and he lifted up an oracle, saying: "This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, and he delivered this messageThis phrase introduces the prophetic utterance of Balaam. The Hebrew word for "delivered" is "nasa," which can mean to lift up or bear. In this context, it signifies the weight and importance of the message being conveyed. Balaam, though a non-Israelite, is chosen by God to deliver a divine message, highlighting God's sovereignty in using unexpected vessels for His purposes. The oracle of Balaam son of Beor
The term "oracle" is translated from the Hebrew word "mashal," which can mean a proverb, parable, or prophetic utterance. Balaam, identified as the "son of Beor," is a complex figure in the biblical narrative. Historically, Balaam is known as a diviner, and his mention here underscores the gravity of the message. Despite his pagan background, God uses Balaam to bless Israel, demonstrating that God's plans transcend human boundaries and expectations. the oracle of the man
Repetition of "oracle" emphasizes the significance of the message. The phrase "the man" refers to Balaam, highlighting his humanity and the extraordinary nature of his experience. In biblical terms, a "man" chosen to deliver God's message is often seen as a vessel of divine truth, regardless of personal flaws or background. whose eyes are open
This phrase is crucial, as it indicates a spiritual awakening or enlightenment. The Hebrew word "galah" means to uncover or reveal. Balaam's eyes being "open" suggests a divine revelation, where he perceives spiritual truths beyond ordinary sight. This is a pivotal moment where Balaam, despite his previous intentions, sees God's will clearly. It serves as a reminder that true vision comes from God, and spiritual insight is a gift that aligns us with His purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet known for his encounters with God and his oracles concerning Israel. Despite being hired by Balak to curse Israel, Balaam ends up blessing them. 2. BeorThe father of Balaam, mentioned to establish Balaam's identity and lineage. 3. MoabThe region where Balak, the king of Moab, sought Balaam's services to curse the Israelites as they camped on the plains of Moab. 4. BalakThe king of Moab who feared the Israelites and sought to use Balaam's prophetic abilities to curse them. 5. IsraelitesThe people of God, whom Balaam was initially hired to curse but ultimately blessed through his oracles. Teaching Points The Sovereignty of GodGod's plans cannot be thwarted by human intentions. Despite Balak's desire to curse Israel, God uses Balaam to bless them instead. The Danger of Divided LoyaltiesBalaam's account warns against the temptation to serve both God and personal gain. His divided loyalties ultimately lead to his downfall. Spiritual Insight and ObedienceHaving spiritual insight, like Balaam's open eyes, is not enough. True obedience to God is required to align with His will. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe account underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises to Israel, reminding believers of His faithfulness. The Power of Blessing and CurseWords have power, and as believers, we are called to speak blessings rather than curses, aligning our speech with God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's account illustrate the principle found in Genesis 12:3 regarding blessings and curses? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our spiritual gifts are used in alignment with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls of Balaam's divided loyalties? 3. How does the account of Balaam challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem to be against us? 4. What lessons can we learn from Balaam's experience about the importance of obedience over mere spiritual insight? 5. How can we apply the principle of speaking blessings rather than curses in our daily interactions with others, in light of Balaam's oracles? 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 account is a direct illustration of this promise. 2 Peter 2:15Balaam is mentioned in the New Testament as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, highlighting the tension between his prophetic gift and his moral failings. Revelation 2:14Balaam is referenced in the context of leading others into sin, showing the long-lasting impact of his actions beyond the immediate account. 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, Moved, Open, Opened, Oracle, Parable, Saying, Says, Sees, Shut, Simile, Spirit, TakethDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:2-3 1457 trance
3281 Holy Spirit, inspiration Numbers 24:2-4 1424 predictions Numbers 24:2-9 1421 oracles Numbers 24:3-4 5149 eyes 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 24:3 NIVNumbers 24:3 NLTNumbers 24:3 ESVNumbers 24:3 NASBNumbers 24:3 KJV
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