Bilangan 22:21

22:21 So Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

Bilangan 23:25

Balaam Relocates Yet Again

23:25 Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all ¹  nor bless them at all!” ² 

Bilangan 23:28

23:28 So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks toward the wilderness. ³ 

Bilangan 24:19

24:19 A ruler will be established from Jacob;

he will destroy the remains of the city.’” ⁴ 

Bilangan 24:22

24:22 Nevertheless the Kenite will be consumed. ⁵ 

How long will Asshur take you away captive?”

Bilangan 24:25

24:25 Balaam got up and departed and returned to his home, ⁶  and Balak also went his way.

[23:25]  ¹ tn The verb is preceded by the infinitive absolute: “you shall by no means curse” or “do not curse them at all.” He brought him to curse, and when he tried to curse there was a blessing. Balak can only say it would be better not to bother.

[23:25]  ² tn The same construction now works with “nor bless them at all.” The two together form a merism – “don’t say anything.” He does not want them blessed, so Balaam is not to do that, but the curse isn’t working either.

[23:28]  ³ tn Or perhaps as a place name, “Jeshimon” (cf. 21:20).

[24:19]  ⁴ tn Or, understanding the Hebrew word for “city” as a place name, “of Ir” (cf. NRSV, NLT).

[24:22]  ⁵ tc Heb “Nevertheless Cain will be wasted; how long will Asshur take you captive?” Cain was believed to be the ancestor of the Kenites. The NAB has “yet destined for burning, even as I watch, are your inhabitants.” Asshur may refer to a north Arabian group of people of Abrahamic stock (Gen 25:3), and not the Assyrian empire.

[24:25]  ⁶ tn Heb “place.”