Numbers 23:13

Numbers 23:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.”

King James Version KJV

And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

American Standard Version ASV

And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them; thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Balak said to him, Come with me now into another place from which you will not be able to see them all, but only the outskirts of them; and you will send curses on them from there.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. But you'll only see a part of their camp—you won't see all of them. You can curse them for me from there.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Balak sayde vnto him, Come, I pray thee, with mee vnto another place, whence thou mayest see them, and thou shalt see but the vtmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: therefore curse them out of that place for my sake.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Balak saith unto him, 'Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, whence thou dost see it, only its extremity thou dost see, and all of it thou dost not see, and pierce it for me thence;'

World English Bible WEB

Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place, where you may see them. You shall see just part of them, and shall not see them all. Curse them from there for me.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Balak said to him, Come, I pray thee, with me to another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and from thence curse them for me.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Balac therefore said: Come with me to another place from whence thou mayest see part of Israel, and canst not see them all: curse them from thence.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then King Balak told Balaam, “Come with me to another place. There you will see only part of the Israeli people, and you will be able to curse those people for me.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:13

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 23:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר אֵלָ֜י/ו בָּלָ֗ק לך לְכָ/ה נָּ֨א אִתִּ֜/י אֶל מָק֤וֹם אַחֵר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּרְאֶ֣/נּוּ מִ/שָּׁ֔ם אֶ֚פֶס קָצֵ֣/הוּ תִרְאֶ֔ה וְ/כֻלּ֖/וֹ לֹ֣א תִרְאֶ֑ה וְ/קָבְ/נוֹ לִ֖/י מִ/שָּֽׁם

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

אֵלָ֜י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

בָּלָ֗ק Bâlâq H1111 Balak N-proper

לך yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לְכָ/ה hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

נָּ֨א yâlak H3212 to walk Part

אִתִּ֜/י ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מָק֤וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place N-ms

אַחֵר֙ ʼachêr H312 another Adj

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

תִּרְאֶ֣/נּוּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff

מִ/שָּׁ֔ם shâm H8033 there Prep | Adv

אֶ֚פֶס ʼepheç H657 end N-ms

קָצֵ֣/הוּ qâtseh H7097 end N-cs | Suff

תִרְאֶ֔ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

וְ/כֻלּ֖/וֹ kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תִרְאֶ֑ה râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

וְ/קָבְ/נוֹ qâbab H6895 to curse Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

לִ֖/י Prep | Suff

מִ/שָּֽׁם shâm H8033 there Prep | Adv

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:13

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.

אֵלָ֜י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

בָּלָ֗ק Bâlâq H1111 "Balak" 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.

לך yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

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.

לְכָ/ה hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

נָּ֨א yâlak H3212 "to walk" Part

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.

אִתִּ֜/י ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

מָק֤וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

אַחֵר֙ ʼachêr H312 "another" Adj

Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.

Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different

Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

תִּרְאֶ֣/נּוּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | 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.

מִ/שָּׁ֔ם shâm H8033 "there" Prep | Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

אֶ֚פֶס ʼepheç H657 "end" N-ms

This word can mean the soles of the feet or the ankles, but it can also mean an end or a stop to something. In Deuteronomy 28:35, it describes a curse that will afflict the Israelites from the soles of their feet to the top of their head.

Definition: 1) ceasing, end, finality 2) expressing non-existence

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: ankle, but (only), end, howbeit, less than nothing, nevertheless (where), no, none (beside), not (any, -withstanding), thing of nought, save(-ing), there, uttermost part, want, without (cause). See also: Numbers 13:28; Isaiah 5:8; Psalms 2:8.

קָצֵ֣/הוּ qâtseh H7097 "end" N-cs | Suff

In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.

Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)

Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.

תִרְאֶ֔ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

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

וְ/כֻלּ֖/וֹ kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תִרְאֶ֑ה râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

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

וְ/קָבְ/נוֹ qâbab H6895 "to curse" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

To curse means to speak badly of someone, as seen in Job 1:5 and 2:5. It involves using words to harm or malign, similar to stabbing with words.

Definition: 1) to curse, utter a curse against 1a) (Qal) to curse

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, curse. See also: Numbers 22:11; Numbers 23:13; Job 5:3.

לִ֖/י "" Prep | Suff

מִ/שָּֽׁם shâm H8033 "there" Prep | Adv

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

Study Notes — Numbers 23:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 23:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:13
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:13
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:13
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:13
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:13
Sermons on Numbers 23:13

Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle

11Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!” 12But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”

13Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.”

14So Balak took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, where he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 15Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 109:17	The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him.
2	James 3:9–10	With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!
3	Numbers 22:41	The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.
4	1 Kings 20:23	Meanwhile, the servants of the king of Aram said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they prevailed over us. Instead, we should fight them on the plains; surely then we will prevail.
5	1 Kings 20:28	Then the man of God approached the king of Israel and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not of the valleys, I will deliver all this great army into your hand. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”
6	Joshua 24:9	Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you,
7	Micah 6:5	My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”

Numbers 23:13 Summary

[In this verse, Balak is trying to get Balaam to curse the Israelites, but Balaam can only speak what God tells him to, as seen in Numbers 23:12. This shows us that God is in control, not people, and we should trust in His sovereignty, as taught in Psalm 135:6 and Isaiah 46:10. Balak's actions also remind us that we should not try to manipulate or control situations, but instead seek to align ourselves with God's will, as seen in Romans 12:2. By trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, we can find peace and rest, even in difficult circumstances, as promised in Matthew 11:28-30.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Balak think that Balaam could curse the Israelites from a different location?

Balak thought that if Balaam could only see part of the Israelites' camp, he would be able to curse them, as he believed that seeing the entire camp was what had prevented Balaam from cursing them earlier, as seen in Numbers 23:11-12.

What was Balak's motivation for wanting Balaam to curse the Israelites?

Balak's motivation was to defeat the Israelites and drive them out of the land, as he saw them as a threat to his own people, similar to how the Egyptians saw the Israelites in Exodus 1:9-10.

Did Balaam have the power to curse the Israelites on his own?

No, Balaam did not have the power to curse the Israelites on his own, as he himself stated in Numbers 23:12, he could only speak what the Lord put in his mouth, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:5 and Numbers 22:38.

What can we learn from Balak's actions in this verse?

We can learn that trying to manipulate or force God's will can lead to frustration and disappointment, as seen in Balak's case, and instead we should seek to align ourselves with God's will, as taught in Romans 12:2 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I try to manipulate or control situations in my own life, and how can I learn to trust in God's sovereignty instead?
How can I, like Balaam, ensure that I am speaking and acting in accordance with God's will, rather than my own desires or the desires of others?
What are some 'outsiders' or 'enemies' in my life that I may be tempted to curse or wish harm upon, and how can I instead choose to bless and pray for them, as Balaam did for the Israelites?
In what ways can I, like Balak, be blind to the reality of God's presence and power in my life, and how can I cultivate a greater awareness and reverence for God's sovereignty?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:13

And Balak said unto him,.... Seemingly satisfied with his answer, however, he could not help himself, and was willing to make the best of him he could, and try what he could do with him another time

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:13

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:13

He thought the sight of the people necessary both to excite Balaam’ s passions, and to strengthen and direct his conjurations; but he would now have him see but a part of the people, and not all, because the sight of all of them might dismay and discourage him, and, as it did before, raise his fancy to an admiration of the multitude and of the felicity of the people, ,10.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:13

Numbers 23:13 And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.Ver. 13. From whence thou mayest see them.] And over-look them, as they say witches do, Bασκαινειν quasi φαεσικαινειν; Nescio quis teneros, &c. In Hebrew the same word signifies both an eye and a fountain; to show, that from the eye, as a fountain, flows both sin and misery.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:13

(13) Thou shalt see but the utmost part of them . . . —If this rendering be correct, it strongly confirms that interpretation of Num 22:41 according to which Balaam saw the whole host of Israel from Bamoth-Baal. The words may, however, be rendered thus: Thou seest (i.e., here) but the utmost part of them, and thou dost not see them all. If the interpretation of Num 22:41 is adopted, which restricts the view from Bamoth-Baal to the extremity of the host of Israel, the meaning of this verse would seem to be that if Balaam could obtain a full view of the entire army he would not only perceive the ground which existed for Balak’s alarm, but would be induced to put forth more strenuous efforts to deliver him from so formidable an invasion. On the other hand, if that interpretation of Num 22:41 be adopted, which implies that from Bamoth-Baal Balaam had a view of the whole of the host of Israel from one extremity of their camps to the other, the meaning of this verse would be that although the sight of so vast and orderly a mass produced so powerful an effect upon Balaam that he was unable to utter the curses which he had desired to pronounce upon Israel, such an effect would not be equally likely to be produced if only a portion of the camps was visible at the same time.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:13

Verse 13. Thou shalt see but the utmost part of them] Balak thought that the sight of such an immense camp had intimidated Balaam, and this he might gather from what he said in the tenth verse: Who can count the dust of Jacob, c. he thought therefore that he might get Balaam to curse them in detached parties, till the whole camp should be devoted to destruction by successive execrations.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:13

13. unto another place] It was a not infrequent practice with soothsayers, if they were unable to obtain an omen according to their wishes, to try several times in hopes of better success. Balak thought that if Balaam went to a more favourable spot, Jehovah might be persuaded to change His mind! thou shalt see but the extremity of them … not see them all] The words are difficult, because Balaam has already seen only the end of the Israelite host; see Numbers 22:41. If the words are genuine, they may perhaps mean that Balaam would be taken to a spot whence he would still be able to see only a small part of them, but if that failed, he could finally go to a place whence he could see them all. But many writers assign the words to an editor.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:13

Balak seems to hope that the prophet’s words in Numbers 23:10 reflected the impression conveyed by the scene before him at the moment of the augury; and so that the sight of a mere few straggling

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:13

THE SECOND , Numbers 23:13-26. 13. But the utmost part — Balak attributes the failure of Balaam’s first effort to the fact that the magnitude of Israel’s encampment, taken in at one sweep of his

Sermons on Numbers 23:13

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