Numbers 23:6

KJV

And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he returned {H7725} unto him, and, lo, he stood {H5324} by his burnt sacrifice {H5930}, he, and all the princes {H8269} of Moab {H4124}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He went back to him, and there, standing by his burnt offering, he with all the princes of Mo'av,

Berean Standard Bible

So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab.

American Standard Version

And he returned unto him, and, lo, he was standing by his burnt-offering, he, and all the princes of Moab.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:6 marks a pivotal juncture in the narrative of Balaam and Balak, capturing the intense anticipation surrounding Balaam's return from seeking a divine word. Having previously instructed Balak to prepare seven altars with corresponding sacrifices, Balaam re-enters the scene to find the Moabite king and his leading officials eagerly awaiting the oracle. This verse masterfully sets the stage for the dramatic revelation that God's sovereign will, rather than human manipulation or elaborate ritual, will definitively dictate the outcome of Balak's desperate attempt to curse Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 23:6 is situated within the broader narrative of Balaam and Balak, spanning [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam Summoned by Balak") through [Numbers 24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Oracles of Blessing"). Following Israel's encampment on the plains of Moab, King Balak, gripped by fear of their vast numbers and recent victories (as detailed in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3-4 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear of Israel")), summons Balaam, a renowned diviner, to curse them. Balaam, after an initial refusal and a subsequent journey marked by the miraculous intervention of his donkey (vividly recounted in [Numbers 22:22-35](/numbers/22-22-35 "Numbers 22:22-35 - Balaam and the Angel")), agrees to go, but only to speak what the Lord puts in his mouth. Prior to this verse, Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars and offer a bull and a ram on each (as recounted in [Numbers 23:1-2](/numbers/23-1-2 "Numbers 23:1-2 - Balak's Preparations for Sacrifice")). Balaam then withdraws to a solitary place to meet with God ([Numbers 23:3](/numbers/23-3 "Numbers 23:3 - Balaam Seeks the Lord")), and verse 6 describes his return to the expectant assembly, poised to deliver the first of his divinely compelled oracles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of divination and seeking curses through religious figures was a pervasive custom in the ancient Near East. Kings frequently employed seers or prophets to gain strategic advantage over adversaries, operating under the belief that divine favor could be influenced or manipulated through specific rituals and substantial offerings. Balak's actions, including the elaborate setup of seven altars and multiple sacrifices, precisely reflect this widespread belief system. The "burnt sacrifice" (`'olah`) was a preeminent offering, signifying complete dedication and an earnest attempt to secure divine favor or influence. Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel, viewed the burgeoning Israelite nation as an existential threat, especially given their recent military successes against the Amorites and Og of Bashan. The presence of "all the princes of Moab" underscores the official, national, and high-stakes nature of this event, indicating that the entire Moabite leadership was deeply invested in the outcome of Balaam's pronouncement, hoping to avert a perceived disaster.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader narrative it introduces, powerfully highlights several crucial theological themes. Firstly, it unmistakably illustrates the **Sovereignty of God** over all human intentions and meticulously laid plans. Despite Balak's desperate efforts and Balaam's initial inclinations, God ultimately controls the prophet's words, compelling him to bless Israel rather than curse them (as explicitly stated in [Numbers 23:20](/numbers/23-20 "Numbers 23:20 - God's Irrevocable Blessing")). Secondly, it explores the theme of **Anticipation and Expectation versus Divine Revelation**. Balak and his princes are filled with eager expectation for a curse, yet they receive an unexpected blessing, demonstrating unequivocally that God's will cannot be thwarted by human desire or ritualistic performance. Thirdly, the passage underscores the **Futility of Ritual without Divine Will**. While elaborate and costly sacrifices are performed, it is God's unyielding purpose, not the ritual itself, that ultimately determines the outcome. Finally, the narrative showcases **God's Unwavering Protection of His People**, even in the face of powerful adversaries and spiritual attacks, reinforcing the profound truth that no weapon formed against them shall prosper (a theme powerfully echoed in [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Shall Prosper")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **returned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root signifies a turning back or coming back to a previous place or state, whether literally or figuratively. In this context, it marks Balaam's physical return to Balak and the princes after his solitary encounter with the Lord. It implies a completion of his seeking and a readiness to deliver the message he has received. The verb emphasizes the culmination of his private communion and the imminent public declaration, creating a sense of heightened anticipation.
* **stood (Hebrew, _nâtsab'_):** This primitive root means "to station," "to erect," or "to stand." Here, it describes Balak's posture, indicating he was positioned firmly and expectantly by the altar. The word conveys a sense of readiness and fixed attention, highlighting Balak's eager and perhaps anxious waiting for Balaam's pronouncement. It suggests a deliberate stance, emphasizing the king's investment and the gravity of the moment.
* **burnt sacrifice (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** This term refers to a "whole burnt offering," where the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, ascending to God. It was a significant act of worship, dedication, and seeking atonement or divine favor. Its presence here underscores the gravity of the occasion and Balak's desperate attempt to secure a divine response through a complete and costly offering. It symbolizes human effort to appease or compel the divine, representing the pinnacle of sacrificial appeasement in ancient Near Eastern practice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he returned unto him,"**: This initial clause describes Balaam's action of coming back to King Balak. The "him" refers directly to Balak, who had sent Balaam away to a high place to seek a word from the Lord after the elaborate preparations of the seven altars and sacrifices. This return signifies the culmination of Balaam's solitary communion with God and the imminent delivery of the divine message, setting the stage for the dramatic reveal.
* **"and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice,"**: The interjection "lo" (or "behold") serves to draw immediate attention to the scene Balaam encounters upon his return. King Balak is found standing vigilantly by the altar where the burnt sacrifice has been offered. This posture conveys Balak's eager and expectant waiting, highlighting the central and deeply ritualistic role of the offering in his attempt to secure a curse against Israel. The visual of the consumed sacrifice emphasizes the significant spiritual and material investment made in this endeavor.
* **"he, and all the princes of Moab."**: This final phrase expands the scene, indicating that Balak was not alone but surrounded by the entire leadership of Moab. Their collective presence underscores the national significance of the impending oracle and the shared anxiety and desperate hope among the Moabite elite. It reinforces the idea that this was a public and official state event, with the entire kingdom holding its breath for Balaam's pronouncement, emphasizing the high stakes involved.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to heighten the dramatic tension and underscore its theological significance. **Anticipation** is a key element, as Balaam's return after his solitary communion with God creates a palpable sense of expectation for the divine word. The scene is meticulously set with Balak and "all the princes of Moab" standing by the "burnt sacrifice," a powerful visual that underscores the gravity and ritualistic nature of the moment, building profound **Suspense** for what Balaam will utter. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony** at play; while Balak and his princes eagerly await a curse, the reader, having witnessed God's earlier intervention with Balaam's donkey (as seen in [Numbers 22:22-35](/numbers/22-22-35 "Numbers 22:22-35 - Balaam and the Angel")), is acutely aware that God has already asserted complete control over the prophet's words, foreshadowing an outcome contrary to Balak's fervent desires. The "burnt sacrifice" itself functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing human effort and ritualistic manipulation contrasted sharply with the ultimate sovereignty of God, whose immutable will cannot be swayed or compelled by such means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:6, though concise, powerfully introduces the overarching theological theme of God's unyielding sovereignty over all human plans and intentions. It masterfully sets the stage for the dramatic revelation that no human power, no elaborate ritual, and no diviner's curse can thwart the divine will, especially concerning God's chosen people, Israel. Balak's desperate attempt to manipulate the spiritual realm through Balaam and his costly sacrifices ultimately serves to highlight God's absolute control, demonstrating that His purposes for Israel cannot be overturned or undermined. This passage profoundly underscores the futility of human opposition to God's decrees and His unwavering commitment to protect and bless those He has chosen. It stands as a profound testament to God's faithfulness, even when His people are unaware of the spiritual battles being fought on their behalf, assuring them of His steadfast protection.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Can Avail Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 23:6 invites us to deeply reflect on the fundamental nature of divine sovereignty versus human effort and expectation. In a world where we often strive to control outcomes through our own intricate strategies, abundant resources, or even meticulously performed spiritual rituals, this verse serves as a powerful and humbling reminder that God's will ultimately prevails, regardless of our machinations. Balak and the princes of Moab invested heavily in a ritual designed to bring a devastating curse, only to be met with an unexpected and profound blessing. This narrative should profoundly encourage believers to trust implicitly in God's protective hand over their lives and over His church, even when powerful adversaries or seemingly insurmountable obstacles stand in the way. It challenges us to release our innate need for control and instead patiently wait for God's word and direction, understanding that His plans for us are always for our ultimate good and His supreme glory. Just as God miraculously turned a potential curse into an undeniable blessing for Israel, He is infinitely capable of working all things for good for those who love Him, transforming even the most malicious intentions into instruments of His boundless grace and sovereign purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition or negative intentions from others?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human strategies, elaborate plans, or even spiritual rituals, rather than patiently waiting for and submitting to God's divine word and will?**
* **How does the unexpected outcome of Balaam's oracles reshape your understanding of God's protective care over His people today, and what profound comfort does this bring to your faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Balak offer seven burnt sacrifices?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the number seven often symbolized completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. Balak's offering of seven burnt sacrifices (as explicitly mentioned in [Numbers 23:1-2](/numbers/23-1-2 "Numbers 23:1-2 - Balak's Preparations for Sacrifice")) was likely an attempt to make the ritual as potent and effective as possible, believing that such a comprehensive and perfect offering would compel the divine to act according to his will and deliver a powerful, complete curse against Israel. It reflects a common pagan practice of elaborate and costly rituals designed to appease or manipulate deities for desired outcomes, demonstrating his desperate and thorough approach.

**What was Balaam's role in this event, and why is it significant?**

Answer: Balaam was a renowned diviner or prophet from Mesopotamia, summoned by King Balak to pronounce a curse upon the Israelites. His significance lies in the profound fact that despite his initial willingness (perhaps motivated by greed, as hinted at in [2 Peter 2:15](/2_peter/2-15 "2 Peter 2:15 - Balaam's Love for the Wages of Wickedness")), God sovereignly intervened and took complete control of his words. Balaam was compelled to deliver blessings instead of curses, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over even those outside His covenant people. This highlights that God's will cannot be thwarted by human agents or pagan rituals, and He can turn even the malicious intentions of enemies into instruments for His purposes, as seen throughout the subsequent oracles in [Numbers 23](/numbers/23 "Numbers 23 - Balaam's First Two Oracles") and [Numbers 24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Final Oracles"), ultimately proving His unassailable sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 23:6, with its vivid depiction of a king and his princes eagerly awaiting a curse that never materializes, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate inability of any power or entity to curse God's redeemed people in Christ. Just as Balak's elaborate sacrifices and Balaam's divining powers proved utterly ineffective against God's protective will for Israel, so too are all curses and condemnations rendered completely powerless against those who are found in Christ Jesus. The New Testament magnificently reveals that Christ Himself "became a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), absorbing the full, devastating weight of sin's condemnation on the cross. Therefore, there is now "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). The burnt sacrifices offered by Balak, though futile in their intent to curse, powerfully point to the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who, as our Great High Priest, offered Himself without blemish to God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, the "record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands" has been triumphantly "set aside, nailing it to the cross" ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Christ Cancels the Record of Debt")). The eternal security of God's people, which Balak so desperately sought to undermine, is eternally guaranteed in Christ, for no one can snatch them out of His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")), fulfilling the divine protection so vividly displayed in the Balaam narrative in its grandest, most glorious form.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.