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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
And it came to pass on the morrow
H1242
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
And it came to pass on the morrow
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַֽיַּעֲלֵ֖הוּ
and brought him up
H5927
וַֽיַּעֲלֵ֖הוּ
and brought him up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
7 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וַיַּ֥רְא
that thence he might see
H7200
וַיַּ֥רְא
that thence he might see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Historical Context
The high places (elevated worship sites) were common in Canaanite religion, often dedicated to Baal (storm/fertility god). Moabites, though worshiping Chemosh as national deity, shared Canaanite high-place practices. Balak's choice of location demonstrates pagan assumption that spiritual geography mattered for prophetic power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Balak's choice of Baal's high places for cursing Israel illustrate pagan confusion about spiritual power?
- What does God's transformation of curses into blessings (despite the pagan venue) teach about His sovereignty over spiritual warfare?
- How can believers rest in God's protective power when facing spiritual opposition, regardless of its source or intensity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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—Balak's choice of high places of Baal (בָּמוֹת בַּעַל Bamot Ba'al, literally 'heights of Baal') for Balaam's prophesying reveals pagan syncretism—assuming Yahweh could be consulted from Baal-worship sites. The phrase see the utmost part (רָאָה קְצֵה הָעָם ra'ah qetzeh ha'am) suggests ancient belief that seeing the target enhanced curses' effectiveness.
The irony is devastating: Balak brought Balaam to Baal's high places to curse Israel, but God turned every attempted curse into blessing (23:11-12). The New Testament reveals that 'he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world' (1 John 4:4)—no weapon formed against God's people can prosper (Isaiah 54:17), regardless of the spiritual power invoked.