Chapter 23:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Leviticus Deuteronomy
Numbers 23
Balaam's first attempt to curse Israel, turned into a blessing,
ver. 1-10. His second attempt with like success, ver. 11-24. The
preparation for a third attempt, ver. 25-30.
Verse 1. Build seven altars - To the true God, otherwise he would not
have mentioned it to God, as an argument why he should grant his
requests, as he doth, ver. 4. And though Balak was averse from
God and his worship, yet he would be easily overruled by Balaam,
who doubtless told him that it was in vain to make an address to
any other than the God of Israel, who alone was able either to
bless or curse them as he pleased. Seven - This being the solemn
and usual number in sacrifices.
Verse 3. Stand by thy burnt-offering - As in God's presence, as one that
offers thyself as well as thy sacrifices to obtain his favour. I will
go - To some solitary and convenient place, where I may prevail
with God to appear to me. Sheweth me - Reveals to me, either by
word or sign. An high place - Or, into the plain, as that word
properly signifies.
Verse 7. His parable - That is, his oracular and prophetical speech;
which he calls a parable, because of the weightiness of the matter,
and the liveliness of the expressions which is usual in parables.
Jacob - The posterity of Jacob.
Verse 9. The rocks - Upon which I now stand. I see him - I see the
people, according to thy desire, ver. 41, but cannot improve that
sight to the end for which thou didst design it, to curse them. The
people shall dwell alone - This people are of a distinct kind from
others, God's peculiar people, separated from all other nations, as
in religion and laws, so also in divine protection; and therefore
enchantments cannot have that power against them which they
have against other persons and people.
Verse 10. The dust - The numberless people of Jacob or Israel, who
according to God's promise, are now become as the dust of the
earth. Of the righteous - Of this righteous and holy people. The
sense is, they are not only happy above other nations in this life,
and therefore in vain should I curse them, but they have this
peculiar privilege, that they are happy after death: their happiness
begins where the happiness of other people ends; and therefore I
heartily wish that my soul may have its portion with theirs when I
die. Was not God now again striving with him, not only for the
sake of Israel, but of his own soul?
Verse 12. Must I not - Ought I not? Is it not my duty? Canst thou blame
me for it?
Verse 13. Thou shalt not see them all - Perhaps he thought the sight of
all them might discourage him, or as it did before, raise his fancy
to an admiration of the multitude and felicity of the people.
Verse 15. While I meet the Lord - To consult him, and to receive an
answer from him.
Verse 18. Rise up - This word implies the diligent attention required;
rouse up thyself and carefully mind what I say.
Verse 19. That he should lie - Break his promises made to his people for
their preservation and benediction. Repent - Change his counsels
or purposes; unless he see iniquity in Jacob.
Verse 21. Iniquity - Not such as in the Canaanites: Such as he will
punish with a curse, with utter destruction. The Lord is with him -
He hath a favour for this people, and will defend and save them.
The shout of a king - That is, such joyful and triumphant shouts as
those wherewith a people congratulate the approach and presence
of their King: when he appears among them upon some solemn
occasion, or when he returns from battle with victory. This
expression implies God's being their King and ruler, and their
abundant security and confidence in him.
Verse 22. Out of Egypt - Namely, by a strong hand, and in spite of all
their enemies, and therefore it is in vain to seek or hope to
overcome them. He - Israel, whom God brought out of Egypt,
such change of numbers being very common in the Hebrew
language. The sense is, Israel is not now what he was in Egypt, a
poor, weak, dispirited, unarmed people, but high and strong and
invincible. An unicorn - The word may mean either a rhinoceros,
or a strong and fierce kind of wild goat. But such a creature as an
unicorn, as commonly painted, has no existence in nature.
Verse 23. Against Jacob - Nor against any that truly believe in Christ.
What hath God wrought - How wonderful and glorious are those
works which God is now about to do for Israel! These things will
be a matter of discourse and admiration to all ages.
Verse 24. As a great Lion - As a lion rouseth up himself to fight, or to go
out to the prey, so shall Israel stir up themselves to warlike
attempts against their enemies. He shall not lie down - Not rest or
cease from fighting and pursuing.
Verse 28. Peor - An high place called Beth-peor, Deut. iii, 29. That is,
the house or temple of Peor, because there they worshipped Baal-
peor.
Chapter 23:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Leviticus Deuteronomy
This version of Wesley's Notes on the Bible is a derivative of an electronic version, Copyright 1997, by Sulu D. Kelley. All rights reserved. Used by permission. It may not be modified or used commercially without permission of Wesleyan Heritage Publishing and Sulu Kelley. A special thanks to Mr. Kelley and Wesleyan Heritage Publishing for permission to create and post this version of Wesley's Notes on the Bible.
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