Numbers 23:29

Authorized King James Version

And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בִּלְעָם֙
And Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בָּלָ֔ק
unto Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#5
בְּנֵה
Build
to build (literally and figuratively)
#6
לִ֥י
H0
#7
בָזֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#8
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#9
מִזְבְּחֹ֑ת
altars
an altar
#10
וְהָכֵ֥ן
and prepare
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#11
לִי֙
H0
#12
בָּזֶ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#13
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#14
פָרִ֖ים
bullocks
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
#15
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה
and seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#16
אֵילִֽם׃
rams
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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