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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown · 1871
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Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown · 1871
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871). CCEL expanded electronic edition states it is in the public domain.
Numbers Chapter 22 1 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Numbers Chapter 22 2 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
2. Balak--that is, "empty." Terrified
(De 2:25; Ex 15:15)
at the approach of so vast a multitude and not daring to encounter them in the field, he resolved to secure their destruction by other means.
Numbers Chapter 22 4 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
4. elders of Midian--called kings
(Nu 31:8)
and princes
(Jos 13:21).
The Midianites, a distinct people on the southern frontier of Moab, united with them as confederates against Israel, their common enemy.
Numbers Chapter 22 5 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
5. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam--that is, "lord" or "devourer" of people, a famous soothsayer
(Jos 13:22).
son of Beor--or, in the Chaldee form, Bosor--that is, "destruction."
Pethor--a city of Mesopotamia, situated on the Euphrates.
Numbers Chapter 22 6 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
6. Come . . . curse me this people--Among the heathen an opinion prevailed that prayers for evil or curses would be heard by the unseen powers as well as prayers for good, when offered by a prophet or priest and accompanied by the use of certain rites. Many examples are found in the histories of the Greeks and Romans of whole armies being devoted to destruction, and they occur among the natives of India and other heathen countries still. In the Burmese war, magicians were employed to curse the British troops.
Numbers Chapter 22 7 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
7. the elders of Moab and . . . of Midian departed with the rewards of divination--like the fee of a fortune teller, and being a royal present, it would be something handsome.
Numbers Chapter 22 8 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
8-14. Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me, &c.--God usually revealed His will in visions and dreams; and Balaam's birth and residence in Mesopotamia, where the remains of patriarchal religion still lingered, account for his knowledge of the true God. His real character has long been a subject of discussion. Some, judging from his language, have thought him a saint; others, looking to his conduct, have described him as an irreligious charlatan; and a third class consider him a novice in the faith, who had a fear of God, but who had not acquired power over his passions [HENGSTENBERG].
Numbers Chapter 22 13 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
13-15. the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you--This answer has an appearance of being good, but it studiously concealed the reason of the divine prohibition
[Nu 22:12],
and it intimated his own willingness and desire to go--if permitted. Balak despatched a second mission, which held out flattering prospects, both to his avarice and his ambition
(Ge 31:30).
Nu 22:1-20.
BALAK'S FIRST MESSAGE FOR BALAAM REFUSED.
1. Israel . . . pitched in the plains of Moab--so called from having formerly belonged to that people, though wrested from them by Sihon. It was a dry, sunken, desert region on the east of the Jordan valley, opposite Jericho.