Numbers 23:29
And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.
Original Language Analysis
בָזֶ֖ה
H2088
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
H7651
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
8 of 16
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
וְהָכֵ֥ן
and prepare
H3559
וְהָכֵ֥ן
and prepare
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
בָּזֶ֔ה
H2088
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
H7651
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
13 of 16
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
פָרִ֖ים
bullocks
H6499
פָרִ֖ים
bullocks
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
14 of 16
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
Historical Context
Seven-altar constructions weren't standard Israelite practice but may reflect Balaam's Mesopotamian divination background or attempt to match pagan ritual expectations. The identical repetition at three locations suggests either prescribed prophetic methodology or lucrative exploitation of Balak's desperation—likely both.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Balaam's repetitive seven-altar ritual warn against confusing religious activity with actual spiritual power?
- What 'seven-altar patterns' (repeated religious formulas) might you practice while missing heart transformation?
- How can you discern when spiritual disciplines serve genuine formation versus becoming manipulative rituals aimed at controlling God?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams—Balaam's third repetition of the seven-altar ritual (identical to 23:1-2, 23:14) demonstrates either spiritual manipulation (exploiting Balak's superstition for profit) or genuine prophetic protocol (establishing proper conditions for receiving divine word). The sevenfold pattern (שִׁבְעָה shiv'ah, seven) symbolized completeness in Hebrew thought, possibly suggesting comprehensive spiritual preparation.
The repetitive ritual reveals how religious activity can become mere form without transforming heart. Jesus warned against vain repetitions (Matthew 6:7), and Samuel declared 'to obey is better than sacrifice' (1 Samuel 15:22). Balaam's elaborate sacrifices couldn't override God's predetermined blessing on Israel—proper ritual without righteous heart profits nothing.