Numbers 24 3

Numbers 24:3 kjv

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

Numbers 24:3 nkjv

Then he took up his oracle and said: "The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, The utterance of the man whose eyes are opened,

Numbers 24:3 niv

and he spoke his message: "The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly,

Numbers 24:3 esv

and he took up his discourse and said, "The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened,

Numbers 24:3 nlt

and this is the message he delivered: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor,
the message of the man whose eyes see clearly,

Numbers 24 verses

Numbers 24 3 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial preface to Balaam’s third prophetic oracle concerning Israel. It emphasizes the authoritative source and divine nature of his pronouncements, highlighting that these are not mere human words or sorcerer’s chants, but revelations from God. Balaam is portrayed not just as a prophet hired for a task, but as a divinely chosen mouthpiece, a "man whose eyes are open" to spiritual realities, compelled to speak God's blessings upon Israel despite his original intention to curse them. His statement indicates a clear, inspired communication, elevating the ensuing message to a prophetic word.

Numbers 24 3 Context

Numbers chapter 24 details the third and fourth major prophetic utterances of Balaam. Having been summoned by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the advancing Israelites, Balaam finds himself unable to speak anything but blessings because the Spirit of God compels him. After two previous failed attempts to curse Israel, Balak moves Balaam to a new location, presumably hoping for a different outcome. However, Balaam, recognizing God's absolute control, no longer seeks enchantments but sets his face toward the wilderness, where Israel is encamped. This specific verse (Numbers 24:3) immediately follows Balaam seeing Israel abiding in their tents, tribes by tribes, and feeling the Spirit of God upon him. It establishes the immediate prelude to his divinely inspired third oracle, underscoring that the words that follow are not his own, but God’s. Historically, this account showcases Yahweh’s supreme sovereignty over all other gods and pagan prophets, effectively nullifying any perceived power of foreign sorcery against His chosen people, thus directly opposing the contemporary beliefs in polytheistic deities and magical curses.

Numbers 24 3 Word analysis

• And he took up his parable:

  • "took up" (Heb. nasa'): This verb signifies to lift, carry, or raise, often used in the context of lifting one's voice, uttering, or beginning a solemn discourse. It denotes the formal commencement of a weighty, inspired speech. It's not a casual speaking but a profound declaration.
  • "his parable" (Heb. mashal): More than a simple story, a mashal in this context refers to a weighty, profound, or enigmatic utterance. It can be a proverb, a dark saying, an allegory, or, as here, a prophetic oracle. It implies a wisdom or revelation that originates from a divine source and carries significant spiritual depth and authority. It signifies a poetic and structured form, distinguishing it from ordinary speech.

• Balaam the son of Beor hath said:

  • "Balaam the son of Beor": Identifies the speaker explicitly, recalling his unique role as a non-Israelite diviner used by God. His identity establishes both his former profession and his present compulsion by the Most High, emphasizing that even a pagan seer is under Yahweh's dominion.
  • "hath said" (Heb. ne'um): This is a critical term, often translated as "utterance" or "declaration," typically used to introduce a divine oracle, particularly in prophetic books (e.g., "The oracle of the LORD"). Its presence here indicates that Balaam’s forthcoming words are not his own opinion or even magical divination, but a direct, authoritative pronouncement originating from God. It carries the weight of a sacred utterance.

• and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

  • "the man whose eyes are open" (Heb. shetum ha): This phrase has been debated among scholars.
    • Some interpretations, aligned with the KJV "open," suggest that Balaam's spiritual or visionary eyes were divinely unveiled or enlightened, enabling him to perceive things normally hidden, particularly future events or divine truths. This aligns with the idea of a prophet receiving visions.
    • Another ancient interpretation (like by Rashi) translates shetum as "closed" or "shuttered," implying his physical eyes were closed to worldly things, but his spiritual vision was intensely active and focused on God’s revelation.
    • Regardless, the phrase universally points to a unique, supernatural insight and reception of revelation, far beyond natural human ability. It underscores that Balaam is not speaking from his own intellect or will, but as one who "sees" directly by divine illumination.
  • "hath said" (ne'um): The repetition of this solemn term emphasizes again the divine authority and nature of the words Balaam is about to speak. It highlights that the words come from a prophet divinely illuminated and speak God's authoritative decree.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And he took up his parable": This phrase immediately sets the tone for a profound and inspired discourse. Balaam is not casually speaking but embarking on a formal, poetic, and Spirit-inspired pronouncement that carries significant weight and divine truth. It foreshadows the solemnity and divine origin of the message.
• "Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said": This construction uses a literary device called parallelism, repeating the core message of divine inspiration. The first clause identifies the human speaker, Balaam, establishing who is articulating the words. The second clause clarifies the source of the words – Balaam, but as one supernaturally enlightened. The repeated ne'um ("hath said") firmly cements the understanding that what follows is an authoritative utterance of God, delivered through His divinely enabled instrument. It underscores the prophet's unique status as a channel for divine truth.

Numbers 24 3 Bonus section

The double reference to ne'um (hath said) in the verse, "Balaam... hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said," serves as a literary device to underscore the divine origin and authority of the ensuing oracle. This repetition elevates the utterance beyond mere human pronouncements, attributing it definitively to God through His chosen vessel. The choice of Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner who initially intended to curse Israel, being transformed into a vessel of blessing, showcases God's remarkable ability to use unlikely instruments and demonstrates His preeminent power over all other deities or spiritual forces invoked by other nations. This narrative acts as a powerful polemic against any belief that a pagan god or a sorcerer could effectively curse the people whom the One True God had blessed. The divine compulsion Balaam experiences underlines that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human will or satanic design, reinforcing the immutability of God's covenant with Israel.

Numbers 24 3 Commentary

Numbers 24:3 acts as a powerful statement of divine sovereignty and prophetic authenticity. By declaring "Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said," Balaam is confirming that the message he is about to deliver is compelled by God, not by Balak’s bribes or his own desires. The "parable" (mashal) indicates a profound, often veiled, prophetic message. The key emphasis is on his divinely "opened eyes" (or divinely enlightened state), meaning he is a recipient of clear, direct revelation from the Almighty. This demonstrates that even those outside Israel, or those with mixed motives like Balaam, can be used as conduits for God's purposes when He so wills. This highlights God’s unwavering covenant with Israel and His ultimate control over all circumstances, turning attempted curses into blessings.Practical example: Even in unexpected people or places, God can reveal His truth and purposes. We should look for God's hand and voice, even where we least expect it, knowing He is sovereign over all creation and individuals.