_A.M. 2552. B.C. 1452._
Balaam's first attempt to curse Israel turned into a blessing, Numbers
23:1. His second attempt with like success, Numbers 23:11. The
preparation for a third attempt, Numbers 23:25.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Build me seven altars_ To the true God, otherwise he would not have
mentioned it to God as an argument why he should grant his requests,
as he does, Numbers 23:4. And though Balak was averse from God and his
worship, yet he would be easily overruled by Balaam, who doubtless
told him that it was in... [ Continue Reading ]
_Stand by thy burnt-offering_ As in God's presence; as one that offers
himself, as well as his sacrifices, to obtain God's favour. _I will
go_ To some solitary and convenient place, where I may prevail with
God to appear to me. From this passage it is inferred, that in those
early times it was custo... [ Continue Reading ]
_His parable_ That is, his oracular and prophetical speech; which he
calls a _parable_, because of the weightiness of the matter, and the
liveliness of the expressions which is usual in parables. _Jacob_ The
posterity of Jacob.... [ Continue Reading ]
_From the hills I behold him_ The hills on which he then stood. This
and the former expression may relate not only to the present view he
had of the camp of Israel, but to their future settlement in Canaan;
wherein they were represented to the eye of his mind, as dwelling
securely under the protecti... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who can count the dust of Jacob?_ Who can count a people which is
like the dust of the earth for number? Thus was God's promise to
Abraham. (Genesis 13:16.) _I will make thy seed as the dust of the
earth_, already fulfilled. _The number of the fourth part of Israel_
Referring, probably, to the divi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Must I not_ Ought I not? Is it not my duty? Canst thou blame me for
it? _Thou shalt not see them all_ Perhaps he thought the sight of all
of them might discourage him, or, as it did before, raise his fancy to
an admiration of the multitude and felicity of the people.... [ Continue Reading ]
_While I meet the Lord_ To consult him and receive an answer from him,
if peradventure these renewed sacrifices will prevail with him to
comply with our desires.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Rise up, Balak_ In these words Balaam calls on the king to receive
the message of the great God with reverence and diligent attention; as
if he had said, Rouse up thyself and carefully mind what I say.... [ Continue Reading ]
_That he should lie_ Break his promise made to his people for their
preservation and benediction. _Neither the son of man that he should
repent_ Change his counsels or purposes, as men change theirs, either
because they are not able to execute them, or because they are better
informed, or their mind... [ Continue Reading ]
_Iniquity in Jacob_ Not such as in the Canaanites: such as he will
punish with a curse, with utter destruction. _The Lord is with him_ He
hath a favour for this people, and will defend and save them. _The
shout of a king_ That is, such joyful and triumphant shouts as those
wherewith a people congrat... [ Continue Reading ]
_Out of Egypt_ Namely, by a strong hand, and in spite of all their
enemies, and therefore it is in vain to seek or hope to overcome them.
_He hath the strength of a unicorn He_, Israel, whom God brought out
of Egypt, such change of numbers being very common in the Hebrew
language. The sense is, Isra... [ Continue Reading ]
_No enchantment against Jacob_ Nor against any that truly believe in
Christ! _What hath God wrought!_ How wonderful and glorious are those
works which God is now about to do for Israel! These things will be a
matter of discourse and admiration to all ages.... [ Continue Reading ]
_As a great lion_ As a lion rouseth up himself to fight, or to go out
to the prey, so shall Israel stir up themselves to warlike attempts
against their enemies. _He shall not lie down until he eat of the
prey_ They shall not lay down their arms until they have made an
entire conquest of their enemie... [ Continue Reading ]
_Unto the top of Peor_ The most famous high-place in all the country
of Moab, where, as Seiden conjectures, Baal had a temple, called
_Beth-peor_, or _the house of Peor_, (Deuteronomy 3:29,) and was
therefore named _Baal-peor._ Balak seems to have chosen this place in
hope that, being the residence,... [ Continue Reading ]