And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.

NUMBERS 23:28KJV
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Numbers 23:28 (KJV)

What does Numbers 23:28 mean?

Numbers 23:28 describes how Balak, the king of Moab, led the prophet Balaam to the top of Peor, a mountain that overlooks the wilderness called Jeshimon. This move was part of Balak’s ongoing effort to have Balaam curse Israel from a different vantage point.

In this setting, Balak is trying various locations, hoping that a change in scenery will lead to a different outcome in Balaam’s attempts to curse Israel. The verse highlights the persistence of Balak and the significance of physical places in the unfolding story, as each new location is chosen with a specific hope or strategy in mind.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 23:28

  • פְּעוֹר (Peor, transliterated "Peor") refers to a specific mountain or high place in Moab. This location was often associated with local worship practices, which may add to the tension in the story as Balaam is brought there for his prophetic act.
  • יְשִׁימוֹן (Jeshimon, transliterated "Jeshimon") means "wasteland" or "desert." The verse points out that Peor overlooks this barren region, emphasizing the dramatic and exposed setting for what Balak hopes will be a powerful curse.

Why Numbers 23:28 matters

  • Numbers 23:28 clarifies that Balak is not giving up easily; he is determined to find a way to get Balaam to curse Israel, even if it means moving to multiple locations.
  • The mention of Peor and Jeshimon connects this event to other stories in the Bible where these places are significant, hinting at deeper themes of idolatry and spiritual conflict.
  • The verse sets up the next part of the narrative, showing that the physical setting is not just background but plays a role in the unfolding drama between Balak, Balaam, and God’s protection of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Peor” Hebrew H6465 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 25:18 For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
  • Joshua 22:17 Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD,

“Jeshimon” Hebrew H3452 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 21:20 And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.
  • 1 Samuel 26:1 And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?
  • Psalms 106:14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

“looketh” Hebrew H8259 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 18:16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
  • 1 Samuel 13:18 And another company turned the way to Bethhoron: and another company turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.
  • Psalms 53:2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

“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 23:18 And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor: