Definition: And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 23:28. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about a man named Balaam. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: Numbers 23: This is from the book of Numbers in the Bible. It's a section focused on the Israelites and their encounters with the Canaanites (the people who lived in the land). Balak: This was a leader of the Canaanites. He was known for being a bit…unpredictable and possibly even a little unsettling. “brought Balaam unto the top of Peor”: This is the key part. Peor is a place – it’s described as a “top” and “high” location, suggesting it's a sacred or important spot. It’s often translated as "Jerash," which was a significant city in ancient Israel. Bringing Balaam to this location means he’s being sent to observe and possibly investigate something important happening there. “that looketh toward Jeshimon”: This is the most strange part. “Jeshimon” is a Hebrew word that means "Jerusalem." So, Balaam is being instructed to look towards Jerusalem. It’s as if he's being asked to observe something significant happening in the city of Jerusalem. What does it all mean? This verse paints a picture of a troubling situation: A Watchful Eye: The act of Balaam looking at Jerusalem suggests that there was something amiss. It’s like he’s being sent to see if someone is performing a ritual, making a mistake, or engaging in some kind of wrongdoing. Potential for Trouble: The verse implies that Balaam’s presence might lead to trouble for the Canaanites. It's not just about observing; it suggests there's an expectation of consequences coming from his observation. Important Context (Briefly): This is a very old story, and it’s often interpreted as a warning against idolatry (worshiping false gods). The Canaanites were practicing a ritual involving the statue of a young woman named Jeshimon, which was considered to be a connection to the god El. Balaam's task – to look at Jerusalem – could have been to check if this ritual was being followed correctly. In short, the verse describes Balaam being sent to investigate something important in Jerusalem, suggesting potential trouble for the Canaanites. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific focus (e.g., its historical context)? Give you a simpler analogy to understand it?