Numbers 23:30
And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וַיַּ֛עַל
and offered
H5927
וַיַּ֛עַל
and offered
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
6 of 9
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 #:
7 of 9
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
Historical Context
The cost of 21 bulls and 21 rams was staggering in ancient economy—perhaps equivalent to several years' wages for common workers. Balak's willingness to sustain this expense across three failed attempts reveals both kingly resources and desperate fear of Israel's military advance into Moabite territory.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Balak's enormous sacrificial investment yielding opposite results warn against presuming that costly religious activity guarantees desired outcomes?
- What does the futility of Balak's expensive rituals teach about the relationship between sacrifice quantity and spiritual effectiveness?
- How can you ensure your spiritual investments serve God's purposes rather than attempting to purchase preferred outcomes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar—Balak's third obedient execution (כַּאֲשֶׁר אָמַר בִּלְעָם ka'asher amar Bil'am, 'as Balaam had said') of the sacrificial ritual demonstrates his desperate commitment to the cursing project. The cumulative expense—21 bulls and 21 rams across three locations (23:2, 23:14, 23:30)—represented enormous investment, yet produced only blessings on Israel rather than requested curses.
This verse epitomizes the futility of opposing God's purposes regardless of cost, effort, or spiritual technique employed. Balak's sacrificial marathon mirrors those who 'have a form of godliness but deny its power' (2 Timothy 3:5)—external religion divorced from submission to God's revealed will. The New Testament reveals that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-14) supersedes endless ritual repetition.