Numbers 23:28
And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רֹ֣אשׁ
unto the top
H7218
רֹ֣אשׁ
unto the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
5 of 10
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הַפְּע֔וֹר
of Peor
H6465
הַפְּע֔וֹר
of Peor
Strong's:
H6465
Word #:
6 of 10
peor, a mountain east of jordan in moab; baal peor, (for h1187) a deity worshipped there
הַנִּשְׁקָ֖ף
that looketh
H8259
הַנִּשְׁקָ֖ף
that looketh
Strong's:
H8259
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Peor's mountain summit in Moabite territory overlooked the plains of Moab where Israel camped before entering Canaan. The site later became notorious for Israel's sin with Moabite women 'joined unto Baal-peor' (Numbers 25:3), resulting in 24,000 deaths. The location's spiritual significance makes God's blessing-oracles from there even more remarkable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's turning of curses to blessings from Baal-peor's summit (a future site of Israel's sin) demonstrate His sovereignty over both pagan power and His people's failures?
- What does the irony of Peor (site of cursing attempts and later Israelite sin) teach about God's faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness?
- How can you trust God's protective purposes when circumstances seem most vulnerable ('overlooking the wasteland')?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon—The location shift to Peor (פְּעוֹר Pe'or, named for the Baal-peor deity) situated Balaam overlooking Jeshimon (הַיְשִׁימוֹן haYeshimon, 'the wasteland'), the barren wilderness where Israel camped. This third venue choice is doubly ironic:
The repetitive venue changes (22:41; 23:14; 23:28) demonstrate that no geographic manipulation, pagan high place, or strategic viewing angle could overcome God's determination to bless His covenant people.
Romans 8:31 asks 'If God be for us, who can be against us?'—rendering all opposition futile, regardless of the spiritual firepower arrayed against believers.