Numbers 23:2
And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֣ר
had spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֣ר
had spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 11
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וַיַּ֨עַל
offered
H5927
וַיַּ֨עַל
offered
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
6 of 11
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 #:
9 of 11
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
Historical Context
The joint offering by king and prophet created a covenant alliance sealed in sacrifice. In ancient Near Eastern thought, shared sacrifice created binding relationship. Balak sought to bind Balaam through this ritual to ensure he would curse Israel effectively. However, God would not be bound by their pagan treaty. His sovereign will would override their covenanted intentions.
Questions for Reflection
- How do human alliances and covenants fail when they oppose God's purposes?
- What does the futility of Balak's ritual teach about religious activity apart from God's will?
- How should we respond when powerful forces unite against God's people?
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Analysis & Commentary
The record 'Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram' shows Balak's compliance and participation in the ritual. Both king and prophet engaged in the sacrificial ritual, uniting political and spiritual power in common purpose against Israel. Yet their joint effort would prove futile against God's will. This teaches that human alliances, no matter how powerful or religiously elaborate, cannot thwart divine purposes. 'There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD' (Proverbs 21:30).