The Balaam Saga, Part II

23:1 Did any of yesterday's sacrifices mean anything? Or do anything? Balak would be a lot better off if he only does what Balaam instructs. He has so much pride, that is hardly likely.
2 I am somewhat surprised that God didn't object to Balak participating in these offerings.
3. "Perhaps"- is Balaam having doubts? Of course, God never told Balaam why he was to go to Balak, only that he should. So Balaam is probably afraid at this point to be presumptuous.
"Bare hill"- probably a hill without a shrine to an idol.
4. clearly the 7 altars were an instruction from God, as were the bull and ram.
5. "Then the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth"
"You shall speak thus"
--These phrases give us some insight into the nature of prophecy.
6. I find it somewhat amusing that all the top leaders of Moab are participating in sacrifice to God, who is directly opposed to their stated intent of destroying Israel.
8. He can't. If God hasn't allowed it, no curse will work.
9. "A people who dwells apart"- holiness?
"Will not be reckoned among the nations." Huh?
10. "Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his!"
11. Duh...yup. Balaam warned him, but Balak didn't believe him. This is the point where Balaam is relieved to have gotten the unwelcome message over with and terrified of the consequences.
12. Balaam tries desperately to straighten Balak out. Passing the buck, but in this case it is legitimate.
13. Balak doesn't get it. He either thinks that Balaam is overwhelmed by the size of the people and therefore afraid to curse them, or he thinks that God won't mind of they curse a smaller portion of the Israelite population.
14. God is getting a lot of worship out of this, which is probably one of the main points.
19. The Climax!
A. God does not lie
B. God does not repent
C. If He says it, He will do it.
20. "When He has blessed, I can not revoke it."

At this point, anyone with brains would leave well enough alone. Apparently Balak didn't have brains... More tomorrow.