Numbers 23:7-9

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Numbers 23:7 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Balaam) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
2. Numbers 23:7 tn Heb “took up.”
3. Numbers 23:7 tn The passage calls for a past tense translation; since the verb form is a prefixed conjugation, this tense should be classified as a preterite without the vav (ו). Such forms do occur, especially in the ancient poetic passages.
4. Numbers 23:7 sn The opening lines seem to be a formula for the seer to identify himself and the occasion for the oracle. The tension is laid out early; Balaam knows that God has intended to bless Israel, but he has been paid to curse them.
5. Numbers 23:8 tn The figure is erotesis, a rhetorical question. He is actually saying he cannot curse them because God has not cursed them.
6. Numbers 23:8 tn The imperfect tense should here be classified as a potential imperfect.
7. Numbers 23:9 tn Heb “him,” but here it refers to the Israelites (Israel).
8. Numbers 23:9 sn Balaam reports his observation of the nation of Israel spread out below him in the valley. Based on that vision, and the Lord’s word, he announces the uniqueness of Israel—they are not just like one of the other nations. He was correct, of course; they were the only people linked with the living God by covenant.
9. Numbers 23:9 tn The verb could also be taken as a reflexive—Israel does not consider itself as among the nations, meaning, they consider themselves to be unique.