Numbers 22:40 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

And Balak offered... — Better, and Balak slew (or, slaughtered in sacrifice), &c. The word rendered offered does not necessarily denote anything more than to slay. It is very commonly used, however, to denote slaying in sacrifice; and it is most probable that Balak made a sacrificial feast, and sent portions of the flesh to Balaam and the princes who were with him. Kings not unfrequently acted as priests of old, as, e.g., Melchizedek. (Comp. Rex Anius, rex idem hominum Phoebique sacerdos, Aen. 3:80.)

Numbers 22:40

40 And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.