Numbers 23:3

Numbers 23:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height,

King James Version KJV

And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place.

American Standard Version ASV

And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt-offering, and I will go: peradventure Jehovah will come to meet me; and whatsoever he showeth me I will tell thee. And he went to a bare height.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Balaam said to Balak, Take your place by your burned offering, and I will go and see if the Lord comes to me: and I will give you word of whatever he says to me. And he went to an open place on a hill.

Free Bible Version FBV

Balaam said to Balak, “Wait here beside your burnt offering while I go and see if perhaps the Lord will come and meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me, I'll share with you.” Then Balaam left to climb up a rocky crag.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Balaam sayde vnto Balak, Stande by the burnt offring, and I will goe, if so be that the Lord will come and meete me: and whatsoeuer he sheweth me, I will tell thee: so he went forth alone.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Balaam saith to Balak, 'Station thyself by thy burnt-offering and I go on, it may be Jehovah doth come to meet me, and the thing which He sheweth me — I have declared to thee;' and he goeth [to] a high place.

World English Bible WEB

Balaam said to Balak, “Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet me. Whatever he shows me I will tell you.” He went to a bare height.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Balaam said to Balak, Stand by thy burnt-offering, and I will go: it may be the LORD will come to meet me: and whatever he showeth me I will tell thee. And he went to a high place.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Balaam said to Balac: Stand a while by thy burnt offering, until I go, to see if perhaps the Lord will meet me, and whatsoever he shall command, I will speak to thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Balaam said to Balak, “You stand here close to your burned offerings, and I will go and ask Yahweh if he has something else to tell me. Then I will tell you what he says to me.” Then Balaam went by himself to the top of a hill,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם לְ/בָלָ֗ק הִתְיַצֵּב֮ עַל עֹלָתֶ/ךָ֒ וְ/אֵֽלְכָ֗ה אוּלַ֞י יִקָּרֵ֤ה יְהוָה֙ לִ/קְרָאתִ֔/י וּ/דְבַ֥ר מַה יַּרְאֵ֖/נִי וְ/הִגַּ֣דְתִּי לָ֑/ךְ וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ שֶֽׁפִי

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בִּלְעָ֜ם Bilʻâm H1109 Balaam N-proper

לְ/בָלָ֗ק Bâlâq H1111 Balak Prep | N-proper

הִתְיַצֵּב֮ yâtsab H3320 to stand V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

עֹלָתֶ/ךָ֒ ʻôlâh H5930 burnt offering N-fs | Suff

וְ/אֵֽלְכָ֗ה yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-1cs

אוּלַ֞י ʼûwlay H194 perhaps Adv

יִקָּרֵ֤ה qârâh H7136 to meet V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לִ/קְרָאתִ֔/י qirʼâh H7125 befall Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

וּ/דְבַ֥ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Conj | N-ms

מַה mâh H4100 what? Part

יַּרְאֵ֖/נִי râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

וְ/הִגַּ֣דְתִּי nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

לָ֑/ךְ Prep | Suff

וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שֶֽׁפִי shᵉphîy H8205 bareness N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:3

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

בִּלְעָ֜ם Bilʻâm H1109 "Balaam" N-proper

Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.

Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.

לְ/בָלָ֗ק Bâlâq H1111 "Balak" Prep | N-proper

Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.

Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.

הִתְיַצֵּב֮ yâtsab H3320 "to stand" V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms

To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.

Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

עֹלָתֶ/ךָ֒ ʻôlâh H5930 "burnt offering" N-fs | Suff

This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.

Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.

וְ/אֵֽלְכָ֗ה yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-1cs

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

אוּלַ֞י ʼûwlay H194 "perhaps" Adv

Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.

Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.

יִקָּרֵ֤ה qârâh H7136 "to meet" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.

Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

לִ/קְרָאתִ֔/י qirʼâh H7125 "befall" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.

Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.

וּ/דְבַ֥ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Conj | N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

יַּרְאֵ֖/נִי râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

וְ/הִגַּ֣דְתִּי nâgad H5046 "to tell" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

לָ֑/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

וַ/יֵּ֖לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

שֶֽׁפִי shᵉphîy H8205 "bareness" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a bare or smooth place, like a hill with no trees. It is used to describe the landscape of Israel. The word appears in descriptions of the country's geography.

Definition: 1) bareness, smooth or bare height, bare place, high places, barren height 1a) bareness 1b) bare place, bare height

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: high place, stick out. See also: Numbers 23:3; Jeremiah 3:21; Isaiah 41:18.

Study Notes — Numbers 23:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 23:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:3
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:3
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:3
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:3
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:3
Sermons on Numbers 23:3

Context — Balaam’s First Oracle

1Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” 2So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

3“Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height,

4and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.” 5Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 23:15	Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.”
2	Genesis 8:20	Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. And taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar.
3	Genesis 22:2	“Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”
4	Genesis 22:13	Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son.
5	Numbers 24:1	And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.
6	Genesis 22:7–8	Then Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” “Here I am, my son,” he replied. “The fire and the wood are here,” said Isaac, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two walked on together.
7	Numbers 22:31–35	Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown. The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.” “I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.” But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
8	Leviticus 1:1	Then the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying,
9	Numbers 22:8–9	“Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?”
10	Exodus 18:12	Then Moses’ father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.

Numbers 23:3 Summary

This verse shows Balaam telling Balak to stay with the sacrifices they made while he goes to meet with God. Balaam is hoping that God will speak to him, and he promises to share whatever God says with Balak. It's like when we pray and wait for God to answer us, as in Psalm 38:15, where David says, 'I wait for you, Lord.' Balaam goes to a quiet, empty place to be alone with God, similar to how Jesus would often go to lonely places to pray, as mentioned in Luke 5:16. This reminds us that sometimes we need to get away from distractions to listen to God and seek His guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Balaam tell Balak to stay by the burnt offering while he was gone?

Balaam instructed Balak to stay by the burnt offering, possibly as a way to ensure the ritual was completed or as a means to demonstrate his commitment to the process, as seen in the detailed instructions in Numbers 23:1-2, and later, God's interaction with Balaam in Numbers 23:4.

What did Balaam mean by 'Perhaps the LORD will meet with me'?

Balaam's statement indicates his recognition of God's sovereignty and his own limitations, acknowledging that God might choose to communicate with him, similar to how God spoke to prophets in the Bible, such as in Isaiah 6:1 or Ezekiel 1:1.

Why did Balaam go to a barren height?

The choice of a barren height by Balaam could symbolize his recognition of his own spiritual barrenness or his need for solitude to seek God, reminiscent of how Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray, as seen in Luke 5:16.

How does Balaam's approach to God compare to our own?

Balaam's actions, such as offering sacrifices and seeking solitude, demonstrate a form of religious ritual, but his heart and intentions are what truly matter to God, as emphasized in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks at the heart of a person, not their outward appearances.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways we, like Balaam, might be seeking God's presence or guidance in our lives, and how can we ensure our hearts are genuinely seeking Him?
In what ways can we, like Balak, be waiting on the Lord, trusting in His timing and providence, even when the answer is not immediate?
How can we distinguish between religious rituals and a genuine, heart-felt pursuit of God, as Balaam's story seems to caution against mere external practices?
What does Balaam's statement about God revealing something to him imply about the nature of God's communication with humanity, and how does this relate to our own experiences of hearing from God?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:3

And Balaam said unto Balak, stand by thy burnt offering,.... By which it appears that the sacrifices offered were of this sort, and there might be one, which was more peculiarly the burnt offering of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:3

And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:3

By thy burnt-offering; as in God’ s presence, as one that offers thyself its well as thy sacrifices to obtain his favour. I will go to some solitary and convenient place, where I may by my enchantments prevail with God to appear to me, and to answer thy and my desires in cursing this people. Whatsoever he showeth me, i.e. reveals to me, either by word or sign. To an high place; or, into the plain, as that word properly signifies, for he was now in a high place, . But this is not material, it was doubtless some solitary place, where he might use some gestures and ceremonies which he would not have others see, and where he might more reasonably expect to meet with God; for both good and evil spirits most commonly appeared to persons in such places.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:3

Numbers 23:3 And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place.Ver. 3. Stand by thy burnt offering.] Or, Present thyself, to see if God will accept thy person.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:3

(3) To an high place.—Rather, to a bare or barren height The heathen augurs were accustomed to choose elevated places for their auspices with an extensive prospect, especially the barren summits of mountains.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:3

Verse 3. Stand by thy burnt-offering] We have already seen that blessing and cursing in this way were considered as religious rites, and therefore must be always preceded by sacrifice. See this exemplified in the case of Isaac, before he blessed Jacob and Esau, Genesis 27:19; Genesis 27:28-29; Genesis 27:33-40, and the notes there. The venison that was brought to Isaac, of which he did eat, was properly the preparatory sacrifice.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:3

3. Balaam went some distance away, in the hope that Jehovah would meet him. It is not necessary to suppose that he went to practise enchantments like a soothsayer, e.g. to watch the clouds or the flight of birds. Jehovah had already spoken to him when he was in his own home, and he might expect Him to do so again. In the following verse, indeed, Balaam claims that in the seven-fold sacrifice he has already taken the necessary means to obtain a message. he went to a bare height] It is not clear why he should choose a bare height. The word is perhaps corrupt. A.V. ‘a high place,’ and marg. ‘solitary’ are wrong.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:3

Balaam apparently expected to mark some phenomenon in the sky or in nature, which he would be able, according to the rules of his art, to interpret as a portent.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:3

3. Burnt offering — See Leviticus 1:3, note. The Lord will come to meet me — In what way he expected the manifestation of Jehovah is seen in Numbers 24:1 : “He went not to seek for enchantments,”

Sermons on Numbers 23:3

	Sermon	Description
	Error of Balamm - Part 2 by Keith Green	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Balaam and Balak from the Bible. Balaam is asked by Balak to curse the enemies of Israel, but instead, he blesses them as directe
	How to Hear From God by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of hearing from God amidst the distractions of modern life, urging believers to seek a desolate place free from competing voices. He highlig
	(Genesis) Genesis 9:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of draining the blood from animals before consuming them, as it symbolizes the taking of life. The speaker also expresses his p
	(Genesis) Genesis 8:20-22 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the evil nature of man's heart from a young age. He mentions how youth today have rebelled and their imaginations have turned towards evil. T
	The New Creation and the New Fall by Bill Randles	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of two different kinds of people in the new world. He emphasizes that while some can thrive in corruption and feed off it, others
	(Genesis) - Part 10 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the continuity of natural phenomena such as cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night for the past 4,000 years. He highlights that
	A Voice From Heaven by Carl Armerding	In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the rules and regulations presented in a gracious manner. He then emphasizes the spiritual objectives of the camp, stating that it