CINXE.COM

<!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 23:28 And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/04_Num_23_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:28 - Balaam's Second Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/23-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/23-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" 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="/ad8.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/23-27.htm" title="Numbers 23:27">◄</a> Numbers 23:28 <a href="/numbers/23-29.htm" title="Numbers 23:29">►</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 />And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, overlooking the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Mount Peor, overlooking the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that overlooks the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor which overlooks the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor which overlooks the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor which overlooks the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Balak brought Balaam to the top of [Mount] Peor, that overlooks the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak took Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh down upon the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So he took Balaam to Mount Peor overlooking the desert north of the Dead Sea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Balak took Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh down upon the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Mount Peor, which overlooks Jeshimon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So he took Balaam to the top of Mount Peor overlooking the desert. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Mount Peor, which overlooks the open wilderness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks toward the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks down on the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Balak brought Balaam to the top of Peor, that looketh towards Jeshimon.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks down on the desert. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak takes Balaam to the top of Peor, which is looking on the front of the wilderness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Balak taketh Balaam to the top of Peor, which is looking on the front of the wilderness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Balak will take Balaam to the head of Peor, projecting upon the face of the desert.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when he had brought him upon the top of mount Phogor, which looketh towards the wilderness, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when he had led him on to the top of mount Peor, which looks out toward the wilderness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So he took Balaam to the top of Peor, that overlooks Jeshimon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks toward Ashimon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Balaq took Balaam to the top of Peor that appears opposite Ashimon.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Balak took Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh down upon the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Balac took Balaam to the top of Phogor, which extends to the wilderness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/23-28.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=7469" 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 Second Oracle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.” <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: bā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">And Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">took</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/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">to the top</a> <a href="/hebrew/6465.htm" title="6465: hap·pə·‘ō·wr (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- From pa'ar; a gap; Peor, a mountain East of Jordan; also a deity worshipped there.">of Peor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8259.htm" title="8259: han·niš·qāp̄ (Art:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To overhang, look out or down. A primitive root; properly, to lean out, i.e. peep or gaze.">which overlooks</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3452.htm" title="3452: hay·šî·mōn (Art:: N-ms) -- Waste, wilderness. From yasham; a desolation.">the wasteland.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”…<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="/deuteronomy/34-1.htm">Deuteronomy 34:1-4</a></span><br />Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead as far as Dan, / all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, / the Negev, and the region from the Valley of Jericho (the City of Palms) all the way to Zoar. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/13-3.htm">Joshua 13:3</a></span><br />from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-29.htm">Ezekiel 20:29</a></span><br />So I asked them: ‘What is this high place to which you go?’ (And to this day it is called Bamah.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-13.htm">Isaiah 14:13-14</a></span><br />You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-10.htm">2 Kings 17:10</a></span><br />They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-7.htm">1 Kings 11:7</a></span><br />At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-31.htm">Jeremiah 7:31</a></span><br />They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/28-3.htm">2 Chronicles 28:3</a></span><br />Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-58.htm">Psalm 78:58</a></span><br />They enraged Him with their high places and provoked His jealousy with their idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-13.htm">Hosea 4:13</a></span><br />They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Matthew 4:8</a></span><br />Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-5.htm">Luke 4:5-6</a></span><br />Then the devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. / “I will give You authority over all these kingdoms and all their glory,” he said. “For it has been relinquished to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-10.htm">Revelation 21:10</a></span><br />And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-2.htm">Mark 9:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">Matthew 17:1</a></span><br />After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Balak brought Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks toward Jeshimon.</p><p class="hdg">Jerhimon</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/21-20.htm">Numbers 21:20</a></b></br> And from Bamoth <i>in</i> the valley, that <i>is</i> in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/21-23.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/numbers/21-20.htm">Jeshimon</a> <a href="/numbers/21-20.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Overlooking</a> <a href="/numbers/21-20.htm">Overlooks</a> <a href="/hosea/9-10.htm">Peor</a> <a href="/psalms/106-28.htm">Pe'or</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Surface</a> <a href="/numbers/23-14.htm">Top</a> <a href="/numbers/21-20.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/numbers/21-30.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/numbers/21-20.htm">Wasteland</a> <a href="/numbers/21-23.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/23-30.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">Jeshimon</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-2.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-18.htm">Overlooking</a> <a href="/joshua/18-16.htm">Overlooks</a> <a href="/numbers/25-3.htm">Peor</a> <a href="/numbers/25-3.htm">Pe'or</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-15.htm">Surface</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-27.htm">Top</a> <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/job/6-18.htm">Wasteland</a> <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Wilderness</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>And Balak took Balaam</b><br>Balak, the king of Moab, is a central figure in this narrative, seeking to use Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, to curse the Israelites. This reflects the historical tension between Moab and Israel. Balak's actions demonstrate the fear and desperation of Moab in the face of Israel's growing power. Balaam, though a prophet, is portrayed as a complex character who is swayed by material gain, highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty over human intentions.<p><b>to the top of Peor</b><br>Peor is a mountain or high place in Moab, often associated with pagan worship. High places were commonly used in ancient Near Eastern cultures for religious rituals, as they were believed to be closer to the gods. This setting underscores the spiritual conflict between the God of Israel and the pagan deities. The choice of Peor may also foreshadow the later incident of Israelite idolatry with Baal of Peor, as recorded in <a href="/numbers/25.htm">Numbers 25</a>, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against idolatry.<p><b>which overlooks the wasteland</b><br>The wasteland refers to the desert or wilderness area surrounding the region. This geographical detail highlights the isolation and desolation of the setting, which contrasts with the fertility of the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of Israel's journey through the wilderness and God's provision during that time. The imagery of the wasteland can also symbolize spiritual barrenness, contrasting with the blessings and life found in obedience to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites and seeks to curse them through Balaam.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet who is hired by Balak to curse the Israelites but is ultimately used by God to bless them instead.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/peor.htm">Peor</a></b><br>A mountain in Moab that overlooks the wasteland, significant as the location where Balak takes Balaam to view the Israelites and attempt to curse them.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, representing opposition to Israel during their journey to the Promised Land.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wasteland.htm">The Wasteland</a></b><br>The area visible from Peor, symbolizing the desolation and challenges faced by the Israelites in their wilderness journey.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_intentions.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Intentions</a></b><br>Despite Balak's intentions to curse Israel, God uses Balaam to bless them, demonstrating His control over human plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Peor later becomes a site of Israel's idolatry, reminding believers of the dangers of compromising with worldly influences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>Balaam's inability to curse Israel underscores the power and authority of God's word over human pronouncements.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>The account encourages believers to remain vigilant against spiritual attacks and to trust in God's protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perspective.htm">The Importance of Perspective</a></b><br>Just as Balaam's view from Peor was limited, our understanding is limited without God's revelation. We must seek His perspective in our lives.<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/what_is_the_doctrine_of_balaam.htm">What is the Doctrine of Balaam?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_israel_worshiped_baal-peor.htm">In Hosea 9:10, is there archeological proof that Israel worshiped Baal-peor as portrayed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_numbers_23_favorable_to_israel.htm">Numbers 23: Why does this chapter imply a favorable view of Israel among foreign nations while other Old Testament accounts describe hostility and conflict?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">Unto the top of Peor.--</span>Mount Peor was one peak of the northern part of the mountains of Abarim. It was nearer than the other heights to the camp of the Israelites. It looked toward, or over the face of <span class= "ital">Jeshimon, i.e., </span>the waste (or, desert). See <a href="/numbers/21-20.htm" title="And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks toward Jeshimon.">Numbers 21:20</a>.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Unto the top of Peer.</span> On the meaning of Peer see on chapter Numbers 25:3. This Peer was a summit of the Abarim ranges northwards from Pisgah, and nearer to the Israelites. The adjacent village, Beth-Peer, <span class="cmt_word">was</span> near the place of Moses' burial (<a href="/deuteronomy/34-6.htm">Deuteronomy 34:6</a>). From the phrase used in <a href="/deuteronomy/3-29.htm">Deuteronomy 3:29</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-46.htm">Deuteronomy 4:46</a>, with which the testimony of Eusebius agrees, it must have lain almost opposite Jericho on the heights behind the Arboth Moab. From Peer, therefore, the whole encampment, in all its length and breadth, would lie beneath their gaze. Jeshi-men. See on Numbers 21:20. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-28.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">And Balak</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָ֖ק</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">took</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקַּ֥ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balaam</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָ֑ם</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">to the top</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֣אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Peor,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַפְּע֔וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(hap·pə·‘ō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6465.htm">Strong's 6465: </a> </span><span class="str2">Peor -- a mountain in Moab, also a god worshiped there</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which overlooks</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנִּשְׁקָ֖ף</span> <span class="translit">(han·niš·qāp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8259.htm">Strong's 8259: </a> </span><span class="str2">To overhang, look out or down</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wasteland.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיְשִׁימֹֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(hay·šî·mōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3452.htm">Strong's 3452: </a> </span><span class="str2">Waste, wilderness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/23-28.htm">Numbers 23:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/23-28.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:28 Balak took Balaam to the top (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:29" /></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>