Discovery BoxNumbers 22:11 
Context22:11 “Look, a nation has come out 1 of Egypt, and it covers the face of the earth. Come now and put a curse on them for me; perhaps I will be able to defeat them 2 and drive them out.” 3
Numbers 23:3
Context23:3 Balaam said to Balak, “Station yourself 4 by your burnt offering, and I will go off; perhaps the Lord will come to meet me, and whatever he reveals to me 5 I will tell you.” 6 Then he went to a deserted height. 7
1 tn In this passage the text differs slightly; here it is “the nation that comes out,” using the article on the noun, and the active participle in the attributive adjective usage.
2 tn Here the infinitive construct is used to express the object or complement of the verb “to be able” (it answers the question of what he will be able to do).
3 tn The verb is the Piel perfect with vav (ו) consecutive. It either carries the force of an imperfect tense, or it may be subordinated to the preceding verbs.
4 tn The verb הִתְיַצֵּב (hityatsev) means “to take a stand, station oneself.” It is more intentional than simply standing by something. He was to position himself by the sacrifice as Balaam withdrew to seek the oracle.
5 tn Heb “and the word of what he shows me.” The noun is in construct, and so the clause that follows functions as a noun clause in the genitive. The point is that the word will consist of divine revelation.
6 tn The verb is the perfect tense with vav (ו) consecutive. This clause is dependent on the clause that precedes it.
7 sn He went up to a bald spot, to a barren height. The statement underscores the general belief that such tops were the closest things to the gods. On such heights people built their shrines and temples.
