1._And the children, of Israel set forward. _This narrative contains many circumstances worthy of record: First, it shews that there is no stone which Satan does not turn for the destruction of the Church, and that, after he has assailed her in vain by force of arms, he attacks her by snares and sec... [ Continue Reading ]
5._He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam. _This passage shews us, like many others, that the errors wherein Satan entangles unbelievers are derived from good principles. The modesty of king Balak appears to be worthy of praise, in that, conscious of his own weakness, and placing no confidence in... [ Continue Reading ]
8._And he said unto them, Lodge here this night. _Inasmuch as he waits for a revelation from the true God, it is probable that he was not a magician or sorcerer, whose only power to divine arose from superstition or evil arts. We shall, indeed, see hereafter, that he was accustomed to use many impos... [ Continue Reading ]
12._Thou shalt not go with them. _If there were any room for doubt, God peremptorily removes it, and confirms the prohibition; because it was unlawful to curse, those whom He had blessed. For nothing more is permitted to prophets than that they should be the witnesses, or ambassadors _(internuntii,)... [ Continue Reading ]
15._And Balak sent yet again princes. _Here we see that, however humbly ungodly men implore God’s grace, still they do not lay aside their pride; as if their grandeur could avail to dazzle the eyes of God. In order, therefore, to make Him comply with their wishes, they think it enough to display the... [ Continue Reading ]
20._And God came to Balaam at, night. _Although God is far from being deceitful, still hypocrites with their quibbles deserve that He should delude their craft. If we more closely consider the desire of Balaam, it was that God should belie Himself. For, if he was persuaded that He was truthful, what... [ Continue Reading ]
22._And God’s anger was kindled because he went. _How is it consistent that God should be angry when Balaam had attempted nothing, thus far, contrary to His command? But we must bear in mind, what I have lately hinted, that God apparently permits much which He does not approve. He allowed the people... [ Continue Reading ]
28._And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass. _Sceptical persons criticize this passage, and ridicule it, as if Moses related an incredible fable. And, indeed, their scoff appears to be plausible, when they object that there is a great difference between the bray of all ass and all articulate voice;... [ Continue Reading ]
31._Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam. _This passage teaches us, that whatever be the acuteness of our senses, it is not only implanted in us by God, but also either sustained or extinguished by His secret inspiration. Balaam’s eyes are opened; consequently there was a veil before them previou... [ Continue Reading ]
35._And the angel of the Lord said unto Balaam. _Again this wicked man is ironically permitted to do what could not be carried out without sin. But, as I have said before, he was so conscious of his ungodly covetousness, that he knowingly and wilfully deceived himself, instead of being deceived. At... [ Continue Reading ]
36._And whenBalak heard that Balaam was come. _This passage admirably represents to us the spirit of all those who are devoted to their various superstitions without a sincere fear of God. They are cringing to their false prophets; they meanly flatter them, and hardly stop short of worshipping them,... [ Continue Reading ]
39._And Balaam went with Balak. _Moses proceeds to relate how honorably and sumptuously Balaam was received. And first, he records that he was taken to the city of Huzoth; (150) which some would understand as a proper name, others as a noun appellative. In whichever way you take it, it denotes the e... [ Continue Reading ]