Numbers 23:4
And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקָּ֥ר
met
H7136
וַיִּקָּ֥ר
met
Strong's:
H7136
Word #:
1 of 14
to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
And God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
And God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שִׁבְעַ֤ת
seven
H7651
שִׁבְעַ֤ת
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
8 of 14
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
עָרַ֔כְתִּי
unto him I have prepared
H6186
עָרַ֔כְתִּי
unto him I have prepared
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
10 of 14
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
וָאַ֛עַל
and I have offered
H5927
וָאַ֛עַל
and I have offered
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
11 of 14
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 #:
12 of 14
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
Historical Context
God's meeting with Balaam parallels His earlier prohibition in chapter 22. Throughout the narrative, God sovereignly directs Balaam's words despite the prophet's mercenary motives. This divine control over false prophets appears elsewhere: God hardened Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 9:12), sent lying spirits to false prophets (1 Kings 22:22), and used even Satan's actions for His purposes (Job 1-2). God's sovereignty extends over all powers, even opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over false prophets comfort His people under spiritual attack?
- What does God's control of Balaam teach about His comprehensive rule over all spiritual forces?
- How should we pray when spiritual opponents seem powerful?
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Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'God met Balaam' shows divine initiative despite Balaam's manipulation. The Hebrew vayiqar Elohim (and God met) indicates God sovereignly chose to encounter Balaam, not because the ritual compelled Him but because He would protect His people. God met Balaam to put His own words in the prophet's mouth (verse 5), ensuring that blessing, not cursing, would result. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over even pagan prophets and His determination to accomplish His purposes regardless of human schemes.