Numbers 23:15
And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.
Original Language Analysis
הִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
Stand
H3320
הִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
Stand
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
4 of 10
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
כֹּֽה׃
here
H3541
כֹּֽה׃
here
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עֹֽלָתֶ֑ךָ
by thy burnt offering
H5930
עֹֽלָתֶ֑ךָ
by thy burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
7 of 10
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
Historical Context
The repetition of seven altars and seven sacrifices at each location shows escalating expense and effort. Balak invested enormous resources—twenty-one bulls and twenty-one rams across three attempts—hoping to purchase spiritual power. This demonstrates that money and effort cannot change divine decrees. True worship requires submissive hearts, not elaborate ritual. Jesus later condemned such external religion devoid of internal reality (Matthew 23:25-28).
Questions for Reflection
- Why do we persist in repeating religious rituals that produce no spiritual fruit?
- How does external religious activity substitute for genuine heart submission?
- What does it mean to meet God versus perform religious duties?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam's instruction 'Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder' uses the same formula as before (verse 3), showing Balaam's continued belief that ritual position matters. The Hebrew karah (meet) indicates seeking divine encounter. Despite the first oracle's failure to curse, Balak persists with identical ritual, revealing human tendency to repeat failed methods hoping for different results. This exposes the futility of religious formalism divorced from submission to God's will. Prayer and ritual divorced from obedience become mere superstition.