Bible Commentaries
Numbers 22

Verse 5

Balaam

Balaam is the typical hireling prophet, seeking only to make a market of his gift. This is "the way of Balaam" 2 Peter 2:15 and characterizes false teachers. The "error" of Balaam" Jude 1:11 was that he could see only the natural morality--a holy God, he reasoned, must curse such a people as Israel. Like all false teachers he was ignorant of the higher morality of vicarious atonement, by which God could be just and yet the justifier of believing sinners Romans 3:26. The "doctrine of Balaam" Revelation 2:14 refers to his teaching Balak to corrupt the people whom he could not curse ; Numbers 31:16; Numbers 25:1-3; James 4:4. Spiritually, Balaamism in teaching never rises above natural reasonings; in practice, it is easy world- conformity. Scofield "Revelation 2:14".

Verse 12

not go

Cf. Numbers 22:12. (See Scofield "Numbers 22:12- :") .

Verse 22

anger

(Cf) (See Scofield " :-") . In Numbers 22:12 the directive will of Jehovah is made known to Balaam, in Numbers 22:20 Jehovah's permissive will. The prophet is now free to go, but knows the true mind of the Lord about it. The matter is wholly one between Jehovah and His servant. The permission of Numbers 22:20 really constitutes a testing of Balaam. He chose the path of self-will and self- advantage, and Jehovah could not but gravely disapprove. The whole scene, Numbers 22:22-35 prepared Balaam for what was to follow.

angel

(See Scofield "Numbers 22:22-4.22.35- :")

Verse 34

angel

(See Scofield " :-")

Verse 41

utmost

"Utmost part," etc., means the end of the encampment, the "fourth part of Israel" Numbers 23:10. Balak's thought, as Grant (following Keil) points out, was not at all to permit Balaam to see the whole of the Hebrew host. In bringing Balaam to Pisgah Numbers 22:13; Numbers 22:14. Balak corrects what, evidently, he thought a blunder. Numbers 23:13; Numbers 23:14. But when the hireling sees the whole camp he must utter a grander word than before, "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob," and that with the nation in full view! What an illustration of the truth of Romans 4:5-8.