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Balaam said to Balak, Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure Yahweh will come to meet me; and whatever he shows me I will tell you. He went to a bare height.
Verse Takeaways
1
Imitation vs. Authenticity
Commentators like Calvin suggest that Balaam's actions—telling Balak to wait by the sacrifice while he sought solitude—were a hollow imitation of true prophets. He used the external forms of piety, appearing like a man of God, but lacked a sincere heart. This serves as a powerful reminder that religious rituals without genuine faith are merely 'vain ostentation' before God.
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5
18th Century
Presbyterian
Balaam apparently expected to observe some phenomenon in the sky or in nature, which he would be able, according to the rules of his art, to interp…
19th Century
Anglican
To a high place. —Rather, to a bare or barren height; pagan augurs were accustomed to choose elevated places for their au…
16th Century
Protestant
And Balaam said to Balak. In this respect, also, he imitates the true servants of God, for he seeks retirement, because God has almost alw…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And Balaam said to Balak , stand by your burnt offering By which it appears that the sacrifices offered were of this…
With the camps of Israel in full view, Balaam ordered seven altars to be built, and a bullock and a ram to be offered on each. Oh, the foolishness …