Numbers 23:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 23:27
27 And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.
Chapter Context
Numbers 23 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, truth, creation. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 23:27
27 And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.
Analysis
And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence—Balak's third attempt (אוּלַי יִישַׁר בְּעֵינֵי הָאֱלֹהִים ulay yishar be'einei ha'Elohim, 'perhaps it will be right in God's eyes') reveals pagan superstition that changing locations might alter divine will. After two failed curse attempts (23:7-10, 23:18-24), Balak persisted in seeking manipulable outcomes.
The phrase it will please God exposes fundamental misunderstanding of Yahweh's character—God's will doesn't fluctuate based on geography or repeated requests. Isaiah 14:27 declares 'The LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it?' Balak's persistence exemplifies the pagan mindset that divine favor is negotiable through finding the right formula, contrasting with biblical submission to God's unchanging purposes.
Historical Context
This third cursing attempt moved from Bamot-baal (22:41) to Pisgah's field (23:14) to Peor's summit (23:28), demonstrating Balak's desperation. In pagan thought, different locations had varying spiritual 'power levels,' making prophetic outcomes venue-dependent. Balaam exploited this superstition, collecting fees for each failed attempt.
Reflection
- How does Balak's venue-hopping to manipulate God's will parallel modern attempts to find the 'right formula' for guaranteed blessings?
- What does Balak's phrase 'perhaps it will please God' reveal about pagan versus biblical understanding of divine sovereignty?
- How can you discern when persistence in prayer reflects faith versus attempts to manipulate God into reversing His clear will?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 11:29