often drooping courage. The author is indebted to these pursuits for many hours of the highest enjoyment, and he feels compelled to express his profound gratitude for having been permitted to accomplish even this modest enterprise. If strength be granted to him, he is anxious, in continuation of the same important enquiry, still further to elucidate the mutual relation, according to the Scriptures and the Jewish writings, between the Hebrew and the Heathen, by commenting on the Book of Jonah, of which he proposes to treat in a Second Part of these Bible Studies. The author would fain hope that the main portions of the work may be found of some interest not only to theologians and Biblical students, but to a wider circle of readers, since the possibility of a general diffusion of critical or historical results is the only decisive test of their value. In the Translation and the Commentary he has adhered to the same principles which guided him in his previous volumes, and for the convenience of Hebrew scholars he has here also inserted the original Text. Although he has neglected no available source of information, and has endeavoured to utilise, for the illustration of his subject, both the most ancient traditions and the most recent discoveries and researches, he is well aware how much his effort stands in need of indulgence; but he believes that he will not appeal in vain to the forbearance of those who realise the impediments and difficulties under which he has laboured. M. KALISCH. London, August, 1877. 185 191 8. Balaam's First Speech. xxiii. 7-10 9. Remonstrances and New Preparations. 10. Balaam's Second Speech. xxiii. 18-24 . 11. Again Remonstrances and Preparations. xxiii. 25-xxiv. 2 211 12. Balaam's Third Speech. xxiv. 3-9 I. THE PROPHET AND HIS PROPHECIES. 1. SUMMARY. THE contents of that portion of the Book of Numbers which we propose to examine, may be thus briefly summarised. On their way from Egypt into Canaan, in the fortieth year of their wanderings, the Hebrews had advanced to the plains of Moab, on the east of the Jordan." Alarmed by the proximity of such large hosts, which had just discomfited powerful opponents in the same districts, Balak, the king of Moab, after deliberating with the chiefs of Midian, resolved to summon, from Pethor on the Euphrates, the far-famed Balaam, the son of Beor, and to request him to pronounce upon the Israelites a curse, by virtue of which he hoped to vanquish them in the expected conflict." When the elders of Moab and Midian, who were selected as envoys, had arrived at Pethor and delivered their errand, Balaam bid them stay, till he had ascertained the will of God; and when he learnt, through a vision, that God disapproved of the journey and the curse, since the Israelites were a blessed nation, he declined to accompany the messengers. On hearing their reply, Balak sent a second and still more weighty embassy, promising Balaam the highest distinctions and rewards, if he yielded to his wishes. But Balaam declared to the nobles, that no treasures or honours, с however splendid, could induce him to act against the command of God, whom, therefore, he would again consult. This time he received permission to proceed to Moab, on condition, however, that he should strictly adhere to God's suggestions; after which he entered upon the journey together with the ambassadors.a Yet when he had set out, God was greatly displeased, and sent His angel with a drawn sword to oppose him. The prophet's ass, but not the prophet himself, beheld the Divine apparition. The terrified animal first retreated from the road into the field; next pressed, in anguish and perplexity, against a vineyard wall in a narrow path; and at last, unable to withdraw either to the right or the left, fell down on the ground, all this time angrily beaten by the vexed rider. Then the Lord opened the mouth of the ass,' who complained to Balaam of his harshness, and reminded him that she had never before behaved so strangely. Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam,' and the angel, now perceived by the seer, rebuked him for his cruel treatment of the faithful beast, and declared that he had come to resist the journey, since he deemed it pernicious. Balaam, mortified and penitent, readily offered to return, but the angel commanded him to go with the ambassadors, yet scrupulously to abstain from saying anything but what the Lord should prompt." On the frontier of Moab, Balaam was met by Balak, to whom he announced at once that he could speak nothing of his own mind, but was bound to obey the voice of God alone. Hospitable entertainments followed; preparations were made for the prophecies; and then, standing on an elevation, from where a part of the Hebrew people could be surveyed, Balaam, in the pre a xxii, 14-21, b Vers, 22-35, c Vers, 36-38, |