Numbers 22

Numbers 22:1

ON this side] The Italian hath, On that side] or Beyond] in regard of the land of Cannan By Iericho] Along Iordan, over against Iericho, and its territories.

Numbers 22:2

Balak] The King of Moab.

Numbers 22:3

Sore affraid] The Lord had sent this feare amongst them to make the enterprises of the people so much the easier, Exodus 15:14. Deuteron. 2. 25. Joshua 2:9.

Numbers 22:4

Unto the Elders] It seemeth they are the same hat are called Kings, Numbers 31:8. and Princes, Joshua 13:21. Whereof every one was Governour of his own Countrey, and all of them together made a common body of a nationall Councell, and at that time it seemeth they were all joyned with the King of Moab, and in all this action it seemeth they continued joyned together, Numbers 25. 16. and 31. 2.

Numbers 22:5

Pethor] A City of Mesopotamia, Numbers 23:7 Deuter. 23. 5 By the river]Euphrates, Of his people] namely Balaams: And they abide] that is to say, they are encamped.

Numbers 22:6

Curse me] This may be understood of some simple or plaine magicall imprecations, whereby evill spirits are raised and employed to hurt and offend, by vertue of the covenant which the magician hath made with them. Or of some solemn execrations which the pagans did use in war against their enemies, conjuring and calling upon their tutelar Gods, and raising infernall spirits against them, which oftentimes tooke effect, through Gods permission, who suffered them to erre in their beleeving of Sooth-sayings, and common sorceries which in effect were nothing but implicit and silent contracts with els.

Numbers 22:7

Of divination] The Italian hath it, Having the divination in their hands] Some formularies or set termes, according to which Balaam was to utter his imprecations according as we read in histories, as it hath been done in like acts to draw the devill to do that thing which he that imployed him did desire. Others understood this of the gifts and rewards that were given for doing such things. From hence it appeareth that Balak knew Balaam to be a magician, and a Sooth-sayer, as he is called, Joshua 13:22: and Balaam himselfe confesseth it and doeth the acts of one, Num. 23. 23. and 24. 1. True it is that he had some knowledge of the true God, v. 8. and 18. and that hee had some propheticall revelations from him, Num. 24 4. 16. 2 Peter 2:15. but being a wicked man, he mixed pagan superstitions and diabolicall witchcrafts therewith, which he covered all with the cloake and colour of divine revelations. But in this occasion, God did not give him leave to use any.

Numbers 22:8

I will bring] He speakes confidently, by reason of the experience he had diverse times had of divine revelations granted unto him upon his request; though indeed the light of prophecy was never perpetuall, and at the Prophets discretion, but only conferred according to Gods pleasure.

Numbers 22:19

Tarry ye also here] As they did which came before. Here Balaams avarice is discovered, who against Gods will, already sufficiently declared unto him, desireth to go and please Balak, being allured by his promises, 2 Peter 2:15. Jude 1:11. and God condemning his wicked intent, giveth him leave to go, to bring to light his malice, and to cause his own glory to shine, enforcing him to blesse that people whom he would have cursed, Deuteronomy 23:5.

Numbers 22:22

For an adversary] To shew him by the signe of this terrible vision, like unto that of Exo 4:24. that God did disallow of his enterprise, and would withstand the execution of it, and constrain him to do contrary to his intent.

Numbers 22:23

Saw] The sight of these apparitions was specially granted and made plaine to one, and hidden from the other, though they were present, see 2 Kings 6:17. Daniel 10:7. as also the voyce, Acts 22:9.

Numbers 22:28

Opened] He did by miracle frame these destinct words in the exterior organs of the Asse, though they proceeded not from any internall discourse, or conceipt.

Numbers 22:31

Opened] Caused him to see the Angel, see Genesis 21:19. Luke 24:16; Luke 24:31.

Numbers 22:32

Is perverse before me] The Italian hath it, Is not rightly appointed in my sight] is contrary unto my will, and as such I do reprove it, and condemne it.

Numbers 22:33

Unlesse she had turned from me] The Italian hath it, May be she turned for feare of me] Thou hast cause to think that God would have it so for thee, and not for the asse, because that I should not kill thee, if the asse had gon forward.

Numbers 22:38

To say] Of my self or according to mine own will.

Numbers 22:39

Kiriath Huzoth] To the City of Huzoth.

Numbers 22:40

Andsent] To make a festivall meale, with the flesh of sacrifices, according to custome.

Numbers 22:41

The high places] Temples and Chappels dedicated to Baal-Peor, the god of the Moabites, upon some hils or hillocks, adjoyning to that place, The utmost part]some part or quarters of that great campe, to make some triall of his conjurations and imprecations.