Topical Encyclopedia The account of the altars built by Balaam is found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites as they encamp on the plains of Moab. Despite his reputation for divination, Balaam is ultimately used by God to bless Israel instead of cursing them.Context and Purpose The narrative begins with Balak's fear of the Israelites, who had recently defeated the Amorites. Balak sends messengers to Balaam, offering him rewards to curse the Israelites. Balaam initially seeks God's guidance and is told not to go with the messengers and not to curse the Israelites, for they are blessed (Numbers 22:12). However, after further entreaties and divine permission, Balaam sets out to meet Balak. Construction of the Altars Upon Balaam's arrival, Balak takes him to the high places of Baal, where they can see a portion of the Israelite camp. Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for sacrifice (Numbers 23:1-2). This act of building altars and offering sacrifices is repeated three times, each at different locations: the high places of Baal, the field of Zophim on the top of Pisgah, and the top of Peor overlooking the wasteland (Numbers 23:14, 29). Significance of the Altars The altars built by Balaam are significant for several reasons: 1. Divine Sovereignty: Despite the pagan context and Balaam's initial intent, the altars become a stage for God's sovereignty. Each time Balaam attempts to curse Israel, God intervenes, turning the intended curses into blessings. This underscores the theme that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes. 2. Symbolism of Seven: The number seven, often associated with completeness and divine perfection in the Bible, is notable in the construction of the altars and the offerings. This may symbolize the completeness of God's blessing over Israel, which cannot be undone by external forces. 3. Contrast with Pagan Practices: The altars highlight the contrast between the pagan practices of divination and the true worship of Yahweh. While Balaam uses the altars in an attempt to manipulate divine will, God uses the situation to reveal His unchanging promise to bless Israel. 4. Balaam's Role: Balaam's role as a prophet is paradoxical. Though he is not an Israelite and is initially motivated by personal gain, he becomes an instrument through which God communicates His blessing. This demonstrates that God can use even those outside the covenant community to fulfill His purposes. Biblical Texts The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account of the altars: · Numbers 23:1-2: "Then Balaam said to Balak, 'Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.' So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and the two of them offered a bull and a ram on each altar." · Numbers 23:14: "So Balak took Balaam to the field of Zophim on the top of Pisgah, where he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar." · Numbers 23:29-30: "And Balaam said to Balak, 'Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.' Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on each altar." Theological Implications The narrative of Balaam's altars serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite human attempts to subvert His will, God's blessing upon Israel remains steadfast. The account also illustrates the futility of opposing God's plans and the ultimate triumph of His purposes over human intentions. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 23:1,14,29And Balaam said to Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams. Nave's Topical Index Library The Witness of Balaam to Israel Book 4 Footnotes Chapter xxii Concerning those who Come in the Name of Christ the Terrible Signs ... The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. The Nations of the South-East The Routing of Giant Doubt Manner of Covenanting. A Discourse The New Covenant. Resources What does the Bible say about altar calls? Are altar calls biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |
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