the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: The oracle of one who hears the words of GodThis phrase introduces the speaker as a true prophet, one who is attuned to divine communication. The Hebrew word for "oracle" is "מַשָּׂא" (massa), which can also mean a burden or a message. This suggests that the words spoken are not merely human insights but carry the weight and authority of divine revelation. In the context of Numbers, Balaam, despite his initial intentions, becomes a vessel for God's message, illustrating that true prophecy is not self-generated but received from God. This highlights the importance of being receptive to God's voice, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, where the faithful are encouraged to listen and obey God's word. who has knowledge from the Most High
The phrase "knowledge from the Most High" underscores the source of true wisdom and understanding. The term "Most High" is translated from the Hebrew "עֶלְיוֹן" (Elyon), a title for God that emphasizes His supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. This title is used throughout the Old Testament to denote God's exalted status above all other gods and powers. The knowledge referred to here is not mere intellectual understanding but a deep, spiritual insight granted by God Himself. It is a reminder that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and that any genuine understanding of the divine must be revealed by God. who sees a vision from the Almighty
The word "vision" in Hebrew is "חָזוֹן" (chazon), which implies a divine revelation or insight that is often visual in nature. The term "Almighty" is translated from "שַׁדַּי" (Shaddai), another name for God that conveys His power and might. This phrase indicates that the speaker has been granted a supernatural glimpse into God's plans and purposes. In the biblical narrative, visions are often used by God to communicate His will to His prophets, providing guidance, warning, or encouragement. This highlights the role of the prophet as one who is given special insight into the divine realm, tasked with conveying God's message to His people. who falls prostrate
The act of falling prostrate is a physical expression of reverence, submission, and worship. In Hebrew, the word "נָפַל" (naphal) means to fall or to be cast down. This posture is often associated with encountering the divine presence, as seen in various biblical accounts where individuals fall to the ground in awe and humility before God (e.g., Ezekiel 1:28, Revelation 1:17). It signifies the prophet's acknowledgment of God's holiness and authority, as well as his own unworthiness. This act of worship is a powerful reminder of the appropriate response to God's revelation—humility and reverence. with eyes wide open
The phrase "eyes wide open" suggests a state of heightened awareness and clarity. In Hebrew, the word "גָּלוּי" (galui) means uncovered or revealed. This implies that the prophet's spiritual eyes have been opened to perceive the truth of God's message. It contrasts with spiritual blindness, a condition often attributed to those who reject or are ignorant of God's revelation. The open eyes of the prophet symbolize a readiness to receive and understand God's will, emphasizing the importance of spiritual perception in discerning divine truth. This serves as an encouragement for believers to seek spiritual insight and understanding through prayer and study of the Scriptures. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who is known for his interactions with Balak, the king of Moab. Balaam is a complex figure who hears from God and delivers prophecies, including the one in Numbers 24:16. 2. BalakThe king of Moab who sought Balaam's help to curse the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land. His fear of Israel's strength led him to seek supernatural intervention. 3. MoabA region east of the Dead Sea, whose king, Balak, was threatened by the presence of the Israelites. Moab plays a significant role in the account as the setting for Balaam's prophecies. 4. IsraelitesThe people of God, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. They are the subject of Balaam's prophecies, which ultimately bless rather than curse them. 5. The Almighty (El Shaddai)A name for God emphasizing His power and sovereignty. Balaam's vision and prophecy are attributed to the Almighty, highlighting divine authority. Teaching Points Hearing God's WordsBalaam's ability to hear God's words reminds us of the importance of being attentive to God's voice in our lives. We should seek to cultivate a heart that listens to God through prayer and Scripture. Knowledge from the Most HighTrue wisdom and knowledge come from God. We should prioritize seeking divine wisdom over worldly knowledge, aligning our understanding with God's truth. Vision from the AlmightySpiritual vision requires humility and openness to God's revelation. We should pray for spiritual insight to see God's plans and purposes clearly. Submission to GodBalaam's posture of bowing down with eyes wide open symbolizes submission to God's authority. We are called to submit our lives to God, trusting in His sovereignty and guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's experience of hearing God's words challenge us to listen more attentively to God's voice in our daily lives? 2. In what ways can we seek knowledge from the Most High in our decision-making processes? 3. How can we cultivate spiritual vision to discern God's will and direction for our lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate submission to God's authority in our personal and professional lives? 5. How does Balaam's account connect with other biblical figures who were used by God despite their initial intentions, and what can we learn from these connections? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 14:18-20Melchizedek, like Balaam, is a non-Israelite who acknowledges the Most High God, showing that God's revelation is not limited to Israel alone. Deuteronomy 18:18-22This passage discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of speaking God's words faithfully, which relates to Balaam's role as a prophet who ultimately speaks God's truth. 2 Peter 2:15-16Peter references Balaam as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, providing a New Testament perspective on Balaam's character and actions. 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, Almighty, Ear, Fallen, Falleth, Falling, Falls, Heareth, Hearing, Hears, Knoweth, Open, Opened, Oracle, Prostrate, Ruler, Saying, Sayings, Says, Sees, Trance, Uncovered, Vision, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:16 5841 ecstasy 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 24:16 NIVNumbers 24:16 NLTNumbers 24:16 ESVNumbers 24:16 NASBNumbers 24:16 KJV
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