John Calvin Commentary Numbers 22:39

"And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kiriath-huzoth." — Numbers 22:39 (ASV)

And Balaam went with Balak. Moses goes on to relate how honorably and lavishly Balaam was received. First, he records that Balaam was taken to the city of Huzoth,¹⁵⁰ which some understand as a proper name, and others as a descriptive term. Whichever way you interpret it, it indicates the size of the city, which was divided into various streets.

Secondly, Moses tells us that many animals were slaughtered for the feast, and that guests were invited to feast with Balaam himself.¹⁵¹

The purpose of all this was to entice Balaam with flattery, so that he would be ashamed to refuse anything to such a generous king, who had treated him not just in a friendly, but in a lavish manner. It was as if Balaam stood in God's place, or as if God's grace itself were for sale.

Finally, Moses adds that Balaam was brought up to the high places of Baal, so that from this elevation he could more easily see the people's camp. However, Moses says that he only saw the edge of the camp, because the whole area was mountainous and the view was obstructed by the distance. Still, in my opinion, the holiness of the place was Balak's reason for choosing it.

Therefore, Balak brought Balaam to what was essentially a temple, in order to gain God's favor more effectively. From this, it is also clear that this impostor had no firm or solid beliefs regarding the worship of God. Instead, he indiscriminately worshipped idols among the pagans, either because he engaged in the same superstitions or because he had no problem complying with any customs or rituals to gain favor.

For there have always been¹⁵² compromisers in the world who, for the sake of flattery, have corrupted religion with various schemes and have mixed heaven with earth.

¹⁵⁰ A. V., “Kirjath-huzoth.” Margin “a city of streets.” “a city of streets.”

¹⁵¹ “Et que Balaam a este accompagne de gens honorables;” and that Balaam was accompanied by persons of honor.— Fr..

¹⁵² Lat., “medii homines.” “medii homines.” Fr., “des nageurs entre deux eaux; “swimmers between two waters.., “des nageurs entre deux eaux; “swimmers between two waters.