Numbers 23

23:1-30 As a diviner, Balaam performed rituals to interpret omens and ascertain Israel’s future (cp. 23:23; 24:1). Balak had summoned him to pronounce imprecations, but God repeatedly prohibited him from doing so. • It is possible that these sacrifices were connected with the practice of extispicy—the examination of animal livers or other organs for an omen concerning the future. According to ancient Near Eastern texts, this form of fortune-telling was a widely practiced and highly developed art. Such practices were banned from Israel (see Deut 18:9-14; cp. Ezek 21:21).23:1 The number seven was a sacred symbol (also 23:4, 14, 29; cp. Job 42:8; see “Symbolic Numbers” Theme Note).

23:7-10 In his first oracle from God (23:5, 16), Balaam rehearsed the circumstances that brought him to Moab, emphasized God’s special relation with Israel, and declared his intention of protecting them from harm. • These poetic oracles illustrate the parallelism of Hebrew poetry. Parallel lines reinforce the content by repeating important concepts in a highly structured pattern. • Aram: Aram-naharaim (Gen 24:10) is another name for North Mesopotamia, where Balaam’s home of Pethor was located (Num 22:5). • The eastern hills are a line of mountains in North Syria.23:7-8 Instead of cursing Israel, the seer noted their special status (cp. Exod 19:5-6; Deut 7:6-9) and observed that God’s blessing had turned a humble people into a great nation (cp. Gen 12:2-3; 13:16; 28:14). Balaam wished for similar good fortune to come his way (Num 23:10).

23:13-26 Balak hoped that he would get different results if he changed the venue. The precise location of the plateau of Zophim on Pisgah Peak is unknown, though Pisgah is part of the ridgeline that overlooks the plains of Moab (Deut 34:1) in the vicinity of Bamoth-baal (Num 22:41) and Mount Peor (23:28).

23:18-24 This oracle emphasizes God’s faithfulness to his people—he would stay with them and keep all of his promises.

23:19 Because of God’s reliable character, Balaam could do nothing but bless Israel.

23:20-21 Since the Lord would follow through on his promises to bless his people (bringing them no misfortune or trouble), Balaam was in no position to reverse God’s intentions. Though God punished the Hebrews for acts of disobedience, his advocacy of Israel’s cause was evident from the time he delivered them from Egypt.

23:23-24 No curse could succeed against Israel because they had been blessed (22:12; cp. Gen 12:2-3; 22:17-18). Israel was safe from the harm that Moab and Midian sought to inflict through divination (cp. Num 24:1); Israel would become famous because God protected them from harm (see Josh 2:9-11; cp. Num 14:13-19).

23:27–24:14 Disappointed with Balaam’s blessing, Balak hoped that yet another change of location would produce different results. Though the location of Mount Peor is unknown, this place was probably near a worship site of Baal of Peor (cp. 25:3, 5) and the Beth-peor of Deut 3:29; 34:6, where Moses was buried.