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Balaam’s Seven Oracles
22:41 to 24:24

What are the oracles of God? There are several places in the Bible that mention the oracles of God, which refer to the words of God. These verses form a close unit based on the oracles of Balaam. Characteristically of the elegant Semitic style, these oracles come in a set of seven. The first four oracles are lengthier, and the last three brief; nonetheless, each oracle has its own independent nature within the overall body and is introduced in the same manner (23:7a, 23:18a, 24:3a, 24:15a, 24:20b, 24:21b, 24:23a). Considering the role that the number seven plays in the narrative of this section (see the sevens in 23:1, 14 and 29), and in the Bible in General (see the commentary on Revelation, to see link click Ag – The Importance of the Number Seven in the book of Revelation), this feature can hardly be accidental. The oracles show a sense of progression and development. The structure shows a repetitive nature, but the repetition is not static, as the text displays a development, a growing intensity – indeed, a crescendo.489

  1. Balaam’s First Oracle – 22:41 to 23:12 (Dt)

  2. Balaam’s Second Oracle – 23:13-26 (Du)

  3. Balaam’s Third Oracle – 23:27 to 24:14 (Dv)

  4. Balaam’s Fourth Oracle – 24:15-19 (Dw)

  5. Balaam’s Fifth Oracle – 24:20 (Dx)

  6. Balaam’s Sixth Oracle – 24:21-22 (Dy)

  7. Balaam’s Seventh Oracle – 24:23-25 (Dz)