Numbers 22:41

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost [part] of the people.

And it came to pass on the morrow {H1242}, that Balak {H1111} took {H3947} Balaam {H1109}, and brought him up {H5927} into the high places {H1116} of Baal {H1120}, that thence he might see {H7200} the utmost {H7097} part of the people {H5971}.

In the morning Balak took Bil'am and brought him up to the high places of Ba'al; from there he could see a portion of the people.

The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.

And it came to pass in the morning, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal; and he saw from thence the utmost part of the people.

Commentary

Numbers 22:41 describes the unfolding of Balak's desperate plan to curse the Israelites. After repeated attempts to persuade Balaam, the diviner, to come to Moab, Balak now takes him to a strategic location for the intended curse.

Context of Numbers 22:41

This verse is part of the larger narrative in Numbers chapters 22-24, detailing the encounter between Balak, the King of Moab, and Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. Balak, fearing the massive Israelite encampment on the plains of Moab, sought Balaam's services to curse them, hoping to weaken or drive them away. This verse marks the first of three distinct locations Balak brings Balaam to, each time hoping a change of scenery would yield the desired curse. Balak's initial fear and request for Balaam's aid are detailed in Numbers 22:3 and Numbers 22:6.

Key Themes in Numbers 22:41

  • Paganism and Idolatry: Balak brings Balaam to the "high places of Baal." This signifies a reliance on pagan gods and practices to combat the God of Israel. Baal was a prominent Canaanite deity associated with fertility and storms, worshipped with rituals often involving high places.
  • Strategic Opposition: Balak's choice of location was deliberate—to see the "utmost part of the people." He wanted Balaam to have a full view of the Israelite camp, believing it would enable a more potent curse. This highlights the strategic, though ultimately futile, efforts of those who oppose God's people.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Protection: Although not explicit in this verse, the entire Balaam narrative underscores God's ultimate control. Despite Balak's pagan efforts and Balaam's initial intentions, God continually intervenes to protect Israel, famously turning the attempted curses into blessings, as seen later in Numbers 23:11 and Deuteronomy 23:5.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "high places of Baal" translates the Hebrew bamot Baal (בָּמוֹת בַּעַל). The term bamot (plural of bamah) refers to elevated cultic sites or altars, often constructed on hills or mounds. These "high places" were commonly used for idolatrous worship throughout the ancient Near East, frequently associated with Canaanite deities like Baal. By taking Balaam there, Balak was invoking the spiritual power of his false gods against the true God of Israel.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers that opposition, often with spiritual undertones, may arise against God's purposes and His people. Like Balak, adversaries may seek strategic "high places" or advantages to inflict harm. However, the overarching message of the Balaam narrative, beginning with verses like this, is that no curse formed against those whom God has blessed can prosper. It encourages trust in God's unfailing protection and sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly formidable spiritual or worldly opposition. Our ultimate security lies not in avoiding enemy strategies, but in God's powerful hand that can turn any intended curse into a blessing.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 23:13 (4 votes)

    ¶ And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

  • 2 Chronicles 11:15 (2 votes)

    And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.

  • Deuteronomy 12:2 (2 votes)

    Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree:

  • Numbers 25:2 (2 votes)

    And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.

  • Numbers 25:3 (2 votes)

    And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.

  • Numbers 21:28 (2 votes)

    For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, [and] the lords of the high places of Arnon.

  • Jeremiah 48:35 (2 votes)

    Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.