Into the high places of Baal— Balak offered peace-offerings in gratitude to his gods for sending Balaam to assist him against his enemies, Numbers 22:4 and sent to Balaam and the princes to partake of the feast upon the sacrifice; of which Balaam, as a worshipper of the true God, was certainly blameable for partaking: impatient to gratify his revenge, early in the morning he brought Balaam to the high places of Baal, or Lord, which was a common name for various divinities of both sexes in idolatrous countries; but it seems to be most probable, that Chemosh, or Baal-Peor, the god of the Moabites, is here meant: see note on ch. Numbers 21:29 Numbers 25:2-3 and Selden de Diis Syr. Syntag. cap. 1. This god, like those in other nations, was worshipped in high places, which were generally planted with groves, whose solemn gloom served to inspire the worshippers with religious thoughts. Those high places to which Balak now brought Balaam appear to have been situated upon the mountains of Abarim, which separated, the kingdom of Moab from those of Sihon and Og. That thence he might see the utmost part of the people, seems to mean, that thence he might have a view of the whole extremity קצה ketze, of the people stretched out in the valley beneath; for it was judged necessary, in there solemn imprecations, to have the persons devoted present to the view of him who pronounced the malediction.
REFLECTIONS.—Balak hastes to welcome Balaam to the borders of Moab; such respect he pays to a wicked prophet! and shall the messenger of curses be thus received. with honour, and God's ministers of peace be despised? He gently chides him for his delay to accept those honours which he designed him, and is now confident of success. Note; When the sinner, in his own opinion, is nearest the summit of his wishes, he stands on the precipice of destruction.—Balaam, with evident grief, declares his power limited, and cannot promise much success from his coming; however, he is nobly entertained, sacrifices are offered to the gods of Moab, and, after the first day spent in festal joy, the ensuing morning they arise early to prosecute their impotent designs, and from the high place of Baal descry the most distant part of Israel's host encamped in the plain beneath. Note; They who will not take warning will be given up, like Balaam, to follow their own hearts.