Numbers 23:11-17 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Reader Related Verse
Bible Comments

Balak's Sacrifices preliminary to Balaam's second Oracle. Balak's disappointment at Balaam's first utterance leads him to take Balaam to the field of Zophim (or the watchmen) in the hope that the different locality might dispose God to accept his renewed sacrifices and to grant his wishes. Some places were thought to be regarded by a divinity with greater favour than others (1 Samuel 5:8 *). For Pisgah, see Numbers 21:20 *.

Numbers 23:13. shalt not see them all: it might be expected that Balak on the second occasion would show Balaam the whole of Israel, and not a part only (as on the first); and these words may have been introduced by the editor because of the third occasion in Numbers 24:2 (which probably comes from another source).

Related Commentaries of Numbers 23:11

Numbers 23:11-17

11 And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.

12 And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

13 And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

14 And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah,a and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.

15 And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.

16 And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?