Numbers 23:2
Numbers 23:2 in Multiple Translations
So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram.
And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram.
And Balak did as Balaam had said; and Balak and Balaam made an offering on every altar of an ox and a male sheep.
Balak did as Balaam had said, and together they offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
And Balak did as Balaam sayd, and Balak and Balaam offred on euery altar a bullocke and a ramme.
And Balak doth as Balaam hath spoken, and Balak — Balaam also — offereth a bullock and a ram on the altar,
Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bull and a ram.
And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram.
And when he had done according to the word of Balaam, they laid together a calf and a ram upon every altar.
So Balak did that. And then he and Balaam each burned a young bull and a ram as a sacrifice on each altar.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:2
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 23:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ
בָּלָ֔ק
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
דִּבֶּ֣ר
בִּלְעָ֑ם
וַ/יַּ֨עַל
בָּלָ֧ק
וּ/בִלְעָ֛ם
פָּ֥ר
וָ/אַ֖יִל
בַּ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּלָ֔ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
דִּבֶּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בִּלְעָ֑ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
וַ/יַּ֨עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּלָ֧ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
וּ/בִלְעָ֛ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
Conj | N-proper
פָּ֥ר
par
H6499
bullock
N-ms
וָ/אַ֖יִל
ʼayil
H352
ram
Conj | N-ms
בַּ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:2
וַ/יַּ֣עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בָּלָ֔ק
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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
דִּבֶּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בִּלְעָ֑ם
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.
וַ/יַּ֨עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
בָּלָ֧ק
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.
וּ/בִלְעָ֛ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
Conj | 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.
פָּ֥ר
par
H6499
"bullock"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
וָ/אַ֖יִל
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
Conj | N-ms
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
בַּ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Prep | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:2
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:2
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:14 | So 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. |
| 2 | Numbers 23:30 | So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar. |
Numbers 23:2 Summary
In Numbers 23:2, we see Balak following Balaam's instructions to build seven altars and offer a bull and a ram on each one. This act of worship and sacrifice shows that Balak is trying to please God, but it also raises questions about the true nature of his faith. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn that true worship comes from a heart that trusts and loves God, not just from outward actions (Deuteronomy 6:5). We can also see that God is a God of order and completeness, as represented by the number seven, and that He desires our wholehearted devotion, just like He desired the Israelites' devotion in Exodus 20:1-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balaam instruct Balak to build seven altars and offer a bull and a ram on each one?
Balaam instructed Balak to build seven altars and offer a bull and a ram on each one as a form of worship and sacrifice to God, likely following the pattern set by God in other instances, such as in Leviticus 1:1-17, where specific instructions for burnt offerings are given.
What was the significance of the number seven in this context?
The number seven in Numbers 23:2 may signify completeness or perfection, as seen in other biblical contexts, such as Genesis 2:2-3, where God rested on the seventh day after creation, or Revelation 1:20, where seven represents the fullness of God's plan.
How did Balak's actions demonstrate his willingness to follow Balaam's instructions?
Balak's actions in Numbers 23:2 demonstrate his willingness to follow Balaam's instructions by building the altars and offering the sacrifices as directed, showing his trust in Balaam's guidance and expertise, similar to how Abraham trusted God's instructions in Genesis 12:1-5.
What can we learn from the interaction between Balak and Balaam in this verse?
We can learn from the interaction between Balak and Balaam that even those who do not fully understand or follow God's ways may still seek to worship and appease Him, but true worship and relationship with God come from a heart that fully trusts and obeys Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my willingness to follow God's instructions in my life, just like Balak followed Balaam's instructions?
- How can I ensure that my worship and sacrifices to God are not just outward actions, but come from a heart that truly trusts and loves Him?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to appease God through external actions, rather than cultivating a deep and personal relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of completeness or perfection represented by the number seven in this verse to my own spiritual journey and pursuit of God?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:2
And Balak did as Balaam had spoken,.... Ordered seven altars to be built, and prepared seven bullocks and rams for sacrifice: and Balak and Balsam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram; both
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:2
And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:2
Balak by procuring them and Balaam by offering them; through in ancient times kings’ were priests also, and so might perform a priestly work, as this was.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:2
Numbers 23:2 And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on [every] altar a bullock and a ram.Ver. 2. And Balak did.] Ready to conform to any religion, so he might obtain his purposes. God abhors these lukewarm neuter passives, that are inter coelum terramque penduli, that halt between two, that commit idolatry between the porch and the altar, with those five and twenty miscreants.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:2
(2) And Balak and Balaam offered.—It is more probable that Balak, as a king, performed priestly functions than that Balaam performed them alone. (See Note on Numbers 22:40.)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:2
1–6. Balaam demanded a seven-fold sacrifice, in order to propitiate God, that He might be willing to give His prophet a message. Balak complied with the request, hoping that the message might be a curse.