Numbers 23

Numbers 23:1

SEven Altars] Some are of opinion that there was some heathenish superstition in this number, and also that these sacrifices were prepared for Idols. But because that in the fourth verse Balaam doeth so confidently present them unto God, it is likely that they were consecrated to the true God, and that in this number and other ceremonies, he did observe some ancient custome, or command of God, to obtaine propheticall revelation from him. And it may also be that if hee had obtained none of God, he would have had recourse to magick Arts, for to give Balak content, Numbers 24:1.

Numbers 23:3

Hee sheweth mee] That is to say, shall be revealed to mee in vision; To an high] Upon the top of some neighbouring rock. Others quickly, or a side, to see if the Lord would reveale himself unto him.

Numbers 23:4

God] In some signe, or some shape known to Balaam.

Numbers 23:5

Put] He inspired him with what he would have him say.

Numbers 23:7

Parable] The Italian hath it, His sentence] that is to say, his prophetick speech, conceived in numerous and sententious termes, beyond the vulgar manner of speaking: From Aram] The Italian hath it From Syria] Under which was also contained Mesopotamia.

Numbers 23:9

Shall dwell] It shall be selected, and severed from other nations, to bee a peculiar people to God, and to be by him endlessely kept, blessed, and increased.

Numbers 23:10

Of the fourth part] He alludeth to that as Balak would shew him but a part of the campe, Numbers 22:41. Whereby Balaam is ravished in spirit, to behold with admiration the miraculous increase of the people, a signe of Gods expresse blessing; Let me dye] I am so far from having any power to work any evill end to this people sanctified by God, and by him directed in all justice by his Law: that contrariwise I envy that soveraigne happinesse which they alone enjoy, that is, to be able to dye in his favour, by vertue of his covenant, and of his promises.

Numbers 23:13

From whence thou mayest see them] Namely, all wholly; either because he beleeved that the fight of all the people was necessary for the magick operation which he desired, or that there might be some conjurations and witchcrafts, which are put in practice by the sight; or that he would induce Balaam to stronger conjurations, by reason of a higher object; or that he purposed to affright Balaam himselfe, by the apearance of danger, shewing him such a multitude of people.

Numbers 23:14

The field] It was some little plaine a top of the hill, where the watches stood, at the beacons or watch towers, which the Hebrew word Zophim signifieth.

Numbers 23:15

Meet the Lord] The Italian hath it only, Meet] with God and some revelation from him, or with the devill and some of his magicall apparitions.

Numbers 23:19

Lye] In his promises made to his people.

Numbers 23:21

He hath not beheld] This may be understood of Gods publick service, publikely pure from idolatry though there were many private, and secret ones, Amos 5:26. Acts 7:42. or by comparing them to other people, which were given over to all impiety, and wickednesse. Or God hath not beheld, &c. that is to say, he pardoneth them all their sins, through his grace, and purifieth them by his word, and spirit, And the shout] there is a continuall cause of security, and mirth, by the blessings, and safveguard of their God, and through the manifold victories which he granteth them over their enemies.

Numbers 23:23

Against Jacob] The Italian hath it, In Jacob] O Balaam, this people is not idolatrous, nor given to divelish arts, as thou art, through Gods power, he puts by and undoeth all the devils plots: So God puts Balaams condemnation in his own mouth: According to this time] The Italian addeth, Within a yeare according, &c.because that within the compasse of that time, the people went over Jordan, and tooke Jericho by miracle. Others expound it in his time, or within a certain time.

Numbers 23:24

Shall rise up] They shall undergo their warlike attempts, and shall not give them over, until they have destroyed and conquered their enemies A great Lion]because there are of two kinds, See upon Job 28:8.

Numbers 23:27

Peradventure] Words of a superstitious man as though divine aspects were more or lesse favorable, as the Starres aspects are according to Astrologians traditions.

Numbers 23:28

Peor] The name of a hill, from which the Idoll Baal-Peor had his name, Deuteronomy 34:6.