The Third Attempt To Influence Yahweh (Numbers 23:27 to Numbers 24:13).
The previous two attempts at enchantment having failed Balak decided that he must try again, this time with Baal-peor. Some may wondered at Balak's persistence, but both he and Balaam probably thought that the next seven offerings would do the trick. For seven times three would be divine completeness and perfection indeed.
‘And Balak said to Balaam, “Come now, I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you may curse me them from there.” And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which looks down on the desert.'
The stark mountain of Peor was his last hope. Here surely Baal-peor would come to his help against these people. So he took Balaam there and called on him to make another attempt to curse Israel for him.
‘And Balaam said to Balak, “Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven ox bulls and seven rams.” '
Balaam again called on him to follow his usual pattern. It had always ‘worked' in the past. Another munificent offering to the gods might be successful, and might change Yahweh's mind. Three times seven was complete divine perfection.
There is in all this a deliberate intent in the writer's mind to bring out the futility of Balaam's methods and Balak's hopes. Yahweh the God of Israel just could not be influenced by these methods. He was over and above them. They were useless. Balaam might be powerful in his own sphere but against God he was powerless. All he could do was prophecy in His favour.
‘And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered up an ox bull and a ram on every altar.'
So Balak again did all that was required of him. An ox bull and a ram were offered up on each of seven altars.