And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams.
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Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
And Balaam said unto Balak,.... When upon one of the high places of Baal, and after having taken a view of the people of Israel as they lay encamped:
build me here seven altars; this was purely…
Barnes' Notes
Balaam, after the general custom of the pagan, prefaced his divinations by sacrifice. In the number of the altars regard was probably had to the number of the then known planets. Yet Balaam evidently…
Here is, I. Great preparation made for the cursing of Israel. That which was aimed at was to engage the God of Israel to forsake them, and either to be on Moab's side or to stand neuter. O the…
Balaam demanded a seven-fold sacrifice, in order to propitiate God, that He might be willing to give His prophet a message. Balak complied with the request, hoping that the message might be a curse.
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