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BSB
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Numbers 23

BSB·30 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Then Balaamבִּלְעָם֙bil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Balakבָּלָ֔קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study →, “Buildבְּנֵה־bə·nêh- — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → for me sevenשִׁבְעָ֣הšiḇ·‘āh — The number seven; sevenfoldH7651 — Full Word Study → altarsמִזְבְּחֹ֑תmiz·bə·ḥōṯ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → hereבָזֶ֖הḇā·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study →, and prepareוְהָכֵ֥ןwə·hā·ḵên — to establish, prepare, or make firmH3559 — Full Word Study → for me sevenשִׁבְעָ֥הšiḇ·‘āh — The number seven; sevenfoldH7651 — Full Word Study → bullsפָרִ֖יםp̄ā·rîm — Young bull or bullock; a sacrificial animalH6499 — Full Word Study → and sevenוְשִׁבְעָ֥הwə·šiḇ·‘āh — The number seven; sevenfoldH7651 — Full Word Study → ramsאֵילִֽים׃’ê·lîm — strength, mighty one, ram, pillarH352 — Full Word Study →.” 2So Balakבָּלָ֔קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → didוַיַּ֣עַשׂway·ya·‘aś — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → asכַּאֲשֶׁ֖רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Balaamבִּלְעָ֑םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → had instructedדִּבֶּ֣רdib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →, and Balakבָּלָ֧קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → and Balaamוּבִלְעָ֛םū·ḇil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → offeredוַיַּ֨עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → a bullפָּ֥רpār — Young bull or bullock; a sacrificial animalH6499 — Full Word Study → and a ramוָאַ֖יִלwā·’a·yil — strength, mighty one, ram, pillarH352 — Full Word Study → on each altarבַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃bam·miz·bê·aḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study →. 3Stayהִתְיַצֵּב֮hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ — To stand, take a stand, present oneselfH3320 — Full Word Study → here byעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → your burnt offeringעֹלָתֶךָ֒‘ō·lā·ṯe·ḵā — burnt offering; ascending sacrificeH5930 — Full Word Study → while I am goneוְאֵֽלְכָ֗הwə·’ê·lə·ḵāh — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →,” Balaamבִּלְעָ֜םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to Balakלְבָלָ֗קlə·ḇā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study →. “Perhapsאוּלַ֞י’ū·lay — Perhaps, possibly, if so beH194 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → will meet with meלִקְרָאתִ֔יliq·rā·ṯî — to meet, encounter, or come upon (often by chance or unexpectedly)H7122 — Full Word Study →. And whateverמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → He reveals to meיַּרְאֵ֖נִיyar·’ê·nî — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →, I will tellוְהִגַּ֣דְתִּיwə·hig·gaḏ·tî — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → you.” So Balaam went off to a barren heightשֶֽׁפִי׃še·p̄î — high place, elevated shrineH8205 — Full Word Study →, 4and Godאֱלֹהִ֖ים’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → metוַיִּקָּ֥רway·yiq·qār — to meet, befall, happen; to impose or lay (beams)H7136 — Full Word Study → withאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → himבִּלְעָ֑םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study →. “I have set upעָרַ֔כְתִּי‘ā·raḵ·tî — to arrange, set in order, prepareH6186 — Full Word Study → sevenשִׁבְעַ֤תšiḇ·‘aṯ — The number seven; sevenfoldH7651 — Full Word Study → altarsהַֽמִּזְבְּחֹת֙ham·miz·bə·ḥōṯ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study →,” Balaam saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “and on each altarבַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃bam·miz·bê·aḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → I have offeredוָאַ֛עַלwā·’a·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → a bullפָּ֥רpār — Young bull or bullock; a sacrificial animalH6499 — Full Word Study → and a ramוָאַ֖יִלwā·’a·yil — strength, mighty one, ram, pillarH352 — Full Word Study →.” 5Then the LORDיְהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → putוַיָּ֧שֶׂםway·yā·śem — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → a messageדָּבָ֖רdā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → in Balaam’sבִלְעָ֑םḇil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → mouthבְּפִ֣יbə·p̄î — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּ֛אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Returnשׁ֥וּבšūḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Balakבָּלָ֖קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → andוְכֹ֥הwə·ḵōh — thus, so, in this mannerH3541 — Full Word Study → give him this messageתְדַבֵּֽר׃ṯə·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →.” 6So he returnedוַיָּ֣שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → to Balakאֵלָ֔יו’ê·lāw — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, whoה֖וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → was standingנִצָּ֖בniṣ·ṣāḇ — To stand, station, or set up firmlyH5324 — Full Word Study → thereוְהִנֵּ֥הwə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → besideעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his burnt offeringעֹלָת֑וֹ‘ō·lā·ṯōw — burnt offering; ascending sacrificeH5930 — Full Word Study →, with allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the princesשָׂרֵ֥יśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of Moabמוֹאָֽב׃mō·w·’āḇ — From his fatherH4124 — Full Word Study →. 7And Balaam lifted upוַיִּשָּׂ֥אway·yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → an oracleמְשָׁל֖וֹmə·šā·lōw — Proverb; a wise saying or parableH4912 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּאמַ֑רway·yō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →: “Balakבָלָ֤קḇā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → brought meיַנְחֵ֨נִיyan·ḥê·nî — To lead, guide, direct with authorityH5148 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → Aramאֲ֠רָם’ă·rām — Ancient Mesopotamian regionH758 — Full Word Study →, the kingמֶֽלֶךְ־me·leḵ- — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → of Moabמוֹאָב֙mō·w·’āḇ — From his fatherH4124 — Full Word Study → from the mountainsמֵֽהַרְרֵי־mê·har·rê- — mountain, hill, elevated terrainH2042 — Full Word Study → of the eastקֶ֔דֶםqe·ḏem — East; ancient times; beforeH6924 — Full Word Study →. ‘Come,’ he saidלְכָה֙lə·ḵāh — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →, ‘put a curseאָֽרָה־’ā·rāh- — to curse bitterly; to execrateH779 — Full Word Study → on Jacobיַעֲקֹ֔בya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → for me; comeוּלְכָ֖הū·lə·ḵāh — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → and denounce Israelיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →!’ 8Howמָ֣הmāh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → can I curse what Godאֵ֑ל’êl — God, Mighty OneH410 — Full Word Study → has notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → cursedאֶקֹּ֔ב’eq·qōḇ — to curse, revile, or speak evil againstH6895 — Full Word Study →? Howוּמָ֣הū·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → can I denounce what the LORDיְהוָֽה׃Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → has notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → denouncedזָעַ֖םzā·‘am — To be indignant; to rage or abhorH2194 — Full Word Study →? 9Forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → I see themאֶרְאֶ֔נּוּ’er·’en·nū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → from atopמֵרֹ֤אשׁmê·rōš — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → the rocky cliffsצֻרִים֙ṣu·rîm — Rock; stone; strength; fortressH6697 — Full Word Study →, and I watch themאֲשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ’ă·šū·ren·nū — To see, observe, or watchH7789 — Full Word Study → from the hillsוּמִגְּבָע֖וֹתū·mig·gə·ḇā·‘ō·wṯ — hill, elevated terrainH1389 — Full Word Study →. Beholdהֶן־hen- — Look! Behold! — an attention-directing particleH2005 — Full Word Study →, a peopleעָם֙‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → dwellingיִשְׁכֹּ֔ןyiš·kōn — To dwell, inhabit, or settle in a placeH7931 — Full Word Study → apartלְבָדָ֣דlə·ḇā·ḏāḏ — Alone, solitary, isolationH910 — Full Word Study →, notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → reckoning themselvesיִתְחַשָּֽׁב׃yiṯ·ḥaš·šāḇ — to think, devise, plan, or reckonH2803 — Full Word Study → among the nationsוּבַגּוֹיִ֖םū·ḇag·gō·w·yim — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study →. 10Whoמִ֤יmî — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → can countמָנָה֙mā·nāh — To count, number, appoint, or ordainH4487 — Full Word Study → the dustעֲפַ֣ר‘ă·p̄ar — dust; fine particles of earth or ground matterH6083 — Full Word Study → of Jacobיַעֲקֹ֔בya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → or numberוּמִסְפָּ֖רū·mis·pār — number, count, enumerationH4557 — Full Word Study → even a fourth of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →? Let meנַפְשִׁי֙nap̄·šî — soul, life, person, selfH5315 — Full Word Study → dieתָּמֹ֤תtā·mōṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → the deathמ֣וֹתmō·wṯ — death, the state of being deadH4194 — Full Word Study → of the righteousיְשָׁרִ֔יםyə·šā·rîm — upright, straight, righteous, justH3477 — Full Word Study →; let my endאַחֲרִיתִ֖י’a·ḥă·rî·ṯî — End, latter time, final outcomeH319 — Full Word Study → beוּתְהִ֥יū·ṯə·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → like theirsכָּמֹֽהוּ׃kā·mō·hū — Like; according to; asH3644 — Full Word Study →!” 11Then Balakבָּלָק֙bā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Balaamבִּלְעָ֔םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study →, “Whatמֶ֥הmeh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → have you doneעָשִׂ֖יתָ‘ā·śî·ṯā — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → to me? I brought you here to curseלָקֹ֤בlā·qōḇ — to curse, revile, or speak evil againstH6895 — Full Word Study → my enemiesאֹיְבַי֙’ō·yə·ḇay — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study →, and beholdוְהִנֵּ֖הwə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study →, you have only blessed themבֵּרַ֥כְתָּbê·raḵ·tā — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study →!” 12But Balaam replied, “Should I notהֲלֹ֗אhă·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → speakלְדַבֵּֽר׃lə·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → exactly whatאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → putsיָשִׂ֤יםyā·śîm — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → in my mouthבְּפִ֔יbə·p̄î — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study →?” 13Then Balakבָּלָ֗קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to himאֵלָ֜יו’ê·lāw — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, “Please comeלְךָlə·ḵå̄ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → with meאִתִּ֜י’it·tî — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → anotherאַחֵר֙’a·ḥêr — another, different, or following person or thingH312 — Full Word Study → placeמָק֤וֹםmā·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → whereאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → you can see themתִּרְאֶ֣נּוּtir·’en·nū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →. You will onlyאֶ֚פֶס’e·p̄es — End, cessation, extremity; nothing, noughtH657 — Full Word Study → seeתִרְאֶ֔הṯir·’eh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → the outskirts of their campקָצֵ֣הוּqā·ṣê·hū — edge, border, extremity, endH7097 — Full Word Study →notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → all of themוְכֻלּ֖וֹwə·ḵul·lōw — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study →. And from thereמִשָּֽׁם׃miš·šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →, curse themוְקָבְנוֹ־wə·qā·ḇə·nōw- — to curse, revile, or speak evil againstH6895 — Full Word Study → for me.” 14So Balak took himוַיִּקָּחֵ֙הוּ֙way·yiq·qā·ḥê·hū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → to the fieldשְׂדֵ֣הśə·ḏêh — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study → of Zophimצֹפִ֔יםṣō·p̄îm — Watchers or lookoutsH6839 — Full Word Study →, to theאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → topרֹ֖אשׁrōš — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → of Pisgahהַפִּסְגָּ֑הhap·pis·gāh — The Cleft, or The SplitH6449 — Full Word Study →, where he builtוַיִּ֙בֶן֙way·yi·ḇen — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → sevenשִׁבְעָ֣הšiḇ·‘āh — The number seven; sevenfoldH7651 — Full Word Study → altarsמִזְבְּחֹ֔תmiz·bə·ḥōṯ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → and offeredוַיַּ֛עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → a bullפָּ֥רpār — Young bull or bullock; a sacrificial animalH6499 — Full Word Study → and a ramוָאַ֖יִלwā·’a·yil — strength, mighty one, ram, pillarH352 — Full Word Study → on each altarבַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃bam·miz·bê·aḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study →. 15Balaam saidוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Balakבָּלָ֔קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study →, “Stayהִתְיַצֵּ֥בhiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ — To stand, take a stand, present oneselfH3320 — Full Word Study → hereכֹּ֖הkōh — thus, so, in this mannerH3541 — Full Word Study → besideעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → your burnt offeringעֹלָתֶ֑ךָ‘ō·lā·ṯe·ḵā — burnt offering; ascending sacrificeH5930 — Full Word Study → while Iוְאָנֹכִ֖יwə·’ā·nō·ḵî — I, myself (first-person singular pronoun)H595 — Full Word Study → meet the LORD over thereכֹּֽה׃kōh — thus, so, in this mannerH3541 — Full Word Study →.” 16And the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → metוַיִּקָּ֤רway·yiq·qār — to meet, befall, happen; to impose or lay (beams)H7136 — Full Word Study → withאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Balaamבִּלְעָ֔םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → and putוַיָּ֥שֶׂםway·yā·śem — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → a messageדָּבָ֖רdā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study → in his mouthבְּפִ֑יוbə·p̄îw — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּ֛אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Returnשׁ֥וּבšūḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Balakבָּלָ֖קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → and speakתְדַבֵּֽר׃ṯə·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → what I tell youוְכֹ֥הwə·ḵōh — thus, so, in this mannerH3541 — Full Word Study →.” 17So he returnedוַיָּבֹ֣אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to Balakאֵלָ֗יו’ê·lāw — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, who was standingנִצָּב֙niṣ·ṣāḇ — To stand, station, or set up firmlyH5324 — Full Word Study → thereוְהִנּ֤וֹwə·hin·nōw — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → byעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his burnt offeringעֹ֣לָת֔וֹ‘ō·lā·ṯōw — burnt offering; ascending sacrificeH5930 — Full Word Study → withאִתּ֑וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → the princesוְשָׂרֵ֥יwə·śā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of Moabמוֹאָ֖בmō·w·’āḇ — From his fatherH4124 — Full Word Study →. “Whatמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → did the LORDיְהוָֽה׃Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → sayדִּבֶּ֖רdib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →?” Balakבָּלָ֔קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → askedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. 18Then Balaam lifted upוַיִּשָּׂ֥אway·yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → an oracleמְשָׁל֖וֹmə·šā·lōw — Proverb; a wise saying or parableH4912 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּאמַ֑רway·yō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →: “Ariseק֤וּםqūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study →, O Balakבָּלָק֙bā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study →, and listenוּֽשֲׁמָ֔עū·šă·mā‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →; giveהַאֲזִ֥ינָהha·’ă·zî·nāh — to listen, give ear, hear attentivelyH238 — Full Word Study → ear to meעָדַ֖י‘ā·ḏay — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study →, O sonבְּנ֥וֹbə·nōw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Zipporצִפֹּֽר׃ṣip·pōr — birdH6834 — Full Word Study →. 19Godאֵל֙’êl — God, Mighty OneH410 — Full Word Study → is notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → a manאִ֥ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →, that He should lieוִֽיכַזֵּ֔בwî·ḵaz·zêḇ — to lie, deceive, or prove falseH3576 — Full Word Study →, or a sonוּבֶן־ū·ḇen- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of manאָדָ֖ם’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study →, that He should change His mindוְיִתְנֶחָ֑םwə·yiṯ·ne·ḥām — to comfort, console, or show compassion; to repent or change one's mindH5162 — Full Word Study →. Does Heהַה֤וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → speakאָמַר֙’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → and notוְלֹ֣אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → actיַעֲשֶׂ֔הya·‘ă·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →? Does He promiseוְדִבֶּ֖רwə·ḏib·ber — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → and notוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → fulfillיְקִימֶֽנָּה׃yə·qî·men·nāh — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study →? 20I have indeedהִנֵּ֥הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → receivedלָקָ֑חְתִּיlā·qā·ḥə·tî — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → a command to blessבָרֵ֖ךְḇā·rêḵ — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study →; He has blessedוּבֵרֵ֖ךְū·ḇê·rêḵ — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study →, and I cannotוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → change itאֲשִׁיבֶֽנָּה׃’ă·šî·ḇen·nāh — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study →. 21He considersהִבִּ֥יטhib·bîṭ — To look upon, regard, or behold with attentionH5027 — Full Word Study → noלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → disasterאָ֙וֶן֙’ā·wen — Evil, wickedness, iniquity, or worthlessnessH205 — Full Word Study → for Jacobבְּיַעֲקֹ֔בbə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study →; He seesרָאָ֥הrā·’āh — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → noוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → troubleעָמָ֖ל‘ā·māl — Labor, toil, trouble, or arduous workH5999 — Full Word Study → for Israelבְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לbə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. The LORDיְהוָ֤הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → their Godאֱלֹהָיו֙’ĕ·lō·hāw — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → is with themעִמּ֔וֹ‘im·mōw — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study →, and the shoutוּתְרוּעַ֥תū·ṯə·rū·‘aṯ — Loud shout or trumpet blast of joyH8643 — Full Word Study → of the Kingמֶ֖לֶךְme·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → is among them. 22Godאֵ֖ל’êl — God, Mighty OneH410 — Full Word Study → brought them outמוֹצִיאָ֣םmō·w·ṣî·’ām — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → of Egyptמִמִּצְרָ֑יִםmim·miṣ·rā·yim — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study → with strengthכְּתוֹעֲפֹ֥תkə·ṯō·w·‘ă·p̄ōṯ — abundance, plenty, peak of flourishingH8443 — Full Word Study → like a wild oxרְאֵ֖םrə·’êm — Wild ox; aurochsH7214 — Full Word Study →. 23Forכִּ֤יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → there is noלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → spellנַ֙חַשׁ֙na·ḥaš — divination, enchantment, or sorceryH5173 — Full Word Study → against Jacobבְּיַעֲקֹ֔בbə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → and noוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → divinationקֶ֖סֶםqe·sem — divination, casting of lots, or occult practiceH7081 — Full Word Study → against Israelבְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לbə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. It will nowכָּעֵ֗תkā·‘êṯ — Time, season, or appointed momentH6256 — Full Word Study → be saidיֵאָמֵ֤רyê·’ā·mêr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → of Jacobלְיַעֲקֹב֙lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → and Israelוּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לū·lə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, ‘Whatמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → great things Godאֵֽל׃’êl — God, Mighty OneH410 — Full Word Study → has doneפָּ֖עַלpā·‘al — to do, work, make, performH6466 — Full Word Study →!’ 24Beholdהֶן־hen- — Look! Behold! — an attention-directing particleH2005 — Full Word Study →, the peopleעָם֙‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → riseיָק֔וּםyā·qūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → like a lionessכְּלָבִ֣יאkə·lā·ḇî — Lion; symbol of strength and ferocityH3833 — Full Word Study →; they rouse themselvesיִתְנַשָּׂ֑אyiṯ·naś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → like a lionוְכַאֲרִ֖יwə·ḵa·’ă·rî — A lion; fierce predatorH738 — Full Word Study →, notלֹ֤אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → restingיִשְׁכַּב֙yiš·kaḇ — to lie down, recline, sleepH7901 — Full Word Study → untilעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → they devourיֹ֣אכַלyō·ḵal — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → their preyטֶ֔רֶףṭe·rep̄ — Prey; food torn apartH2964 — Full Word Study → and drinkיִשְׁתֶּֽה׃yiš·teh — to drink; consume liquidH8354 — Full Word Study → the bloodוְדַם־wə·ḏam- — blood; life force; bloodshed; guiltH1818 — Full Word Study → of the slainחֲלָלִ֖יםḥă·lā·lîm — to pierce through; to kill or slayH2491 — Full Word Study →.” 25Now Balakבָּלָק֙bā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Balaamבִּלְעָ֔םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study →, “Thenגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → neitherלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → curse themתִקֳּבֶ֑נּוּṯiq·qo·ḇen·nū — to curse, revile, or speak evil againstH6895 — Full Word Study → at allקֹ֖בqōḇ — to curse, revile, or speak evil againstH6895 — Full Word Study → norלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → bless themבָּרֵ֖ךְbā·rêḵ — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study → at allתְבָרֲכֶֽנּוּ׃ṯə·ḇā·ră·ḵen·nū — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study →!” 26But Balaamבִּלְעָ֔םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיַּ֣עַןway·ya·‘an — To answer, respond, or testifyH6030 — Full Word Study →, “Did I notהֲלֹ֗אhă·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → tell you thatדִּבַּ֤רְתִּיdib·bar·tî — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → whateverכֹּ֛לkōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saysיְדַבֵּ֥רyə·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →, I must doאֶֽעֱשֶֽׂה׃’e·‘ĕ·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →?” 27Pleaseנָּא֙nā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → comeלְכָה־lə·ḵāh- — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →,” saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Balakבָּלָק֙bā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study →, “I will takeאֶקָּ֣חֲךָ֔’eq·qā·ḥă·ḵā — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → you toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → anotherאַחֵ֑ר’a·ḥêr — another, different, or following person or thingH312 — Full Word Study → placeמָק֖וֹםmā·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study →. Perhapsאוּלַ֤י’ū·lay — Perhaps, possibly, if so beH194 — Full Word Study → it will pleaseיִישַׁר֙yî·šar — to make straight; to direct; to be right or uprightH3474 — Full Word Study → Godהָאֱלֹהִ֔יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → that you curse themוְקַבֹּ֥תוֹwə·qab·bō·ṯōw — to curse, revile, or speak evil againstH6895 — Full Word Study → for me from thereמִשָּֽׁם׃miš·šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →.” 28And Balakבָּלָ֖קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → tookוַיִּקַּ֥חway·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → Balaamבִּלְעָ֑םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → to the topרֹ֣אשׁrōš — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → of Peorהַפְּע֔וֹרhap·pə·‘ō·wr — Opening or cleftH6465 — Full Word Study →, which overlooksהַנִּשְׁקָ֖ףhan·niš·qāp̄ — to look out, gaze upon, appearH8259 — Full Word Study → the wastelandהַיְשִׁימֹֽן׃hay·šî·mōn — The WildernessH3452 — Full Word Study →. 29Then Balaamבִּלְעָם֙bil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Buildבְּנֵה־bə·nêh- — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → for me sevenשִׁבְעָ֣הšiḇ·‘āh — The number seven; sevenfoldH7651 — Full Word Study → altarsמִזְבְּחֹ֑תmiz·bə·ḥōṯ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study → hereבָזֶ֖הḇā·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study →, and prepareוְהָכֵ֥ןwə·hā·ḵên — to establish, prepare, or make firmH3559 — Full Word Study → for me sevenשִׁבְעָ֥הšiḇ·‘āh — The number seven; sevenfoldH7651 — Full Word Study → bullsפָרִ֖יםp̄ā·rîm — Young bull or bullock; a sacrificial animalH6499 — Full Word Study → and sevenוְשִׁבְעָ֥הwə·šiḇ·‘āh — The number seven; sevenfoldH7651 — Full Word Study → ramsאֵילִֽים׃’ê·lîm — strength, mighty one, ram, pillarH352 — Full Word Study →.” 30So Balakבָּלָ֔קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → didוַיַּ֣עַשׂway·ya·‘aś — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → asכַּאֲשֶׁ֖רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Balaamבִּלְעָ֑םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → had instructedאָמַ֣ר’ā·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, and he offeredוַיַּ֛עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → a bullפָּ֥רpār — Young bull or bullock; a sacrificial animalH6499 — Full Word Study → and a ramוָאַ֖יִלwā·’a·yil — strength, mighty one, ram, pillarH352 — Full Word Study → on each altarבַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃bam·miz·bê·aḥ — altar; place of sacrifice and worshipH4196 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Numbers 23
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Numbers 23 presents one of Scripture's most remarkable demonstrations of God's sovereignty and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite Balak's frantic efforts to hire the pagan prophet Balaam to curse Israel, God repeatedly places blessings in Balaam's mouth instead. This chapter shows that no human power—whether kings, prophets, or sorcery—can override God's purposes. The repeated pattern of altar-building, divine encounter, and unwilling blessing underscores a vital truth: God's word cannot be reversed, and His people are secure in His protection.

Verses 1–5: Balaam's First Attempt and Divine Encounter

Balak and Balaam begin their scheme by constructing seven altars and offering sacrifices—a ritual meant to prepare the spiritual ground for a curse. Balaam separates himself to "meet" with God (verse 3), going to a high place, a common location for divine encounters in the ancient world. Significantly, God meets Balaam and puts words directly into his mouth (verse 5). This is crucial: Balaam does not conjure a curse through divination or sorcery. Instead, the Lord Himself controls what Balaam will speak. Balaam returns to Balak as a messenger constrained by divine authority, not as a sorcerer wielding personal power.

Verses 6–10: The First Blessing—Israel's Chosen Separation

In his first parable, Balaam describes what he "sees" from the rocks: Israel dwelling alone, not numbered among nations (verse 9). Rather than cursing, he pronounces blessing, marveling at Israel's unique position as God's covenant people. His words in verse 10—"Let me die the death of the righteous"—reveal Balaam's own conviction that Israel's spiritual condition is enviable. He recognizes that God has set Israel apart for blessing and holiness. The imagery of counting dust (verse 10) echoes God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 13:16.

Verses 11–12: Balak's Frustration and Balaam's Constraint

Balak is enraged; he hired Balaam to curse, not to bless (verse 11). Balaam's response is telling: "Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?" (verse 12). This reveals the core issue—Balaam is bound by God's word. Whatever personal motives or financial incentives exist, Balaam cannot speak against God's revealed will. Even a reluctant prophet cannot contradict the Lord.

Verses 13–24: The Second Blessing—God's Unfailing Commitment

Balak attempts a second location, hoping a different vantage point will yield a different result. Again, seven altars are built, and again God meets Balaam. The second blessing emphasizes God's unchangeable nature: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent" (verse 19). God has committed to blessing Israel, and His word is absolute and irrevocable. Verses 21–24 describe Israel's protection, God's mighty power (compared to a unicorn's strength), and their future victory like a lion that will not rest until satisfied. No enchantment or divination can stand against God's purpose.

Verses 25–30: The Third Attempt

Frustrated beyond measure, Balak now asks Balaam simply not to curse or bless (verse 25)—an impossible compromise. Balaam stands firm: obedience to God's word is non-negotiable (verse 26). Balak attempts a third location at Peor. The chapter ends with Balaam still faithfully preparing to meet God, suggesting the pattern will continue.

Application for Today

This chapter reassures believers that God's covenant promises are secure against all opposition. Like Israel in the wilderness, our spiritual security rests not on our circumstances but on God's unshakeable word. When we face opposition or fear, we can rest assured that no curse, no scheme, and no earthly power can override God's blessing upon those He has redeemed through Christ. Our confidence is in the God who cannot lie and whose purposes cannot be thwarted.

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