P144 Parasha 40 Balak B’Midbar (Numbers)
22:2-25:9
B’midbar (Numbers) 23
In this chapter we have Balak and Bil’am busy at work to do Israel a mischief,
and, for ought that appears, neither Moshe nor the elders of Israel know any
thing of the matter, nor are in a capacity to break the snare; but God, who
keeps Israel, and neither slumbers nor sleeps, baffles the attempt, without any
intercession or contrivance of theirs. Here is,
I. The first attempt to curse Israel.
1. The preparation made for it by sacrifice (Num_23:1-3).
2. The contrary instruction God gave Balaam (Num_23:4, Num_23:5).
3. The blessing Bil’am was compelled to pronounce upon Israel, instead of a
curse (Num_23:7-10).
4. The great disappointment of Balak (Num_23:11, Num_23:12).
II. The second attempt, in the same manner made, and in the same manner
frustrated (Num_23:13-26).
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23:9 The Lord confirming His setting apart
this people unto Himself.
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23:19 The Lord’s steadfast promise that is
never broken, reversed or given to another
III. Preparations made for a third attempt (Num_23:27-30), the issue of
which we have in the next chapter. |