Numbers 23:1

PREPARATORY SACRIFICES, Numbers 23:1-6.

1. Build me here Against the express prohibition of God Balaam proceeds in his purpose to gain Jehovah’s permission to curse his chosen people. His wickedness he attempts to veil from his own moral sense by his extraordinary religiousness, as some professed Christians lengthen the creed to compensate a shortened decalogue. He is determined to effect his purpose, not in spite of Jehovah, but by gaining his approval. He wishes to obey the will of God after he has won that will to his own purpose.

Seven altars For the symbolism of the number seven, a number denoting perfection, see Leviticus 4:6, note. Here is a strange mixture of paganism and Judaism. The Levitical law never recognises but one altar of sacrifice, which prefigures Christ. Hebrews 13:10. Many altars characterize polytheism. Jeremiah 11:13; Hosea 10:1; Hosea 12:11; Amos 3:14. The seven oxen and seven rams are strictly Levitical. See 1 Chronicles 15:26; 2 Chronicles 29:21; Job 42:8. “The nations of antiquity generally accompanied all their more important undertakings with sacrifices to make sure of the protection of their gods; but this was especially the case with their ceremonies of adjuration.” Keil.