Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, "This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, Then Balaam delivered this oracleThe word "oracle" in Hebrew is "מַשָּׂא" (massa), which often denotes a burden or a message from God. In the context of the Old Testament, an oracle is a divine communication, often carrying significant weight and authority. Balaam, though a non-Israelite, is used by God to deliver His message, demonstrating that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes. This highlights the sovereignty of God and His ability to communicate His will through unexpected means. The oracle of Balaam son of Beor
Balaam, whose name means "devourer" or "destroyer," is a complex figure in the Bible. He is a prophet for hire, yet God uses him to bless Israel instead of cursing them as Balak, the Moabite king, desired. The mention of "son of Beor" provides a historical and genealogical context, grounding Balaam in a specific lineage. This emphasizes the historical reality of the narrative and the authenticity of the events described. the oracle of the man whose eyes are open
The phrase "whose eyes are open" suggests a spiritual awakening or enlightenment. In Hebrew, the word for "open" is "גָּלוּי" (galui), indicating revelation or insight. Balaam's eyes being open signifies that he has received divine insight, allowing him to see beyond the physical realm into the spiritual truths God is revealing. This phrase underscores the theme of divine revelation and the importance of spiritual perception in understanding God's will. It serves as a reminder that true insight comes from God, and those who seek Him with open hearts and minds will receive His guidance and wisdom. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who is hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Despite his intentions, Balaam ends up blessing Israel instead, as he is compelled by God to speak only what God commands. 2. BalakThe king of Moab who fears the Israelites due to their numbers and seeks to weaken them through a curse. He represents opposition to God's people and God's plans. 3. MoabThe region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea. It is significant as a place of opposition to Israel during their journey to the Promised Land. 4. IsraelitesThe people of God, journeying towards the Promised Land. They are the intended target of Balak's curse but are instead blessed by God through Balaam. 5. OracleThe message or prophecy given by Balaam, which is divinely inspired and reveals God's will and blessing for Israel. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over Human IntentionsDespite human plans and intentions, God's will prevails. Balaam's account illustrates that God can use anyone, even those with wrong motives, to fulfill His purposes. The Power of God's WordBalaam's oracle demonstrates the power and authority of God's word. When God speaks, His word accomplishes what He intends, regardless of human opposition. Blessing and ObedienceThe Israelites are blessed not because of their own actions but because of God's covenant with them. This reminds believers of the importance of living in obedience to God's promises and commands. Spiritual DiscernmentBalaam's account encourages believers to seek spiritual discernment, recognizing that not all who claim to speak for God are aligned with His will. True prophecy aligns with God's character and purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's experience in Numbers 24:15 demonstrate God's control over human intentions, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plans for our lives? 2. In what ways does the account of Balaam and Balak illustrate the principle found in Genesis 12:3 regarding blessings and curses? How can this principle be applied in our interactions with others? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's blessing in an unexpected way. How does Balaam's oracle encourage you to trust in God's provision and protection? 4. Considering Balaam's mixed motives, how can we ensure that our actions and words align with God's will? What steps can we take to cultivate spiritual discernment? 5. How does the transformation of Balaam's curse into a blessing in Deuteronomy 23:5 encourage you to view challenges and opposition in your own life? How can this perspective shape your prayers and responses to difficult situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:3God's promise to Abraham that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed. Balaam's blessing of Israel aligns with this promise. Deuteronomy 23:5This verse recounts how God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing, emphasizing God's protective power over Israel. 2 Peter 2:15Balaam is mentioned as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, highlighting the tension between his intentions and God's control over his words. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Affirmation, Balaam, Beor, Be'or, Clearly, Closed, Discourse, Eye, Open, Opened, Oracle, Parable, Saying, Says, Sees, Shut, Simile, Story, TakethDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:15-24 1421 oracles Library While Antony was Thus Speaking all Rejoiced; in Some the Love of virtue Increased...
44. While Antony was thus speaking all rejoiced; in some the love of virtue increased, in others carelessness was thrown aside, the self-conceit of others was stopped; and all were persuaded to despise the assaults of the Evil One, and marvelled at the grace given to Antony from the Lord for the discerning of spirits. So their cells were in the mountains, like filled with holy bands of men who sang psalms, loved reading, fasted, prayed, rejoiced in the hope of things to come, laboured in alms-giving, …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or AthanasiusThe Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch.
In the Messianic prophecies contained in Genesis we cannot fail to perceive a remarkable progress in clearness and definiteness. The first Messianic prediction, which was uttered immediately after the fall of Adam, is also the most indefinite. Opposed to the awful threatening there stands the consolatory promise, that the dominion of sin, and of the evil arising from sin, shall not last for ever, but that the seed of the woman shall, at some future time, overthrow their dreaded conqueror. With the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Elucidations.
I. (Princes and kings, [154]p. 13.) How memorable the histories, moreover, of Nebuchadnezzar [1609] and his decrees; of Darius [1610] and his also; but especially of Cyrus and his great monumental edict! [1611] The beautiful narratives of the Queen of Sheba and of the Persian consort of Queen Esther (probably Xerxes) are also manifestations of the ways of Providence in giving light to the heathen world through that "nation of priests" in Israel. But Lactantius, who uses the Sibyls so freely, should …
Lactantius—The divine institutes The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 24:15 NIVNumbers 24:15 NLTNumbers 24:15 ESVNumbers 24:15 NASBNumbers 24:15 KJV
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