23:27 Balak said to Balaam, “Come, please; I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God 2 to let you curse them for me from there.” 3
1 sn The first sacrifice was for the purification of the Levites. The second animal, which Moses was to take, would be used for the purification of the tabernacle from all pollution.
2 tn Heb “be pleasing in the eyes of God.”
3 sn Balak is stubborn, as indeed Balaam is persistent. But Balak still thinks that if another location were used it just might work. Balaam had actually told Balak in the prophecy that other attempts would fail. But Balak refuses to give up so easily. So he insists they perform the ritual and try again. This time, however, Balaam will change his approach, and this will result in a dramatic outpouring of power on him.