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 va... [ Continue Reading ]
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, in... [ Continue Reading ]
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.... [ Continue Reading ]
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, sepa... [ Continue Reading ]
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 t... [ Continue Reading ]
Must I not — Ought I not? Is it not my duty? Canst thou blame me for it?... [ Continue Reading ]
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.... [ Continue Reading ]
While I meet the Lord — To consult him, and to receive an answer from him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Rise up — This word implies the diligent attention required; rouse up thyself and carefully mind what I say.... [ Continue Reading ]
That he should lie — Break his promises made to his people for their preservation and benediction. Repent — Change his counsels or purposes; unless he see iniquity in Jacob.... [ Continue Reading ]
Iniquity — Not such as in the Canaanites: Such as he will punish with a curse, with utter destruction. The Lord is with him — He hath a favour for this people, and will defend and save them. The shout of a king — That is, such joyful and triumphant shouts as those wherewith a people congratulate the... [ Continue Reading ]
Out of Egypt — Namely, by a strong hand, and in spite of all their enemies, and therefore it is in vain to seek or hope to overcome them. He — Israel, whom God brought out of Egypt, such change of numbers being very common in the Hebrew language. The sense is, Israel is not now what he was in Egypt,... [ Continue Reading ]
Against Jacob — Nor against any that truly believe in Christ. What hath God wrought — How wonderful and glorious are those works which God is now about to do for Israel! These things will be a matter of discourse and admiration to all ages.... [ Continue Reading ]
As a great Lion — As a lion rouseth up himself to fight, or to go out to the prey, so shall Israel stir up themselves to warlike attempts against their enemies. He shall not lie down — Not rest or cease from fighting and pursuing.... [ Continue Reading ]
Peor — An high place called Beth — peor, Deuteronomy 3:29. That is, the house or temple of Peor, because there they worshipped Baal — peor.... [ Continue Reading ]