Numbers 23:30

And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on [every] altar.

And Balak {H1111} did {H6213} as Balaam {H1109} had said {H559}, and offered {H5927} a bullock {H6499} and a ram {H352} on every altar {H4196}.

Balak did as Bil'am said and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered up a bullock and a ram on every altar.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 23:30 concludes the third attempt by Balak, king of Moab, to induce the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. After two previous failures where Balaam, despite Balak's fervent desire, delivered blessings instead of curses (as seen in Numbers 23:1-12 and Numbers 23:13-26), Balak remains stubbornly determined. This verse shows Balak meticulously following Balaam's instructions to build seven altars and offer a bullock and a ram on each, hoping that a change in location or ritual might finally yield the desired result against Israel.

Key Themes

  • Persistent Opposition: Balak's actions demonstrate a relentless, almost desperate, persistence in opposing God's chosen people. Despite clear divine intervention preventing Balaam from cursing Israel twice, Balak clings to the hope that a third attempt, with renewed ritual, will succeed. This illustrates human stubbornness against divine will.
  • Ritual without Righteousness: The repeated sacrifices of "a bullock and a ram on every altar" highlight the futility of mere external religious acts when the heart and purpose are contrary to God's. Balak believed that performing a specific ritual, however elaborate, could manipulate or force God's hand. This is a stark reminder that obedience is better than sacrifice when it comes to true worship and seeking God's favor.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Unbeknownst to Balak, his repeated attempts only served to further demonstrate God's absolute control and faithfulness to His covenant promises. No amount of human effort or pagan ritual could thwart God's plan to bless Israel, reinforcing the unchangeable nature of God's word and purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "on every altar" emphasizes the methodical and complete nature of Balak's offerings. It signifies a full commitment to the prescribed ritual, indicating his earnest desire for the curse to take effect. The "bullock" (a young bull) and "ram" were common and valuable sacrificial animals in the ancient Near East, signifying a significant offering to the deities.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans and purposes cannot be manipulated or thwarted by human will or ritualistic performance. For believers today, it underscores the importance of seeking God's will and aligning our hearts with it, rather than attempting to coerce or persuade God through external acts. True spiritual power lies in obedience and faith in God's unchanging character, not in the repetition of rituals. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when faced with opposition.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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