Numbers 23:3
And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the Lord will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place.
Numbers 23:3 (KJV)
Context
The book of Numbers records Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai toward the Promised Land. In Numbers 22, the people camped in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River near Jericho. Balak, king of Moab, feared Israel and hired Balaam, a diviner, to curse them. In Numbers 23:1, Balak built seven altars and offered a burnt offering. Now Balaam tells Balak to stand by that offering while Balaam goes to a high place, hoping the LORD will meet him.
Meaning
Balaam’s words show his expectation of a divine encounter. He says “peradventure the LORD will come to meet me,” which expresses uncertainty, yet he still goes. He promises to tell Balak whatever God shows him. The high place was an elevated spot, often a hill, where people sought God or made sacrifices. Balaam’s action reflects a common ancient practice of seeking a sacred location for revelation. The burnt offering was a sacrifice presented to God, and Balak was directed to stand by it, suggesting a posture of waiting and presenting himself before the LORD. Balaam’s commitment to report whatever God reveals is central. He does not presume to control God; he waits for God to speak. This teaches that true prophecy depends on God’s initiative, not human ritual or position.
Biblical connections
In Numbers 22:20-21, Balaam already told Balak he would go and that the LORD might meet him. This verse repeats that promise. The following verse, Numbers 23:4, records that God did meet Balaam, confirming that God initiates communication. Even though Balaam was not an Israelite prophet, God used him to deliver His message. Later, God turned Balaam’s intended curses into blessings for Israel, showing His sovereignty over all nations. This narrative reminds readers that God is sovereign over all nations and can turn intended curses into blessings. The principle that God’s plans and blessings prevail over human intentions is clear. Balaam’s role as a non-Israelite diviner shows that God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, even those outside His covenant people.
Application
This passage teaches the importance of seeking God’s guidance and waiting for His direction. Balaam positioned himself to hear from God, and he committed to speak only what God revealed. Believers today can follow this example by setting aside time and place to seek God, and by promising to obey His word even when it is unexpected. The burnt offering reminds us that approaching God involves sacrifice and reverence. We can learn to wait patiently before the Lord, presenting ourselves to Him, and then speak only what He shows us. This requires humility and a willingness to set aside our own plans. When we seek God sincerely, we can trust that He will meet us and guide us, even if the answer differs from what we expected.
Reflection
Balaam’s later failure warns us that good intentions can be corrupted by greed. Although he initially obeyed, he later tried to curse Israel for reward, but God prevented him. This verse encourages us to remain faithful and not let personal desires turn us from God’s will. It also reassures us that God’s plans prevail over human schemes, and He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. Consider your own posture before God. Do you come with a willing heart, ready to hear and obey? Or do you seek God only when you want something? Let this verse challenge you to approach God with reverence, patience, and a commitment to speak His truth, no matter the cost.
