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Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.

Verse Takeaways

1

The Futility of Empty Ritual

Commentators note that King Balak, despite previous failures, repeats his expensive sacrifices. John Gill highlights that Balak "spared no cost," while Matthew Henry observes he did this "though they had no promise on which to build their hopes." This serves as a powerful example of futile religious effort, showing that costly rituals cannot manipulate God or override His declared will.

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Commentaries

2

John Gill

John Gill

On Numbers 23:30

17th Century

Pastor

And Balak did as Balaam had said Though the sacrifices were expensive, he did not grudge them; he spared no cost to gain …

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Numbers 23:11–30

17th Century

Minister

Balak was angry with Balaam. Thus a confession of God's overruling power is extorted from a wicked prophet, to the confusion of a wicked prince. A …