Numbers 23:13
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.
Original Language Analysis
לְךָ
H1980
לְךָ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 21
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
נָּ֨א
H4994
נָּ֨א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
5 of 21
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אִתִּ֜י
H854
אִתִּ֜י
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
מָק֤וֹם
place
H4725
מָק֤וֹם
place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אַחֵר֙
I pray thee with me unto another
H312
אַחֵר֙
I pray thee with me unto another
Strong's:
H312
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִרְאֶ֑ה
from whence thou mayest see
H7200
תִרְאֶ֑ה
from whence thou mayest see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 21
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מִשָּׁ֔ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֔ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
12 of 21
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
אֶ֚פֶס
but
H657
אֶ֚פֶס
but
Strong's:
H657
Word #:
13 of 21
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
תִרְאֶ֑ה
from whence thou mayest see
H7200
תִרְאֶ֑ה
from whence thou mayest see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
15 of 21
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְכֻלּ֖וֹ
H3605
וְכֻלּ֖וֹ
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִרְאֶ֑ה
from whence thou mayest see
H7200
תִרְאֶ֑ה
from whence thou mayest see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
18 of 21
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Historical Context
The multiple locations for Balaam's oracles—Bamoth-baal (22:41), Pisgah (23:14), and Peor (23:28)—show Balak's persistent attempts to find the 'right' place for cursing. This mirrors pagan high place worship where different locations supposedly accessed different divine powers. Balak did not understand that Yahweh's presence was not localized but universal, His will unchangeable by geographical manipulation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes try to manipulate circumstances hoping to change God's will?
- What does Balak's failed attempts teach about God's unchanging character?
- How should we respond when circumstances don't produce our desired outcomes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Balak's plea 'Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them' reveals his assumption that changing location might change the oracle's content. This exposes pagan magical thinking: manipulate circumstances to alter spiritual realities. Balak believed geography, viewpoint, or technique could force the desired outcome. This fundamentally misunderstands God's sovereignty—His will does not depend on location or perspective. The prophet's message comes from divine character and purpose, not situational factors. God 'cannot lie' (Titus 1:2) regardless of circumstances.