And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.

NUMBERS 23:15KJV
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Numbers 23:15 (KJV)

What does Numbers 23:15 mean?

Numbers 23:15 shows Balaam telling Balak to stay by the altar with the burnt offering while Balaam goes off to meet with the LORD. Balaam is preparing to seek a message from God, and he instructs Balak to wait at the place of sacrifice.

In this scene, Balaam is a non-Israelite prophet hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead of acting on his own, Balaam insists on hearing from the LORD before speaking. The verse highlights the seriousness with which Balaam approaches the task, treating the encounter as a formal meeting with God, and it shows Balak’s role as a bystander, waiting for the outcome.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 23:15

  • Stand (נָצַב, natsav): This word often means to take a firm or deliberate position. Balaam is telling Balak to remain steady and attentive by the altar, not just to wait casually.
  • Offering (עֹלָה, olah): This refers specifically to a burnt offering, a sacrifice completely consumed by fire. The presence of the burnt offering underlines the seriousness and ritual nature of Balaam’s attempt to communicate with God.
  • Meet (קָרָא, qara): This word can mean to encounter or meet with someone, often in a formal or significant way. Balaam is not just wandering off; he is intentionally going to seek an audience with the LORD.

Why Numbers 23:15 matters

  • Numbers 23:15 clarifies that Balaam does not act independently but seeks direct guidance from the LORD, even when pressured by Balak.
  • The verse emphasizes the ritual setting—burnt offerings and waiting at the altar—showing the seriousness of the moment and the expectation of a divine message.
  • This moment is part of a larger story where God repeatedly prevents Balaam from cursing Israel, highlighting God’s control over the situation despite human plans.

Where else these words appear

“here” Hebrew H3541 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Numbers 6:23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
  • 1 Kings 22:20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.

“meet” Hebrew H7136 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 24:12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
  • Numbers 23:16 And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.
  • Nehemiah 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

“Balak” Hebrew H1111 · used in 40 verses

  • Numbers 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
  • Numbers 22:39 And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth.
  • Numbers 23:25 And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

“Stand” Hebrew H3320 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
  • Joshua 24:1 And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.