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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 23:3 "Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone," Balaam said to Balak. "Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you." So Balaam went off to a barren height,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/04_Num_23_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:3 - Balaam's First Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone, Balaam said to Balak. 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Perhaps the LORD will come to meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me I will tell you.&#8221 Then he went off to a barren height. <a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offerings, and I will go to see if the LORD will respond to me. Then I will tell you whatever he reveals to me.” So Balaam went alone to the top of a bare hill, <a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Balaam said to Balak, “Stand beside your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet me, and whatever he shows me I will tell you.” And he went to a bare height, <a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height, <a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go; perhaps the LORD will come to meet me, and whatever He shows me I will tell you.” So he went to a desolate height. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stand beside your burnt offering, and I will go; perhaps the LORD will come to meet me, and whatever He shows me I will tell you.” So he went to a bare hill. <a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Balaam said to Balak, &#8220Stand beside your burnt offering, and I will go; perhaps the LORD will come to meet me, and whatever He shows me I will tell you.&#8221 So he went to a bare hill. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stand beside your burnt offering, and I will go; perhaps the LORD will come to meet me, and whatever He shows me I will tell you.” So he went to a bare hill. <a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stand beside your burnt offering, and I will go; perhaps Yahweh will come to meet me, and whatever He shows me I will tell you.” So he went to a bare hill. <a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stand beside your burnt offering and I will go. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet me; and whatever He shows me I will tell you.” So he went to a desolate hill. <a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone. Maybe the LORD will meet with me. I will tell you whatever he reveals to me.” So he went to a barren hill. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Balaam said to Balak, &#8220Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone. Maybe the LORD will meet with me. I will tell you whatever He reveals to me.&#8221 So he went to a barren hill. <a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt-offering, and I will go: peradventure Jehovah will come to meet me; and whatsoever he showeth me I will tell thee. And he went to a bare height. <a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then Balaam said, "Wait here beside your offerings, and I'll go somewhere to be alone. Maybe the LORD will appear to me. If he does, I will tell you everything he says." And he left. <a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 a bare height. <a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Balaam said to Balak, "Stay here beside your burnt offering while I'm gone. Maybe the LORD will come and meet with me. I will tell you whatever he reveals to me." Then Balaam went off to a higher place where there were no trees. <a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Balaam said to Balak, "Stand here by your burnt offering, while I go to see whether or not the LORD will meet me. I will tell you whatever he reveals to me." So he went alone to the top of a hill, <a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Balaam instructed Balak, "Stand by your offering and leave me alone by myself. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet me. I'll tell you whatever he reveals to me." And so he went to a high place, <a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,? Balaam said to Balak. ?Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.? So Balaam went off to a barren height, <a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a> Balaam said to Balak, "Station yourself by your burnt offering, and I will go off; perhaps the LORD will come to meet me, and whatever he reveals to me I will tell you." Then he went to a deserted height. <a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Balaam said to Balak, "Station yourself by your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps God will come to meet me, and whatever he shows me I will tell you." And Balak went off and stationed himself by his offering, and Balaam called to God and went off to a barren height. <a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Balaam said to Balak, Stand by thy burnt-offering, and I will go: it may be the LORD will come to meet me: and whatever he showeth me I will tell thee. And he went to a high place. <a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a> Balaam said to Balak, “Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps Yahweh will come to meet me. Whatever he shows me I will tell you.” He went to a bare height. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Balaam says to Balak, “Station yourself by your burnt-offering and I go on, it may be YHWH comes to meet me, and the thing which He shows me I have declared to you”; and he goes [to] a high place. <a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Balaam saith to Balak, 'Station thyself by thy burnt-offering and I go on, it may be Jehovah doth come to meet me, and the thing which He sheweth me -- I have declared to thee;' and he goeth to a high place. <a href="/slt/numbers/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Balsam will say to Balak, Stand by thy burnt-offering, and I will go; perhaps Jehovah will come to my meeting: and the word which he will shew to me I will announce to thee. And he will go to the naked hill.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Balaam said to Balac: Stand a while by thy burnt offering, until I go, to see if perhaps the Lord will meet me, and whatsoever he shall command, I will speak to thee. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Balaam said to Balak: “Stand for a little while next to your holocaust, until I go, to see if perhaps the Lord will meet with me. And whatever he will command, I shall speak to you.” <a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a> Balaam said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering while I go over there. Perhaps the LORD will meet me, and then I will tell you whatever he lets me see.” And so he went out on the barren height. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offerings while I go aside. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet me. Whatever he shows me I will tell you.” And he went to a bare height.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Balaam said to Balak, Stand here by your burnt offerings, and I will go. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet me; and whatever he shows me I will tell you. So he went away quietly. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Balaam said to Balaq: “Arise, stand with your burnt offerings and I shall go; perhaps LORD JEHOVAH shall call to meet me and the answer that He shows to me I shall show it to you”; and he went straight forward.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 a bare height. <a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Balaam said to Balac, Stand by thy sacrifice, and I will go and see if God will appear to me and meet me, and the word which he shall shew me, I will report to thee. And Balac stood by his sacrifice. <a href="/parallel/numbers/23-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7238" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Balaam's First Oracle</a> …2So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 3<a href="/hebrew/3320.htm" title="3320: hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ (V-Hitpael-Imp-ms) -- To set or station oneself, take one's stand. A primitive root; to place; reflexively, to station, offer, continue.">“Stay</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">here by</a> <a href="/hebrew/5930.htm" title="5930: ‘ō·lā·ṯe·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Whole burnt offering. Or mowlah; feminine active participle of alah; a step or; usually a holocaust.">your burnt offering</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: wə·’ê·lə·ḵāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">while I am gone,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">Balaam</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: lə·ḇā·lāq (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">to Balak.</a> <a href="/hebrew/194.htm" title="194: ’ū·lay (Adv) -- Perhaps. Or rulay; from 'ow; if not; hence perhaps.">“Perhaps</a> <a href="/hebrew/7136.htm" title="7136: yiq·qā·rêh (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to light upon; causatively, to bring about; specifically, to impose timbers."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·rā·ṯî (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 1cs) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">will meet with me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ū·ḏə·ḇar (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">And whatever</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: yar·’ê·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">He reveals to me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: wə·hig·gaḏ·tî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To be conspicuous. ">I will tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">you.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">So Balaam went off</a> <a href="/hebrew/8205.htm" title="8205: še·p̄î (N-ms) -- Bareness, a smooth or bare height. From shaphah; bareness; concretely, a bare hill or plain.">to a barren height,</a> 4and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/22-5.htm">Genesis 22:5</a> “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants. “The boy and I will go over there to worship, and then we will return to you.” <a href="/exodus/24-14.htm">Exodus 24:14</a> And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Whoever has a dispute can go to them.” <a href="/1_samuel/9-27.htm">1 Samuel 9:27</a> As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God.” So the servant went on. <a href="/1_kings/18-42.htm">1 Kings 18:42</a> So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees. <a href="/2_kings/4-29.htm">2 Kings 4:29</a> So Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand, and go! If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him. Then lay my staff on the boy’s face.” <a href="/isaiah/26-20.htm">Isaiah 26:20</a> Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. <a href="/jeremiah/42-7.htm">Jeremiah 42:7</a> After ten days the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, <a href="/ezekiel/3-22.htm">Ezekiel 3:22</a> And there the hand of the LORD was upon me, and He said to me, “Get up, go out to the plain, and there I will speak with you.” <a href="/daniel/10-7.htm">Daniel 10:7</a> Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves. <a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7</a> Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. <a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">Matthew 17:1-3</a> After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. <a href="/mark/9-2.htm">Mark 9:2-4</a> After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. / His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them. / And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus. <a href="/luke/9-28.htm">Luke 9:28-31</a> About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. / And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white. / Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus. ... <a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a> However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. <a href="/acts/10-9.htm">Acts 10:9</a> The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Balaam said to Balak, Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatever he shows me I will tell you. And he went to an high place.Stand<a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Numbers 23:15</a> And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.burnt<a href="/genesis/8-20.htm">Genesis 8:20</a> And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.<a href="/genesis/22-2.htm">Genesis 22:2,7,8,13</a> And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of… <a href="/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12</a> And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.peradventure<a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Numbers 23:15</a> And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.<a href="/numbers/22-8.htm">Numbers 22:8,9,31-35</a> And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam… <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Numbers 24:1</a> And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.went to an high place.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/13-23.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/numbers/19-17.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/exodus/38-18.htm">Height</a> <a href="/numbers/22-41.htm">High</a> <a href="/numbers/14-45.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/numbers/23-2.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/numbers/21-20.htm">Open</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/genesis/16-13.htm">Reveals</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Shews</a> <a href="/genesis/41-28.htm">Showeth</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-49.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/numbers/2-17.htm">Station</a> <a href="/numbers/22-29.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/26-59.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/joshua/5-3.htm">Height</a> <a href="/numbers/24-16.htm">High</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-7.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/numbers/23-4.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Open</a> <a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Perhaps</a> <a href="/job/12-22.htm">Reveals</a> <a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Shews</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-8.htm">Showeth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-17.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Station</a> <a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/numbers/23-26.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/numbers/30-7.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 23</div>1. <a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Balak's sacrifices</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone, In the ancient Near Eastern context, burnt offerings were a common practice among various cultures, including the Israelites, as a means of worship and seeking favor from deities. The burnt offering here signifies an attempt to gain divine attention and favor. Balaam instructs Balak to remain by the offering, indicating the importance of the ritual in seeking a divine encounter. This reflects the belief that sacrifices could facilitate communication with the divine, a concept also seen in <a href="/leviticus/1.htm">Leviticus 1</a>, where burnt offerings are detailed as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.Balaam said to Balak. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure who is both a seer and a diviner. His interactions with Balak, the king of Moab, highlight the tension between divine will and human desire. Balak's role as king underscores the political and spiritual stakes involved, as he seeks to curse Israel, whom he perceives as a threat. This interaction is part of a larger narrative where God uses Balaam, despite his intentions, to bless Israel instead.Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. The use of "perhaps" indicates uncertainty in Balaam's ability to control or predict divine encounters, emphasizing God's sovereignty. The term "LORD" (YHWH) is significant, as it denotes the covenant name of the God of Israel, suggesting that Balaam acknowledges the power and authority of Israel's God, even though he is not an Israelite. This reflects the biblical theme that God can reveal Himself to and through anyone, regardless of their background.And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you. Balaam's commitment to relay only what God reveals highlights the prophetic principle of speaking God's truth, regardless of personal or political pressure. This aligns with the biblical standard for true prophecy, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:18-22</a>, where a prophet must speak only what God commands. Balaam's statement foreshadows the divine messages he will deliver, which ultimately bless Israel instead of cursing them.So Balaam went off to a barren height, The "barren height" refers to a high place, often used in ancient times for worship and divination, as it was believed to be closer to the divine realm. This setting underscores the spiritual nature of Balaam's task and the expectation of a divine encounter. High places were common in Canaanite and Israelite worship, though later condemned in Israelite practice (<a href="/2_kings/23-8.htm">2 Kings 23:8</a>). The choice of location reflects the cultural and religious practices of the time, where geography was thought to influence spiritual experiences.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is called upon by Balak to curse the Israelites. Balaam is a complex figure who acknowledges the power of the LORD but is also enticed by the rewards offered by Balak. 2. <a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a> The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and past victories. He seeks Balaam's help to curse the Israelites in hopes of defeating them. 3. <a href="/topical/b/burnt_offering.htm">Burnt Offering</a> A sacrificial offering made by Balak, which is a common practice in ancient times to seek favor or guidance from a deity. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The God of Israel, who ultimately controls the outcome of Balaam's prophecies and demonstrates His sovereignty over all nations and peoples. 5. <a href="/topical/b/barren_height.htm">Barren Height</a> A high place where Balaam goes to seek a divine encounter. High places were often used in ancient times for worship and seeking divine revelation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> God's control over the situation with Balaam and Balak demonstrates His ultimate authority over all nations and individuals. No curse or human intention can thwart God's plans for His people. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_will.htm">Seeking God's Will</a> Balaam's approach to seek what the LORD will reveal is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will in our decisions. We should prioritize divine guidance over human desires or pressures. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> Balaam's account warns against the temptation to compromise our faith for personal gain. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to God's commands, even when faced with enticing offers. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_blessing_and_curse.htm">The Power of Blessing and Curse</a> The account illustrates the spiritual reality of blessings and curses. As believers, we are called to bless others and trust in God's protection against any spiritual opposition.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23</a> <a href="/q/does_micah_6_5_align_with_other_balaam_accounts.htm">How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility?</a> <a href="/q/does_ruth_1_4_conflict_with_deut._23_3.htm">Does the marriage of Naomi's sons to Moabite women (Ruth 1:4) conflict with restrictions found in Deuteronomy 23:3?</a> <a href="/q/is_a_pagan_prophet's_blessing_credible.htm">Numbers 23:8-10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king's demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_doctrine_of_balaam.htm">What is the Doctrine of Balaam?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) To an high place.--Rather, to a bare or barren height The heathen augurs were accustomed to choose elevated places for their auspices with an extensive prospect, especially the barren summits of mountains.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Peradventure the Lord will come to meet me. It might be concluded from <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Numbers 24:1</a> that Balaam went only to look for "auguries," i.e., for such natural signs in the flight of birds and the like as the heathen were wont to observe as manifestations of the favour or disfavour of God, the success or failure of enterprises. It seems clear that it was his practice to do so, either as having some faith himself in such uncertainties, or as stooping to usual heathen arts which he inwardly despised. But from the fact that God met him (we know not how), and that such supernatural communication was not unexpected, we may conclude that Balaam's words meant more for himself than the mere observance of auguries, whatever they may have meant for Balak. To an high place. Rather, "to a bald place" (שֶׁפִי - compare the meaning of "Calvary"), from which the immediate prospect was uninterrupted. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Stay הִתְיַצֵּב֮ (hiṯ·yaṣ·ṣêḇ) Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3320.htm">Strong's 3320: </a> To set or station oneself, take one's stand here by עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against your burnt offering עֹלָתֶךָ֒ (‘ō·lā·ṯe·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5930.htm">Strong's 5930: </a> Whole burnt offering while I am gone,” וְאֵֽלְכָ֗ה (wə·’ê·lə·ḵāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk Balaam בִּלְעָ֜ם (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> Balaam -- a prophet said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to Balak. לְבָלָ֗ק (lə·ḇā·lāq) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1111.htm">Strong's 1111: </a> Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king “Perhaps אוּלַ֞י (’ū·lay) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_194.htm">Strong's 194: </a> Perhaps the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel will meet with me. לִקְרָאתִ֔י (liq·rā·ṯî) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7125.htm">Strong's 7125: </a> Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way And whatever מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what He reveals to me, יַּרְאֵ֖נִי (yar·’ê·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see I will tell וְהִגַּ֣דְתִּי (wə·hig·gaḏ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous you.” לָ֑ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> So [Balaam] went off וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk to a barren height, שֶֽׁפִי׃ (še·p̄î) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8205.htm">Strong's 8205: </a> Bareness, a smooth or bare height <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:3 Balaam said to Balak Stand by your (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>