Numbers 23:15

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt-offering, while I meet Jehovah yonder.

Bible in Basic English

Then he said to Balak, Take your place here by your burned offering, while I go over there to the Lord.

Free Bible Version

Balaam told Balak, “Wait here beside your burnt offering while I meet the Lord over there.”

King James (Authorized) Version

And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the Lord yonder.

One Unity Resource Bible

He said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering, while I meet over there.”

Translation for Translators

Then Balaam said to the king, “Stand here close to your burned offerings, while I go and talk with Yahweh.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering, while I meet with Yahweh over there.”

Noah Webster Bible

And he said to Balak, Stand here by thy burnt-offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.

World English Bible

He said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering, while I meet God over there.”

Young's Literal Translation

And he saith unto Balak, 'Station thyself here by thy burnt-offering, and I — I meet [Him] there;'

Context

Balaam’s Second Oracle

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.”

Summary

In this verse, Balak, the king of Moab, is frustrated with Balaam because instead of cursing the Israelites as he was hired to do, Balaam blesses them three times. This highlights the power of God's protection over His chosen people, the Israelites, and the inability of anyone to curse them when God has blessed them. It also demonstrates that God's plans and purposes cannot be thwarted by human intentions, showcasing His sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And he said unto Balak, stand here by thy burnt offering,.... As he had before directed him, Num 23:3. while I meet the Lord yonder; pointing to some place at a little distance, where he expected to meet the Lord, and have some instructions from him, which he seemed confident of, having met with him once already.