The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

As at other times, or, "as (he had done) time after time." Septuagint, κατὰ τὸ εἰωθός. To seek for enchantments. Rather, "for the meeting with aunties." לִקְמראת נְחַשִׁים. Septuagint, to συνάντησιν τοῖς οἰωνοῖς.

Nachashim; as in Numbers 23:23, is not enchantments in the sense of magical practices, but definitely auguries, i.e. omens and signs in the natural world observed and interpreted according to an artificial system as manifesting the purposes of God.

As one of the commonest and worst of heathen practices, it was forbidden to Israel (Le 19:26; Deuteronomy 18:10) and held up to reprobation, as in 2 Kings 17:17; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6. Toward the wilderness.

הַמִּדְבָּר. Not "Jeshimon," but apparently the Arboth Moab in which Israel was encamped, and which were for the most part desert as compared with the country around.

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Numbers 24:1-9Now Balaam spake not his own sense, but the language of the Spirit that came upon him. Many have their eyes open who have not their hearts open; are enlightened, but not sanctified. That knowledge which puffs men up wit…Matthew Henry commentaryBalaam Blesses Israel a Third Time. (b. c. 1452.)BALAAM BLESSES ISRAEL A THIRD TIME. (B. C. 1452.) The blessing itself which Balaam here pronounces upon Israel is much the same with the two we had in the foregoing chapter; but the introduction to it is different. I. T…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:1-9BALAAM-THE THIRD PARABLE This passage marks the period at which Balaam becomes finally convinced that it is vain for him to attempt to satisfy Balak, or to carry out the baser promptings of his own heart. He confesses h…Joseph S. Exell and contributors