Bible Commentaries
Numbers 23

Introduction

Overview

Numbers 23:1, Balak’s sacrifices; Numbers 23:7, Balaam’s parables; Numbers 23:13, Balak’s sacrifices; Numbers 23:18, Balaam’s parables; Numbers 23:25, Balak’s sacrifices.

Verse 1

Build me: Numbers 23:29, Ezekiel 33:31, Jude 1:11

seven altars: Exodus 20:24, Exodus 27:1-8, 1 Samuel 15:22, 2 Kings 18:22, Psalms 50:8, Psalms 50:9, Proverbs 15:8, Isaiah 1:11-15, Matthew 23:14

seven oxen: Numbers 29:32, 1 Chronicles 15:26, 2 Chronicles 29:21, Job 42:8, Ezekiel 45:23

Reciprocal: Numbers 23:4 - I have prepared Numbers 23:14 - built seven Joshua 6:4 - seven times 2 Samuel 15:12 - while he offered Isaiah 16:12 - when Micah 6:6 - with

Verse 2

offered: Numbers 23:14, Numbers 23:30

Reciprocal: Numbers 22:17 - and I will do Numbers 22:40 - General Numbers 23:29 - General 1 Chronicles 15:26 - bullocks Ezekiel 45:23 - seven bullocks

Verse 3

Stand: Numbers 23:15

burnt: Genesis 8:20, Genesis 22:2, Genesis 22:7, Genesis 22:8, Genesis 22:13, Exodus 18:12, Leviticus 1:1

peradventure: Numbers 23:15, Numbers 22:8, Numbers 22:9, Numbers 22:31-35, Numbers 24:1

went to an high place: or, went solitary

Reciprocal: Exodus 3:18 - met Leviticus 1:3 - a burnt Numbers 22:12 - thou shalt not curse Numbers 22:17 - and I will do Numbers 23:6 - General Joshua 24:10 - General 1 Timothy 1:16 - for this

Verse 4

God: Numbers 23:16, Numbers 22:9, Numbers 22:20

I have prepared: Numbers 23:1, Isaiah 58:3, Isaiah 58:4, Matthew 20:12, Luke 18:12, John 16:2, Romans 3:27, Ephesians 2:9

Reciprocal: Exodus 3:18 - met 1 Kings 13:11 - an old prophet 2 Kings 10:16 - Come with me 1 Chronicles 15:26 - bullocks

Verse 5

Numbers 23:16, Numbers 22:35, Deuteronomy 18:18, Proverbs 16:1, Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 51:16, Isaiah 59:21, Jeremiah 1:9, Luke 12:12, John 11:51

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:55 - blessed Exodus 4:15 - and I Deuteronomy 23:5 - Nevertheless Judges 7:14 - his fellow 1 Samuel 19:23 - the Spirit 2 Samuel 14:3 - put the words 1 Kings 13:11 - an old prophet 1 Kings 13:20 - the word of the Lord

Verse 6

Numbers 23:3

Reciprocal: Numbers 3:17 - Gershon

Verse 7

he took: Numbers 23:18, Numbers 24:3, Numbers 24:15, Numbers 24:23, Job 27:1, Job 29:1, Psalms 78:2, Ezekiel 17:2, Ezekiel 20:49, Micah 2:4, Habakkuk 2:6, Matthew 13:33, Matthew 13:35, Mark 12:12

parable: The word mashal, which as a verb is to rule, have authority, and also to compare, as a noun signifies whatever is expressed in parabolic or figurative language. All these oracular speeches of Balaam are in hemistich metre in the original. They are highly dignified and sublime; and may be considered as immediate poetic productions of the Spirit of God - Numbers 24:2.

Aram: Numbers 22:5, Genesis 10:22, Genesis 28:2, Genesis 28:7, Deuteronomy 23:4

Come: Numbers 22:6, Numbers 22:11, Numbers 22:17, Proverbs 26:2

defy Israel: 1 Samuel 17:10, 1 Samuel 17:25, 1 Samuel 17:26, 1 Samuel 17:36, 1 Samuel 17:45, 2 Samuel 21:21, 2 Samuel 23:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 10:30 - mount of the east Genesis 22:21 - Aram Genesis 29:1 - came Numbers 23:11 - General 1 Chronicles 1:17 - Aram Job 1:3 - of the east Psalms 49:4 - parable Isaiah 2:6 - from the east Ezekiel 16:57 - Syria Ezekiel 25:4 - of the east

Verse 8

Numbers 23:20, Numbers 23:23, Isaiah 44:25, Isaiah 47:12, Isaiah 47:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:29 - cursed Genesis 31:55 - blessed Numbers 22:6 - curse me Numbers 23:11 - General Deuteronomy 32:31 - General 1 Samuel 17:10 - I defy 2 Samuel 23:9 - defied Nehemiah 13:2 - our God Proverbs 26:2 - so Isaiah 49:25 - I will contend

Verse 9

the people: They shall ever be a distinct nation. This prophecy has been literally fulfilled, through a period of 3,300 years, to the present day.

dwell alone: Exodus 19:5, Exodus 19:6, Exodus 33:16, Deuteronomy 33:28, Esther 3:8, 2 Corinthians 6:17, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9

shall not: Deuteronomy 32:8, Ezra 9:2, Jeremiah 46:28, Amos 9:9, Romans 15:8-10, Ephesians 2:12-14

Reciprocal: Leviticus 20:24 - which Numbers 2:34 - so they Numbers 24:2 - abiding Deuteronomy 4:7 - what nation 1 Samuel 8:5 - now make 1 Samuel 8:20 - General 1 Kings 8:53 - separate Ezra 9:1 - have not separated Song of Solomon 6:9 - General Isaiah 5:2 - fenced it Isaiah 49:25 - I will contend Jeremiah 46:1 - against Jeremiah 49:31 - which dwell Micah 7:14 - which

Verse 10

can count: Genesis 13:16, Genesis 22:17, Genesis 28:14

the dust: i.e. The posterity of Jacob, which was to be so numerous as to resemble the dust.

the fourth: Numbers 2:9, Numbers 2:16, Numbers 2:24, Numbers 2:31

me: Heb. my soul, or, my life

the death: Psalms 37:37, Psalms 116:15, Proverbs 14:32, Isaiah 57:1, Isaiah 57:2, Luke 2:29, Luke 2:30, 1 Corinthians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 3:22, 1 Corinthians 15:53-57, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Philippians 1:21-23, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 2 Peter 1:13-15, Revelation 14:13

Reciprocal: Leviticus 1:3 - a burnt Numbers 1:46 - General Numbers 2:34 - so they Numbers 24:2 - abiding 1 Kings 13:31 - lay my bones 2 Chronicles 1:9 - like the dust Proverbs 13:4 - desireth Proverbs 19:20 - be Ecclesiastes 7:2 - that Isaiah 26:15 - increased Romans 6:22 - and the end

Verse 11

Numbers 23:7, Numbers 23:8, Numbers 22:11, Numbers 22:17, Numbers 24:10, Psalms 109:17-20

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:55 - blessed Leviticus 1:3 - a burnt 2 Samuel 3:24 - What hast

Verse 12

Numbers 23:20, Numbers 23:26, Numbers 22:38, Numbers 24:13, Proverbs 26:25, Romans 16:18, Titus 1:16

Reciprocal: Exodus 4:15 - and I Numbers 22:8 - General Numbers 22:20 - but yet 2 Chronicles 18:13 - even what my God

Verse 13

unto: 1 Kings 20:23, 1 Kings 20:28, Micah 6:5

utmost: Numbers 22:41

and curse me: Joshua 24:9, Psalms 109:17, James 3:9, James 3:10

Reciprocal: Numbers 22:12 - thou shalt not curse Numbers 23:26 - General Numbers 23:27 - Come

Verse 14

Pisgah: or, the hill, Numbers 21:20, Deuteronomy 3:27, *marg. Deuteronomy 4:49, Deuteronomy 34:1, *marg.

built seven: Numbers 23:1, Numbers 23:2, Numbers 23:29, Isaiah 1:10, Isaiah 1:11, Isaiah 46:6, Hosea 12:11

Reciprocal: Numbers 22:40 - General Deuteronomy 3:17 - Ashdothpisgah 2 Samuel 15:12 - while he offered 2 Chronicles 29:21 - seven Job 42:8 - seven bullocks Isaiah 16:12 - when Micah 6:5 - Shittim Micah 6:6 - with

Verse 15

Numbers 23:3, Numbers 22:8

Reciprocal: Exodus 3:18 - met Numbers 24:1 - at other times Joshua 24:10 - General Micah 6:6 - with

Verse 16

Numbers 23:5, Numbers 22:35, Numbers 24:1

Reciprocal: Exodus 3:18 - met Exodus 4:15 - and I Numbers 22:38 - the word Numbers 23:4 - God Deuteronomy 23:5 - Nevertheless 1 Kings 13:20 - the word of the Lord

Verse 17

What: Numbers 23:26, 1 Samuel 3:17, Jeremiah 37:17

Verse 18

Rise up: Judges 3:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 4:23 - hear Numbers 23:7 - he took Numbers 24:3 - he took up Numbers 24:15 - General Nehemiah 13:2 - our God Micah 2:4 - shall Habakkuk 2:6 - take

Verse 19

God: 1 Samuel 15:29, Psalms 89:35, Habakkuk 2:3, Malachi 3:6, Luke 21:33, Romans 11:29, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18, James 1:17

or hath he: 1 Chronicles 17:17, Micah 7:20

Reciprocal: Genesis 6:6 - repented Genesis 28:15 - until Genesis 32:12 - thou Genesis 41:32 - it is because Exodus 6:8 - I am Leviticus 1:3 - a burnt Numbers 10:29 - for the Lord Numbers 11:23 - thou shalt Numbers 14:35 - I will surely Numbers 22:12 - thou shalt not curse Numbers 23:27 - peradventure Joshua 21:45 - General Joshua 23:14 - not one thing 1 Samuel 3:12 - I will perform 2 Samuel 7:21 - thy word's 2 Samuel 7:28 - thy words 1 Kings 22:23 - and the Lord 2 Kings 7:16 - according to 2 Kings 15:12 - And so Nehemiah 9:8 - righteous Job 9:32 - not a man Job 23:13 - who can Psalms 50:21 - thoughtest Psalms 77:8 - doth Psalms 89:2 - faithfulness Psalms 89:34 - nor Psalms 110:4 - will not Isaiah 1:20 - for the mouth Isaiah 21:17 - for Isaiah 25:1 - thy counsels Isaiah 31:2 - will not Isaiah 45:19 - speak righteousness Isaiah 45:23 - the word Isaiah 46:11 - I have spoken Isaiah 52:6 - I am he Isaiah 63:1 - speak Jeremiah 4:28 - because Jeremiah 38:21 - this is Ezekiel 21:32 - for I Ezekiel 24:14 - the Lord Ezekiel 26:14 - for I Ezekiel 36:36 - I the Lord have Daniel 4:28 - General Hosea 11:9 - for Hosea 13:14 - repentance Zechariah 1:6 - did Matthew 24:35 - my Mark 13:31 - my Luke 1:57 - General Acts 15:18 - General Acts 27:25 - I believe Romans 3:3 - shall Romans 9:6 - as though 1 Corinthians 1:9 - God Galatians 3:17 - that it 1 Thessalonians 5:24 - who 2 Timothy 2:13 - he cannot 1 John 5:10 - hath made

Verse 20

he hath: Numbers 22:12, Genesis 12:2, Genesis 22:17

I cannot: Numbers 22:18, Numbers 22:38, John 10:27-29, Romans 8:38, Romans 8:39, 1 Peter 1:5

Reciprocal: Numbers 6:27 - and I will Numbers 23:8 - General Numbers 23:12 - General Numbers 23:27 - peradventure Numbers 24:1 - saw Deuteronomy 33:29 - Happy Judges 7:14 - his fellow 1 Kings 22:23 - and the Lord Job 23:13 - who can Psalms 109:28 - Let them Isaiah 45:19 - speak righteousness Jeremiah 38:21 - this is Acts 4:20 - we cannot

Verse 21

hath not: Psalms 103:12, Isaiah 1:18, Isaiah 38:17, Jeremiah 50:20, Hosea 14:2-4, Micah 7:18-20, Romans 4:7, Romans 4:8, Romans 6:14, Romans 8:1, 2 Corinthians 5:19

the Lord: Exodus 13:21, Exodus 29:45, Exodus 29:46, Exodus 33:14-16, Exodus 34:9, Judges 6:13, 2 Chronicles 13:12, Psalms 23:4, Psalms 46:7, Psalms 46:11, Isaiah 8:10, Isaiah 12:6, Isaiah 41:10, Ezekiel 48:35, Matthew 1:23, 2 Corinthians 6:16

the shout: Psalms 47:5-7, Psalms 89:15, Psalms 89:18, Psalms 97:1, Psalms 118:15, Isaiah 33:22, Luke 19:37, Luke 19:38, 2 Corinthians 2:14

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:34 - so they Numbers 9:22 - abode Deuteronomy 4:7 - what nation Deuteronomy 7:21 - the Lord Deuteronomy 20:1 - the Lord 1 Samuel 12:12 - when the Lord Psalms 74:12 - God Psalms 77:10 - the years 1 Thessalonians 4:16 - with a

Verse 22

God: Numbers 22:5, Numbers 24:8, Exodus 9:16, Exodus 14:18, Exodus 20:2, Psalms 68:35

the strength: Deuteronomy 33:17, Job 39:10, Job 39:11, Psalms 22:21

unicorn: The reaim, most probably denotes the rhinoceros, so called from the horn on its nose. In size he is only exceeded by the elephant; and in strength and power inferior to none. He is at least twelve feet in length, from the snout to the tail; six or seven feet in height; and the circumference of the body is nearly equal to his length. He is particularly distinguished from all other animals by the remarkable and offensive weapon he carries on his nose; which is very hard horn, solid throughout, directed forward. He principally feeds upon large succulent plants, prickly shrubs, and branches; and delights in marshy places.

Reciprocal: Numbers 9:22 - abode Esther 4:14 - then shall Job 39:9 - the Psalms 29:6 - unicorn Psalms 74:12 - God Psalms 77:10 - the years Psalms 92:10 - an unicorn Isaiah 34:7 - unicorns

Verse 23

no enchantment: Numbers 22:6, Numbers 24:1, Genesis 3:15, Matthew 12:25, Matthew 12:27, Matthew 16:18, Luke 10:18, Luke 10:19, Romans 16:20, Revelation 12:9

against: or, in

according: Psalms 44:1-3, Psalms 136:13-20, Isaiah 63:9-12, Daniel 9:15, Micah 6:4, Micah 6:5, Micah 7:15

What hath: Psalms 31:19, Psalms 64:9, Psalms 126:2, Psalms 126:3, Isaiah 41:4, John 11:47, Acts 4:16, Acts 5:12, Acts 5:14, Acts 10:38, Acts 15:12, Galatians 1:23, Galatians 1:24, 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 1:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 21:7 - Who Exodus 6:1 - Now shalt Leviticus 1:3 - a burnt Numbers 1:28 - General Numbers 22:12 - thou shalt not curse Numbers 23:8 - General Numbers 24:23 - when God Deuteronomy 32:31 - General Nehemiah 6:16 - for they perceived Psalms 28:5 - operation Psalms 46:8 - Come Psalms 66:5 - Come Psalms 105:1 - make known Psalms 109:28 - Let them Isaiah 41:20 - General Mark 12:11 - General Acts 9:21 - amazed 2 Thessalonians 1:10 - to be glorified

Verse 24

as a great: Numbers 24:8, Numbers 24:9, Genesis 49:9, Deuteronomy 33:20, Psalms 17:12, Proverbs 30:30, Isaiah 31:4, Amos 3:8, Revelation 5:5

he shall: Numbers 24:17, Genesis 49:27, Daniel 2:44, Micah 5:8, Micah 5:9, Zechariah 10:4, Zechariah 10:5, Zechariah 12:6, Revelation 19:11-21

Reciprocal: Genesis 49:28 - the twelve Leviticus 1:3 - a burnt 1 Kings 10:20 - lions 2 Chronicles 9:18 - two lions Job 4:11 - old lion Job 38:40 - General Psalms 57:3 - from the reproach of him Psalms 58:6 - young Revelation 4:7 - the first beast

Verse 25

Psalms 2:1-3

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 9:28 - the charge

Verse 26

Numbers 23:12, Numbers 23:13, Numbers 22:18, Numbers 22:38, Numbers 24:12, Numbers 24:13, 1 Kings 22:14, 2 Chronicles 18:13, Acts 4:19, Acts 4:20, Acts 5:29

Reciprocal: Numbers 22:20 - but yet Numbers 23:17 - What

Verse 27

Come: Numbers 23:13

peradventure: Numbers 23:19, Numbers 23:20, Job 23:13, Proverbs 19:21, Proverbs 21:30, Isaiah 14:27, Isaiah 46:10, Isaiah 46:11, Malachi 3:6, Romans 11:29

Reciprocal: Leviticus 1:3 - a burnt Micah 6:5 - Shittim

Verse 28

Jeshimon: Numbers 21:20

Reciprocal: Isaiah 16:12 - when Ezekiel 21:21 - to use

Verse 29

Numbers 23:1, Numbers 23:2

Reciprocal: Numbers 22:17 - and I will do Numbers 23:14 - built seven 1 Chronicles 15:26 - bullocks 2 Chronicles 29:21 - seven Job 42:8 - seven bullocks Micah 6:6 - with

Verse 30

Reciprocal: Leviticus 1:3 - a burnt Numbers 22:17 - and I will do Numbers 22:40 - General Numbers 23:2 - offered 2 Samuel 15:12 - while he offered Micah 6:6 - with