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Book of Numbers - Chapter 23 - Verse 15

23:15
And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.

Meaning

When Balak asked Balaam to curse the Israelites, Balaam sought guidance from the Lord. In this verse, Balaam tells Balak to stand by his offering as he goes to meet the Lord. This signifies the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility, especially in times of seeking guidance or making important decisions. By instructing Balak to stand by his offering, Balaam is showing that sacrifices and offerings are a way to show respect and devotion to the Lord. Additionally, going to meet the Lord symbolizes seeking divine wisdom and direction in order to make the right choices. This verse highlights the significance of seeking God's presence and counsel in all aspects of life, especially when faced with important decisions or challenges.

Theological Overview

In the verse where God instructs Balak to stand by his burnt offering as He meets the LORD, there are theological implications to consider. The burnt offering was a significant part of ancient Hebrew worship, symbolizing submission and dedication to God. By asking Balak to stand by his offering, God emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged in the act of worship. This interaction also highlights the concept of meeting with the LORD, which signifies a personal encounter with God. The meeting with the LORD would involve communication, prayer, and seeking guidance from Him. In this context, the word "meet" conveys the idea of coming into the presence of God with reverence and humility. By standing by his burnt offering, Balak is positioned to have a direct encounter with the divine and to experience the transformative power of God's presence.

American Standard Version

And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt-offering, while I meet [Jehovah] yonder.
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