Explanation: Numbers 23 contains the first two of Balaam's four oracles. The source of these was distinctly outside the prophet (represented symbolically by the glowing orb floating over the head of the prophet in the painting above). In this case, the source is Yahweh Himself; and the prophecies stand in sharp contrast to the wickedness which was in the heart of the prophet Balaam. In preparation for the first oracle, Balaam had Balak build seven altars upon which he sacrificed seven oxen and seven rams. After the sacrifices were made Balaam went to a high place to see what the LORD would say to him. He returned and stood by the burnt offering together with the princes of Moab (1-6).
     Balaam then took up a parable (Hebrew, "mashal"), variously translated as a proverb, a similitude, a discourse, a sententious saying, etc. In this prophecy he said that he could not curse those whom God had blessed; he spoke of their coming greatness and of their increase in numbers; and he expressed his wish to die the death of the righteous -- the kind of death Israel would die. Balak was distressed at these words; but Balaam reiterated the dictum that he must speak that which the LORD had put in his mouth (7-12).
     So Balak took Balaam to another place in hope that Balaam could curse Israel from there. The sevenfold sacrifices were offered again. And again Balaam went apart to see what the LORD would say to him. And again the LORD sent him back with a message (13-17).
     And again, Balaam took up a parable (Hebrew, "mashal"). In this prophecy he affirmed the nature of God and the nature of Israel. He said that God was not a man that he should lie, nor the son of man that the should repent of the things he said previously, nor could anyone reverse those things. Of Israel, he said that God had found no iniquity in him and that their strength was that of a king and of a "unicorn" (or bull or ox); he said there was no enchantment or divination against them, and that they would devour their prey like a lion (18-24).
     So Balak told Balaam to neither curse them nor bless them. But Balaam again told Balak that what the LORD told him to do he must do. Balak then took Balaam to the top of Peor where, again, the sevenfold offering was given (25-30). The narrative concludes in the next chapter.
     [ Sermons: Robert S Rayburn. J Ligon Duncan III. Various. ]
     [ Illustration: Today's image is symbolic of the prophet Baalim, who spoke the first two of his four oracles in Leviticus 23. ]

     ²⁵ And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all [Moreover to curse, not you shall curse], nor bless them at all [moreover to bless, not you shall bless]. ²⁶ But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do? ²⁷ And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please [it shall be upright in the eyes of] God that thou mayest curse me them from thence. ²⁸ And Balak bought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon. ²⁹ And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams. ³⁰ And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.

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