Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep
In the ancient Near Eastern context, sacrifices were a common practice among various cultures, including the Israelites and their neighbors. Sacrifices were often made to seek favor from deities, to atone for sins, or to celebrate significant events. Balak, the king of Moab, is engaging in a ritual that would have been familiar to both his people and the Israelites. The use of cattle and sheep is significant, as these animals were considered valuable and were often used in sacrificial offerings. This act indicates Balak's earnestness in seeking divine intervention against Israel. The practice of animal sacrifice is also seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Leviticus, where God provides specific instructions for offerings.

and he gave portions to Balaam
In ancient sacrificial rituals, it was customary to distribute portions of the sacrifice to those involved in the ceremony. By giving portions to Balaam, Balak is not only honoring him but also attempting to secure his services as a prophet. Balaam, though not an Israelite, is recognized as a prophet with the power to bless or curse, which Balak hopes to use against the Israelites. This act of giving portions can be seen as a form of payment or inducement, reflecting the cultural practices of the time where prophets or seers were often compensated for their services. This mirrors the biblical principle that "the worker deserves his wages" (Luke 10:7).

and the princes who were with him
The mention of princes indicates that Balak was not acting alone but had the support of Moabite leaders. These princes likely represented the political and military leadership of Moab, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat perceived from the Israelites. Their presence underscores the collective effort to influence Balaam's prophecy. This gathering of leaders can be compared to other instances in the Bible where leaders come together to make significant decisions, such as the council of elders in Israel. The involvement of these princes also highlights the political nature of the situation, as the Moabites sought to protect their land and people from the advancing Israelites.

1. Balak
The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites and seeks to curse them through Balaam.

2. Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless or curse, hired by Balak to curse Israel.

3. Princes of Moab
The officials or leaders accompanying Balak, representing Moab's interests.

4. Sacrifices
The act of offering cattle and sheep, which in this context is a gesture of hospitality and an attempt to gain favor.

5. Moab
The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, and historically an adversary of Israel.The Futility of Opposing God's Will
Balak's sacrifices, though significant, could not alter God's plan for Israel. This teaches us that human efforts cannot thwart divine purposes.

The Misuse of Religious Rituals
Balak's use of sacrifices as a means to manipulate outcomes serves as a warning against using religious practices for selfish or manipulative purposes.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
Despite Balak's intentions, God protected Israel. This reassures believers of God's sovereign protection over His people.

Hospitality and Influence
Balak's hospitality towards Balaam and the princes reflects the cultural importance of hospitality, but also warns of the potential for influence and manipulation.

The Role of Intentions in Worship
The sacrifices offered by Balak were not out of genuine worship but for personal gain, reminding us that God values the heart's intentions over mere rituals.(40) And Balak offered . . . --Better, and Balak slew (or, slaughtered in sacrifice), &c. The word rendered offered does not necessarily denote anything more than to slay. It is very commonly used, however, to denote slaying in sacrifice; and it is most probable that Balak made a sacrificial feast, and sent portions of the flesh to Balaam and the princes who were with him. Kings not unfrequently acted as priests of old, as, e.g., Melchizedek. (Comp. Rex Anius, rex idem hominum Phoebique sacerdos, Aen. 3:80.)

Verse 40. - Balak offered oxen and sheep. Probably these sacrifices were offered not to Chemosh, but to the Lord, in whose name Balaam always spoke. Indeed the known fact that Beldam was a prophet of the Lord was no doubt one of Balak's chief reasons for wishing to obtain his services. Balak shared the common opinion of antiquity, that the various national deities were enabled by circumstances past human understanding to do sometimes more, sometimes less, for their special votaries. He perceived that the God of Israel was likely, as things stood, to carry all before him; but he thought that he might by judicious management be won over, at least to some extent, to desert the cause of Israel and to favour that of Moab. To this end he "retained" at great cost the services of Balaam, the prophet of the Lord, and to this end he was willing to offer any number of sacrifices. Even the resolute and self-reliant Romans believed in the wisdom of such a policy. Thus Pliny quotes ancient authors as affirming "in oppugnationibus ante omnia solitum a Romanis sacrdotibus evocari Deum, cujus in tutela id oppidum esset, promittique illi eundem aut ampliorem apud Romanos cultum," and he adds, "durat in Pontificum disciplina id sacrum, constatque ideo occultatum, in cujus Dei tutela Roma esset, ne qui hostium simili modo agerent." And sent, i.e., portions of the sacrificial meats.

CHAPTER 22:41; 23, 24

Parallel Commentaries ...

Balak
בָּלָ֖ק (bā·lāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1111: Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king

sacrificed
וַיִּזְבַּ֥ח (way·yiz·baḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2076: To slaughter for sacrifice

cattle
בָּקָ֣ר (bā·qār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd

and sheep,
וָצֹ֑אן (wā·ṣōn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

and he gave [portions]
וַיְשַׁלַּ֣ח (way·šal·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

to Balaam
לְבִלְעָ֔ם (lə·ḇil·‘ām)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet

and the princes
וְלַשָּׂרִ֖ים (wə·laś·śā·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

who
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

were with him.
אִתּֽוֹ׃ (’it·tōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among


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OT Law: Numbers 22:40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep and sent (Nu Num.)