Numbers 23:14
And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקָּחֵ֙הוּ֙
And he brought
H3947
וַיִּקָּחֵ֙הוּ֙
And he brought
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
רֹ֖אשׁ
to the top
H7218
רֹ֖אשׁ
to the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
5 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
seven
H7651
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
8 of 13
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
וַיַּ֛עַל
and offered
H5927
וַיַּ֛עַל
and offered
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
10 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
פָּ֥ר
a bullock
H6499
פָּ֥ר
a bullock
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
11 of 13
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
Historical Context
The field of Zophim (meaning 'watchers/lookouts') on Mount Pisgah provided another vantage point overlooking Israel's encampment. The location's later significance—where Moses viewed Canaan before death—adds poignancy. The same location served both for failed cursing and successful blessing. God's sovereign control of history means even enemy-chosen sites become theaters of His glory.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over geography and history comfort His people?
- What does it mean that locations intended for evil become sites of divine glory?
- How should we view places and circumstances that seem to oppose God's purposes?
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Analysis & Commentary
The move to 'the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah' for a second attempt reveals Balak's desperation. Pisgah means 'summit/cleft' and was part of the mountain range where Moses would later view the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1). Ironically, Balak brought Balaam to the very place God would use to show His servant Moses the blessing of the land. Geography sacred to Israel's history becomes the site of failed cursing. This demonstrates that God consecrates places for His purposes; they cannot be used against Him.