Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Numbers 23

In this chapter we have Balak and Balaam busy at work to do Israel a mischief, and, for ought that appears, neither Moses 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, Numbers 23:1-23:3. 2. The contrary instruction God gave Balaam, Numbers 23:4, 23:5. 3. The blessing Balaam was compelled to pronounce upon Israel, instead of a curse, Numbers 23:7-23:10. 4. The great disappointment of Balak, Numbers 23:11, 23:12. II. The second attempt, in the same manner made, and in the same manner frustrated, Numbers 23:13-23:26. III. Preparations made for a third attempt (Numbers 23:27-23:30), the issue of which we have in the next chapter. MHBCC 141.1