Numbers 27

Numbers 27:1

Go with the men - I allow thee to go, upon the following terms.

Numbers 27:2

In the utmost coast - Not far from the camp of the Israelites, whom he desired him to curse.

Numbers 27:6

The princes - Whom the king had left to attend him.

Numbers 27:7

The high places of Baal - Consecrated to the worship of Baal, that is, of Baal Peor, who was their Baal or God. The utmost part - That is, all that people, even to the utmost and remotest of them, as appears by comparing this with, Numbers 23:13. He hoped that the sight of such a numerous host ready to break in upon his country would stir up his passion.

Numbers 27:9

Build seven altars - To the true God, otherwise he would not have mentioned it to God, as an argument why he should grant his requests, as he doth, Numbers 23:4. And though Balak was averse from God and his worship, yet he would be easily overruled by Balaam, who doubtless told him that it was in vain to make an address to any other than the God of Israel, who alone was able either to bless or curse them as he pleased. Seven - This being the solemn and usual number in sacrifices.

Numbers 27:11

Stand by thy burnt - offering - As in God’s presence, as one that offers thyself as well as thy sacrifices to obtain his favour. I will go - To some solitary and convenient place, where I may prevail with God to appear to me. Sheweth me - Reveals to me, either by word or sign. An high place - Or, into the plain, as that word properly signifies.

Numbers 27:15

His parable - That is, his oracular and prophetical speech; which he calls a parable, because of the weightiness of the matter, and the liveliness of the expressions which is usual in parables. Jacob - The posterity of Jacob.

Numbers 27:17

The rocks - Upon which I now stand. I see him - I see the people, according to thy desire, Numbers 22:41, but cannot improve that sight to the end for which thou didst design it, to curse them. The people shall dwell alone - This people are of a distinct kind from others, God’s peculiar people, separated from all other nations, as in religion and laws, so also in divine protection; and therefore enchantments cannot have that power against them which they have against other persons and people.

Numbers 27:18

The dust - The numberless people of Jacob or Israel, who according to God’s promise, are now become as the dust of the earth. Of the righteous - Of this righteous and holy people. The sense is, they are not only happy above other nations in this life, and therefore in vain should I curse them, but they have this peculiar privilege, that they are happy after death: their happiness begins where the happiness of other people ends; and therefore I heartily wish that my soul may have its portion with theirs when I die. Was not God now again striving with him, not only for the sake of Israel, but of his own soul?

Numbers 27:20

Must I not - Ought I not? Is it not my duty? Canst thou blame me for it?

Numbers 27:21

Thou shalt not see them all - Perhaps he thought the sight of all them might discourage him, or as it did before, raise his fancy to an admiration of the multitude and felicity of the people.

Numbers 27:23

While I meet the Lord - To consult him, and to receive an answer from him.