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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 23:1 Then Balaam said to Balak, "Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/04_Num_23_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:1 - Balaam's First Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Balaam said to Balak, Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/22-41.htm" title="Numbers 22:41">◄</a> Numbers 23:1 <a href="/numbers/23-2.htm" title="Numbers 23:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Balaam said, &#8220Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to King Balak, “Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven young bulls and seven rams for me to sacrifice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me here.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, &#8220Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me here.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me here.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me here.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams here.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build me seven altars here and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, &#8220Build me seven altars here and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Balaam said to Balak, "Build seven altars here, then bring seven bulls and seven rams." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Balaam said to Balak, "Build seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He said to Balak, "Build seven altars here for me, and bring me seven bulls and seven rams." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Balaam told Balak, "Build for me here seven altars and prepare here for me seven bulls and seven rams."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to Balak, "Build me seven altars here, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to Balak, "Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bulls and seven rams."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Balaam said to Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to Balak, “Build here seven altars for me, and prepare here seven bulls and seven rams for me.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balaam says to Balak, “Build seven altars for me in this [place], and prepare seven bullocks and seven rams for me in this [place].”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Balaam saith unto Balak, 'Build for me in this place seven altars, and make ready for me in this place seven bullocks and seven rams.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Balaam will say to Balak, Build to me here seven altars, and prepare to me here seven bullocks and seven rams.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam said to Balac: Build me here seven altars, and prepare as many calves, and the same number of rams. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars here for me, and prepare as many calves, and the same number of rams.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build me seven altars here, and here prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />AND Balaam said to Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Balaam said to Balaq: “Build for me here seven altars and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto Balak: 'Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Balaam said to Balac, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven calves, and seven rams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/23-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7223" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Balaam's First Oracle</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><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.">Then 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/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: bā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">Balak,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: bə·nêh- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">“Build</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for me</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: šiḇ·‘āh (Number-ms) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: miz·bə·ḥōṯ (N-mp) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">altars</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: ḇā·zeh (Prep-b:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">here,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: wə·hā·ḵên (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">and prepare</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for me</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: bā·zeh (Prep-b:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: šiḇ·‘āh (Number-ms) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/6499.htm" title="6499: p̄ā·rîm (N-mp) -- Young bull, steer. Or par; from parar; a bullock.">bulls</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: wə·šiḇ·‘āh (Conj-w:: Number-ms) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">and seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/352.htm" title="352: ’ê·lîm (N-mp) -- From the same as 'uwl; properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief; also a ram; a pilaster; an oak or other strong tree.">rams.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/22-13.htm">Genesis 22:13</a></span><br />Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/29-36.htm">Exodus 29:36-37</a></span><br />Sacrifice a bull as a sin offering each day for atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. / For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/1-3.htm">Leviticus 1:3-5</a></span><br />If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD. / He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. / And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and splatter it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-23.htm">1 Kings 18:23-24</a></span><br />Get two bulls for us. Let the prophets of Baal choose one bull for themselves, cut it into pieces, and place it on the wood but not light the fire. And I will prepare the other bull and place it on the wood but not light the fire. / Then you may call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people answered, “What you say is good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/7-9.htm">1 Samuel 7:9</a></span><br />Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on behalf of Israel, and the LORD answered him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/7-1.htm">2 Chronicles 7:1</a></span><br />When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-19.htm">Psalm 51:19</a></span><br />Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11</a></span><br />“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-20.htm">Jeremiah 6:20</a></span><br />What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-40.htm">Ezekiel 20:40</a></span><br />For on My holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, there the whole house of Israel, all of them, will serve Me in the land. There I will accept them and will require your offerings and choice gifts, along with all your holy sacrifices.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a></span><br />For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-6.htm">Micah 6:6-8</a></span><br />With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a></span><br />So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Matthew 9:13</a></span><br />But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-33.htm">Mark 12:33</a></span><br />and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Balaam said to Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.</p><p class="hdg">build me</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-29.htm">Numbers 23:29</a></b></br> And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a></b></br> And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee <i>as</i> my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, <i>but</i> their heart goeth after their covetousness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a></b></br> Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.</p><p class="hdg">seven altars</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Exodus 20:24</a></b></br> An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/27-1.htm">Exodus 27:1</a></b></br> And thou shalt make an altar <i>of</i> shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof <i>shall be</i> three cubits.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a></b></br> And Samuel said, Hath the LORD <i>as great</i> delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey <i>is</i> better than sacrifice, <i>and</i> to hearken than the fat of rams.</p><p class="hdg">seven oxen</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/29-32.htm">Numbers 29:32</a></b></br> And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, <i>and</i> fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/15-26.htm">1 Chronicles 15:26</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/29-21.htm">2 Chronicles 29:21</a></b></br> And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer <i>them</i> on the altar of the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/3-31.htm">Altars</a> <a href="/numbers/22-41.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/exodus/27-1.htm">Build</a> <a href="/numbers/8-12.htm">Bullocks</a> <a href="/numbers/8-12.htm">Bulls</a> <a href="/numbers/18-10.htm">Male</a> <a href="/numbers/22-40.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/numbers/15-12.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-24.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/numbers/7-88.htm">Rams</a> <a href="/numbers/22-21.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/numbers/19-16.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/numbers/22-40.htm">Sheep</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/23-4.htm">Altars</a> <a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-29.htm">Build</a> <a href="/numbers/23-29.htm">Bullocks</a> <a href="/numbers/23-29.htm">Bulls</a> <a href="/numbers/23-2.htm">Male</a> <a href="/numbers/23-29.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/numbers/23-29.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/numbers/23-29.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/numbers/23-29.htm">Rams</a> <a href="/numbers/23-4.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/numbers/23-4.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/numbers/23-2.htm">Sheep</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Balak's sacrifices</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Then Balaam said to Balak</b><br>Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is speaking to Balak, the king of Moab. This interaction occurs during Israel's wilderness journey to the Promised Land. Balak, fearing the Israelites, seeks Balaam's help to curse them. This highlights the tension between Israel and surrounding nations. Balaam's role as a prophet for hire contrasts with the true prophets of Israel, who serve God alone.<p><b>“Build for me seven altars here</b><br>The request for seven altars is significant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection. Building multiple altars suggests an attempt to ensure the effectiveness of the ritual. This act reflects the pagan practices of the time, where multiple sacrifices were believed to gain favor from deities.<p><b>and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”</b><br>Bulls and rams were common sacrificial animals in ancient rituals, symbolizing strength and leadership. The use of seven of each animal further emphasizes the attempt to secure divine favor through abundant offerings. This mirrors the sacrificial system in Leviticus, where specific animals are prescribed for offerings, yet contrasts with the singular altar and sacrifice system ordained by God for Israel. The act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and surpasses all Old Testament sacrifices.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is called upon by Balak to curse the Israelites. Balaam is a complex figure, known for his interactions with God despite his pagan background.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who fears the Israelites due to their numbers and seeks to weaken them by having Balaam curse them.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/seven_altars.htm">Seven Altars</a></b><br>The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars, which may indicate an attempt to fully appease or seek favor from God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/seven_bulls_and_seven_rams.htm">Seven Bulls and Seven Rams</a></b><br>These animals were commonly used in sacrificial offerings. The use of seven of each further emphasizes the attempt to make a complete or perfect offering.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea. Moabites were often in conflict with the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_worship.htm">The Nature of True Worship</a></b><br>True worship is not about the quantity or grandeur of offerings but the heart's posture towards God. Balaam's altars and sacrifices, though numerous, were not aligned with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_plans.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans</a></b><br>Despite Balak's intentions and Balaam's actions, God's purposes for Israel were not thwarted. This reminds us that God's plans prevail over human schemes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_spiritual_matters.htm">Discernment in Spiritual Matters</a></b><br>Balaam's account encourages believers to seek discernment. Not all who claim spiritual insight are aligned with God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request shows the danger of compromising one's integrity for personal gain or pressure.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_numbers_in_scripture.htm">Symbolism of Numbers in Scripture</a></b><br>The repeated use of the number seven in this passage invites reflection on its biblical significance, often associated with divine completeness and perfection.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_balaam's_seven_altars.htm">Numbers 23:1–2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam’s elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_doctrine_of_balaam.htm">What is the Doctrine of Balaam?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_male_in_numbers_23_19.htm">Is God a man according to Numbers 23:19?</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>XXIII.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">Build me here seven altars.</span>--The patriarchs of old, as their pious descendants after the giving of the Law, never erected more than one altar in one place. A plurality of altars was the badge of idolatry. Hengsten-berg adduces several instances in proof that the ancients were accustomed to have recourse to sacrifice and conjuration in order to avert calamity and produce prosperity. (<span class= "ital">History of Balaam and his Prophecies, </span>p. 392.) The number <span class= "ital">seven </span>was regarded as significant among the Greeks and Romans, as well as among the Israelites.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Chapter 23:1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Build me here seven altars.</span> According to the common opinion of the heathen, it was necessary to propitiate with sacrifices the God with whom they had to do, and if possible to secure his favourable consideration on their side. The number seven was especially connected with the revelation of the tree God, the Creator of the world, and was probably observed here for this reason. The sacrifices were offered no doubt to Jehovah. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Balaam</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(bil·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balaam -- a prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balak,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָ֔ק</span> <span class="translit">(bā·lāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1111.htm">Strong's 1111: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Build</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵה־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">seven</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁבְעָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(šiḇ·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">altars</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזְבְּחֹ֑ת</span> <span class="translit">(miz·bə·ḥōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> </span><span class="str2">An altar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">here,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָזֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and prepare</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָכֵ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·ḵên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for me</span><br /><span class="heb">לִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">seven</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁבְעָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(šiḇ·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bulls</span><br /><span class="heb">פָרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6499.htm">Strong's 6499: </a> </span><span class="str2">Young bull, steer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and seven</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šiḇ·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rams.”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵילִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_352.htm">Strong's 352: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong tree</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/23-1.htm">Numbers 23:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:1 Balaam said to Balak Build me here (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-41.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:41"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:41" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:2" /></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>