Numbers 23:1
And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.
Original Language Analysis
בָזֶ֖ה
H2088
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
H7651
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
8 of 16
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
וְהָכֵ֥ן
and prepare
H3559
וְהָכֵ֥ן
and prepare
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
בָּזֶ֔ה
H2088
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
H7651
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
13 of 16
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
פָרִ֖ים
oxen
H6499
פָרִ֖ים
oxen
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
14 of 16
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
Historical Context
The seven altars, oxen, and rams would have been extraordinarily expensive, demonstrating Balak's desperation. Balaam's ritual parallels Mesopotamian divination practices where elaborate preparations preceded seeking omens. However, biblical prophecy never operates through manipulation of divine powers. The prophets received revelation sovereignly given by God, not conjured through ritual technique. Balaam's approach exposed his pagan syncretism.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes try to manipulate God through religious ritual or correct technique?
- What distinguishes genuine prayer from attempts to manipulate God into responding as we wish?
- How does God's sovereignty over revelation challenge human attempts to control spiritual outcomes?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam's instruction to Balak—'Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams'—establishes elaborate ritual preparation before attempting prophecy. The number seven signifies completeness in Hebrew thought. Balaam sought to create favorable conditions for receiving an oracle, mixing pagan divination techniques with Yahweh worship. This reveals his fundamental misunderstanding: God cannot be manipulated through ritual correctness. True prophecy comes from divine initiative, not human technique. The altars and sacrifices could not force God to curse His blessed people.