some private... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:4

And God met Balaam ,.... Not in a kind and gracious manner; not out of any respect to him and his offerings; not to indulge him with any spiritual communion with him; nor to communicate his mind and will to him as a friend of his; not to gratify his desires, and grant the request of the king of Moab, or to smile upon and succeed the scheme that they had concerted; but for the sake of his people Israel, to counterwork the designs of their enemies; to blast and confound them, and turn their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:5

And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth .... Not grace into his heart, nor the fear of God within him, but suggested to him what to say; impressed it strongly on him, that he could not forget it, and with such power and weight, that he was obliged to deliver it: and said, return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak ; that is, unto him, and what is expressed in Numbers 22:7 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:6

And he returned unto him ,.... Immediately, as soon as he was told what to say: and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice ; continued in his devotions, hoping for success, and waiting for Balaam's return: he and all the princes of Moab ; not only those that were sent to Balaam, but perhaps all the princes of the kingdom who were got together on this occasion, and by reason of the imminent danger they apprehended the nation was in on account of Israel. read more

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