Verse 1

utmost

"Utmost part," etc., means the end of the encampment, the "fourth part of Israel" Numbers 23:10. Balak's thought, as Grant (following Keil) points out, was not at all to permit Balaam to see the whole of the Hebrew host. In bringing Balaam to Pisgah Numbers 22:13; Numbers 22:14. Balak corrects what, evidently, he thought a blunder. Numbers 23:13; Numbers 23:14. But when the hireling sees the whole camp he must utter a grander word than before, "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob," and that with the nation in full view! What an illustration of the truth of Romans 4:5-8.

Verse 7

and said

In the prophecies of Balaam God testifies on behalf of His people rather than (as usual) to them. It is the divine testimony to their standing as a redeemed people in view of the serpent "lifted up," and of the water from the smitten rock. Numbers 21:5-9; Numbers 20:11. Their state was morally bad, but this was a matter concerning the discipline of God, not His judgment. The interpretation of the prophecies is literal as to Israel, typical as to Christians. Through Christ "lifted up" John 3:14 our standing is eternally secure and perfect, though our state may require the Father's discipline; 1 Corinthians 11:30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:4-9; 2 Corinthians 1:10-13 meantime, against all enemies, God is "for us." Romans 8:31.

Verse 19

repent

Scofield "Zechariah 8:14".

Verse 22

unicorn

i.e. the aurochs, or wild ox.