King James Version

What Does Numbers 23:1 Mean?

“And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.”

Context

And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.

And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram.

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. to an: or, solitary

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXIII. (1) **Build me here seven altars.**—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. (*History of Balaam and his Prophecies, *p. 392.) The number *seven *was regarded as significant among the Greeks and Romans, as well as among the Israelites.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 23:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.