Numbers 23 1

Numbers 23:1 kjv

And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.

Numbers 23:1 nkjv

Then Balaam said to Balak, "Build seven altars for me here, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams."

Numbers 23:1 niv

Balaam said, "Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me."

Numbers 23:1 esv

And Balaam said to Balak, "Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams."

Numbers 23:1 nlt

Then Balaam said to King Balak, "Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven young bulls and seven rams for me to sacrifice."

Numbers 23 verses

Numbers 23 1 Meaning

Numbers 23:1 describes the commencement of Balaam's elaborate ritual at the instruction of King Balak. Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, commanded Balak to construct seven altars and to prepare seven bulls and seven rams for sacrifice at the chosen location. This act was intended as a grand, propitiatory offering to invoke a divine response, specifically to secure a curse upon the Israelite nation, reflecting an ancient Near Eastern understanding of manipulating divine power through extensive sacrifice and ritual.

Numbers 23 1 Context

Numbers chapter 23 immediately follows King Balak of Moab bringing Balaam to a new high place, Bamoth-Baal (Num 22:41), hoping for a successful cursing of Israel. This verse marks the beginning of Balaam's prophetic actions and oracles. The broader context of Numbers sees Israel encamped in the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. Balak, in fear of their multitude and victories over other nations, desperately hires Balaam, a respected diviner known for his power to bless or curse. The ensuing events in chapter 23 and 24 demonstrate God's sovereignty over the pagan prophet, turning every intended curse into a blessing for Israel, showing His unbreakable covenant with His people.

Numbers 23 1 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyō’mer): A common narrative connector, signifying a sequence of events, in this case, Balaam's direct command following his arrival at the new location with Balak.
• Balaam (בִּלְעָם - Bil‘ām): A non-Israelite prophet or diviner, prominent in this narrative for his interactions with God despite his morally ambiguous motives. He acknowledges YHWH yet operates within a framework influenced by pagan ritual and personal gain.
• said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyō’mer): Indicates communication.
• to Balak (אֶל-בָּלָק - ’el-Bālāq): King of Moab, depicted as fearful and desperate to halt Israel's progress, thus seeking supernatural aid.
• Build (בְּנֵה-לִי - bəneh-lî): An imperative command from Balaam, emphasizing his directive role in the ritual. "Build for me" highlights that Balak is to provide the means for Balaam's supposed connection with the divine. The construction of an altar is an act of establishing a sacred space for sacrifice and interaction with deities.
• for me (לִי - lî): Stresses Balaam's position as the initiator and orchestrator of the ritual; Balak acts as his assistant in preparation.
• here (פֹּה - pōh): Pinpoints the specific location (Bamoth-Baal from Num 22:41), emphasizing the ritualistic importance of a consecrated place.
• seven (שִׁבְעָה - shiv‘āh): This number, profoundly significant in biblical and ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifies completion, perfection, or fullness. In this context, it suggests Balaam’s attempt to ensure a maximally potent or complete ritualistic effort, perhaps echoing a (mis)understanding of divine completeness or simply for perceived magical efficacy.
• altars (מִזְבְּחֹת - mizbəḥōṯ): Plural form, denoting multiple sacrificial sites. In Israelite worship, a single altar was typically central; multiple altars often suggested foreign deities or highly specific, often temporary, covenant actions. Here, it likely symbolizes an extravagant, cumulative effort to influence a deity or perhaps to cover different aspects of the desired curse.
• and prepare (וְהָכֵן - wəhākēn): Another imperative verb, indicating the readying of the sacrificial animals.
• bulls (פָּרִים - pārîm): Adult male cattle. In ancient sacrificial systems, bulls were costly and significant offerings, often associated with major sins or profound appeals, signifying strength and importance.
• and seven rams (וְשִׁבְעָה אֵילִים - wəshiv‘āh ’êlîm): Rams, like bulls, were common sacrificial animals. The pairing and the repetition of "seven" emphasize the magnitude and solemnity Balaam attributes to this elaborate ritual.

• "Then Balaam said to Balak": Establishes the hierarchy and direction of the scene, with Balaam issuing commands and Balak following them out of fear and desperation. This exchange underscores Balak's dependency on Balaam's supposed power.
• "Build for me here seven altars": This phrase immediately signals a pagan, ritualistic approach to engaging with divine power. The use of "seven altars" is extravagant and aims for maximum effect, suggesting an attempt to "overpower" or guarantee a divine response through an abundance of sacrificial points. It stands in contrast to the single altar prescribed in Mosaic law for general Israelite worship.
• "and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams": This indicates the precise and costly nature of the required sacrifices. The types and numbers of animals (costly, potent, and complete with "seven") point to an intensive and serious attempt at divination, showcasing Balak's significant investment in Balaam's abilities to curse Israel.

Numbers 23 1 Bonus section

• Balaam's insistence on "seven" altars and "seven" sacrifices reveals either a deep knowledge of significant biblical numerology applied syncretistically, or a reliance on a widely understood ancient Near Eastern motif for wholeness and sacred potency. He is employing a principle that is sacred in the true worship of YHWH, but applies it in an attempt to manipulate Him, indicative of his spiritual confusion or outright defiance.
• The selection of bulls and rams, valuable and potent sacrificial animals in various cultures including Israelite, underscores the perceived high stakes and seriousness of Balak's plea. The cost incurred by Balak further demonstrates his desperation and commitment to preventing Israel's advance.
• This verse sets a crucial precedent: while human agents (Balaam and Balak) initiate actions against God's people, God Himself retains ultimate control. Their elaborate preparations for cursing will, through God's intervention, only pave the way for pronouncing divine blessings and prophecies concerning Israel's future glory.

Numbers 23 1 Commentary

Numbers 23:1 initiates the unfolding drama of Balaam's oracles, immediately revealing a profound contrast between human ritual manipulation and divine sovereignty. Balaam, a professional diviner, orchestrates an elaborate pagan ritual with precise instructions to Balak: seven altars, seven bulls, seven rams. This precise setup, replete with the auspicious number "seven," signifies a desire for perfect and complete efficacy in invoking a spiritual power to curse Israel. Balaam’s instructions are rooted in ancient Near Eastern practices where such elaborate rituals were believed to compel divine beings. Balak's immediate compliance highlights his fear of Israel and his unwavering faith in Balaam’s abilities. However, the true commentary comes not from the ritual itself, but from its ultimate failure: despite these meticulously followed steps, God consistently compels Balaam to speak blessings instead of curses, demonstrating that human rituals and dark intentions cannot thwart the divine will or break the covenant promises to His people.