Numbers 22:27

22:27 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she crouched down under Balaam. Then Balaam was angry, and he beat his donkey with a staff.

Numbers 23:2

23:2 So Balak did just as Balaam had said. Balak and Balaam then offered on each ¹  altar a bull and a ram.

Numbers 22:9

22:9 And God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?”

Numbers 22:39

22:39 So Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.

Numbers 23:25

Balaam Relocates Yet Again

23:25 Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all ²  nor bless them at all!” ³ 

Numbers 23:28

23:28 So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks toward the wilderness. ⁴ 

Numbers 24:12

24:12 Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not also tell your messengers whom you sent to me,

Numbers 24:25

24:25 Balaam got up and departed and returned to his home, ⁵  and Balak also went his way.

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¹ tn The Hebrew text has “on the altar,” but since there were seven of each animal and seven altars, the implication is that this means on each altar.

² tn The verb is preceded by the infinitive absolute: “you shall by no means curse” or “do not curse them at all.” He brought him to curse, and when he tried to curse there was a blessing. Balak can only say it would be better not to bother.

³ tn The same construction now works with “nor bless them at all.” The two together form a merism – “don’t say anything.” He does not want them blessed, so Balaam is not to do that, but the curse isn’t working either.

⁴ tn Or perhaps as a place name, “Jeshimon” (cf. 21:20).

⁵ tn Heb “place.”