” 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 showeth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place.”
Here’s a breakdown of the verse and its context:
- The Background: The book of Numbers recounts the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. During this time, they faced various challenges and encountered different nations. In Numbers 22, we learn that the Israelites had camped in the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan River from Jericho. Balak, the king of Moab, feared the Israelites’ presence and sought to curse them. He sent messengers to a diviner named Balaam, asking him to come and curse the Israelites.
- Balaam’s Response: In Numbers 23:3, we find Balaam’s response to Balak’s request. Balaam instructed Balak to prepare a burnt offering and stand by it. Balaam believed that the Lord might come to meet him there. He told Balak that whatever the Lord revealed to him, he would convey to Balak.
- The High Place: Balaam then proceeded to go to a high place. In ancient times, high places were often elevated locations, such as hills or mountains, where people would go to seek spiritual encounters or make sacrifices. Balaam sought a place where he could meet with God and receive a divine message.
The overall significance of this verse lies in Balaam’s desire to seek God’s will and follow His instructions. Balaam recognized the possibility of encountering the Lord and being given a message, which he intended to faithfully relay to Balak. It demonstrates Balaam’s acknowledgment of the sovereignty and authority of God.
However, it is important to note that Balaam’s motives and actions are further explored in subsequent verses. Despite his initial intention to obey God’s instructions, Balaam later succumbs to greed and attempts to curse the Israelites for personal gain. This leads to his eventual confrontation with a talking donkey and his encounter with the angel of the Lord (Numbers 22-24).
Overall, Numbers 23:3 emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance, waiting for His direction, and being open to His revelation. It also serves as a cautionary example of how even individuals with good intentions can be swayed by personal desires if they do not remain steadfast in their devotion to God.
