Num 23:1 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 23:1-30: 23:1-30 As a diviner, Balaam performed rituals to interpret omens and ascertain Israel’s future (cp. 23:23 ; 24:1 ). Balak had summoned him to pronounce imprecations, but God repeatedly prohibited him from doing so. • It is possible that these sacrifices were connected with the practice of extispicy —the examination of animal livers or other organs for an omen concerning the future. According to ancient Near Eastern texts, this form of fortune-telling was a widely practiced and highly developed art. Such practices were banned from Israel (see Deut 18:9-14 ; cp. Ezek 21:21 ). 23:1 The number seven was a sacred symbol (also 23:4 , 14 , 29 ; cp. Job 42:8 ; see thematic note for Symbolic Numbers at end of chapter).

a23:1-30►

b23:23►

c24:1►

dDeut 18:9-14►

eEzek 21:21►

f23:1►

g23:4►

h14►

i29►

jJob 42:8►

‏ Numbers 23:1

Summary for Num 23:1-30: 23:1-30 ^a As a diviner, Balaam performed rituals to interpret omens and ascertain Israel’s future (cp. 23:23 ^b; 24:1 ^c). Balak had summoned him to pronounce imprecations, but God repeatedly prohibited him from doing so.

• It is possible that these sacrifices were connected with the practice of extispicy—the examination of animal livers or other organs for an omen concerning the future. According to ancient Near Eastern texts, this form of fortune-telling was a widely practiced and highly developed art. Such practices were banned from Israel (see Deut 18:9-14 ^d; cp. Ezek 21:21 ^e). 23:1 ^f The number seven was a sacred symbol (also 23:4 ^g, 14 ^h, 29 ⁱ; cp. Job 42:8 ^j; see thematic note for Symbolic Numbers at end of chapter).