Numbers 23:2

2 And when he had done according to the word of Balaam, they laid together a calf and a ram upon every altar.

Numbers 23:2 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 23:2

And Balak did as Balaam had spoken
Ordered seven altars to be built, and prepared seven bullocks and rams for sacrifice:

and Balak and Balsam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram;
both seem to be concerned in offering the sacrifices; Balak, though a king, it being usual for kings to be priests also, as Melchizedek was, and Balaam as a prophet; and these sacrifices were offered to the true God, as seems clear from ( Numbers 23:4 ) and to which Balak, at the direction of Balaam, agreed, in order to gain the Lord on his side, that he might prevail over the people of Israel.

Numbers 23:2 In-Context

1 And Balaam said to Balac: Build me here seven altars, and prepare as many calves, and the same number of rams.

2 And when he had done according to the word of Balaam, they laid together a calf and a ram upon every altar.

3 And Balaam said to Balac: Stand a while by thy burnt offering, until I go, to see if perhaps the Lord will meet me, and whatsoever he shall command, I will speak to thee.

4 And when he was gone with speed, God met him. And Balaam speaking to him, said: I have erected seven altars, and have laid on everyone a calf and a ram

5 And the Lord put the word in his mouth, and said: Return to Balac, and thus shalt thou speak.