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 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Balaam and Balak, capturing the intense anticipation surrounding Balaam's return from seeking a divine word. Having 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 sets the stage for the dramatic revelation that God's sovereign will, not human manipulation or ritual, will 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 found in [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, fearing their vast numbers and power (as seen in [Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3 "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 (detailed in [Numbers 22:22-35](/numbers/22-22 "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 "Numbers 23:1-2 - Balak's Sacrifices")). 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 common in the ancient Near East. Kings often employed seers or prophets to gain advantage over enemies, believing that divine favor could be manipulated through specific rituals and offerings. Balak's actions, including the elaborate setup of seven altars and multiple sacrifices, reflect this widespread belief system. The "burnt sacrifice" (`'olah`) was a significant offering, signifying complete dedication and an attempt to secure divine favor or influence. Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel, viewed the Israelites as a significant threat, especially given their recent military victories. 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 invested in the outcome of Balaam's pronouncement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader narrative, highlights several crucial themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Sovereignty of God** over human intentions and 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 that God's will cannot be thwarted by human desire or ritual. Thirdly, the passage touches on the **Futility of Ritual without Divine Will**. While elaborate sacrifices are performed, it is God's unyielding purpose, not the ritual itself, that 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 idea that no weapon formed against them shall prosper (a theme echoed in [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Shall Prosper")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **returned (Hebrew, _shuv_):** This verb signifies a turning back or coming back to a previous place or state. 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 anticipation of his return is palpable, as he is expected to bring the divine word.
* **burnt sacrifice (Hebrew, _'olah_):** 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 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.
* **princes of Moab (Hebrew, _sarei Mo'av_):** The inclusion of "all the princes of Moab" alongside Balak emphasizes the official, public, and national significance of this event. It was not merely a private consultation but a state affair, indicating the collective fear of Israel and the high stakes involved for the Moabite kingdom. Their presence lends weight and authority to the expected pronouncement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he returned unto him,"**: This clause describes Balaam's action of coming back to Balak. The "him" refers to King Balak, who had sent Balaam away 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.
* **"and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice,"**: The interjection "lo" (or "behold") draws attention to the scene Balaam encounters upon his return. Balak is found standing by the altar where the burnt sacrifice has been offered. This posture conveys Balak's eager and expectant waiting, highlighting the central role of the ritual in his attempt to secure a curse against Israel. The visual of the sacrifice emphasizes the 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 hope among the Moabite elite. It reinforces the idea that this was a public and official event, with the entire kingdom holding its breath for Balaam's pronouncement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to heighten the dramatic tension. **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 set with Balak and "all the princes of Moab" standing by the "burnt sacrifice," a visual that underscores the gravity and ritualistic nature of the moment, building **Suspense** for what Balaam will utter. There is also an 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 (Numbers 22), is aware that God has already asserted control over the prophet's words, foreshadowing an outcome contrary to Balak's desires. The "burnt sacrifice" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing human effort and ritualistic manipulation contrasted with the ultimate sovereignty of God, whose will cannot be swayed by such means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:6, though brief, powerfully introduces the overarching theological theme of God's unyielding sovereignty over human plans and intentions. It 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. Balak's desperate attempt to manipulate the spiritual realm through Balaam and sacrifices ultimately serves to highlight God's absolute control, demonstrating that His purposes for Israel cannot be overturned. This passage underscores the futility of human opposition to God's decrees and His unwavering commitment to protect and bless those He has chosen. It is a profound testament to God's faithfulness, even when His people are unaware of the spiritual battles being fought on their behalf.

* [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 reflect on the nature of divine sovereignty versus human effort and expectation. In a world where we often strive to control outcomes through our own strategies, resources, or even spiritual rituals, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's will ultimately prevails. Balak and the princes of Moab invested heavily in a ritual designed to bring a curse, only to be met with an unexpected blessing. This should 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 need for control and instead patiently wait for God's word and direction, understanding that His plans for us are always for our good and His glory. Just as God turned a potential curse into a blessing for Israel, He is capable of working all things for good for those who love Him, transforming even the most malicious intentions into instruments of His grace.

#### 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 comfort does this bring?**

### 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 mentioned in [Numbers 23:1-2](/numbers/23-1 "Numbers 23:1-2 - Balak's Preparations")) was likely an attempt to make the ritual as potent and effective as possible, believing that such a comprehensive 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.

**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 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 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 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").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 23:6, with its depiction of a king and his princes eagerly awaiting a curse that never comes, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate inability of any power to curse God's 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 powerless against those who are in Christ Jesus. The New Testament 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 weight of sin's condemnation on the cross. Therefore, there is "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, point to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ, who, as our Great High Priest, offered Himself once for all ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "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 "set aside, nailing it to the cross" ([Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Christ Cancels the Record of Debt")). The security of God's people, which Balak 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.

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.