Numbers 23:24-30

24 The nation of Israel is like a mighty lion: It doesn't rest until it has torn and devoured, Until it has drunk the blood of those it has killed."
25 Then Balak said to Balaam, "You refuse to curse the people of Israel, but at least don't bless them!"
26 Balaam answered, "Didn't I tell you that I had to do everything that the Lord told me?"
27 Balak said, "Come with me, and I will take you to another place. Perhaps God will be willing to let you curse them for me from there."
28 So he took Balaam to the top of Mount Peor overlooking the desert.
29 Balaam said to him, "Build seven altars for me here and bring me seven bulls and seven rams."
30 Balak did as he was told, and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

Numbers 23:24-30 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 23

This chapter gives an account of the sacrifices offered by Balak and Balaam, and how God met Balsam, and put a word into his mouth, which he delivered in the presence of the king of Moab and his princes, Nu 23:1-7, the substance of which are, the separate state and condition of Israel from other nations, their number, and the happiness of the righteous at death, Nu 23:8-10, which made Balak uneasy, since instead of cursing he blessed Israel, and therefore he had him to another place to take a view of the people, Nu 23:11-13 where having offered sacrifices, another word was put into the mouth of Balaam, and which he also delivered before the king and his nobles, Nu 23:14-18, in which were expressed the unchangeableness of God, the irreversibleness of the blessing of Israel, the strength, safety, happiness, and glory of that people, Nu 23:19-24 which made Balak more uneasy still; but willing to try him a third time, he carried him to another place, and there built altars, and offered sacrifices, the consequence of which is related in the next chapter, Nu 23:25-30.

Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.