Numbers 24:15

15 Then he spoke his oracle-message: Decree of Balaam son of Beor, decree of the man with 20/20 vision,

Numbers 24:15 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 24:15

And he took up his parable, and said
In this and the following verse; the same preface, in the same words, is made to his prophecy as before, (See Gill on Numbers 24:3) (See Gill on Numbers 24:4); only one clause is added, "and knew the knowledge of the Most High"; that Balaam had some knowledge of God is certain from the names by which he calls him, being such that he made himself known by to the patriarchs, and by which he is frequently called in the sacred writings; but then this knowledge of his was merely notional and speculative, and not spiritual and supernatural, and was such as men may have who are destitute of the grace of God: he was one that professed to know him in words, but in works denied him, see ( 1 Corinthians 13:2 ) ( Titus 1:16 ) and he also was admitted to much nearness to God, and converse with him, of which he boasted; but then this was not for his own sake, or as a mark of friendship to him, but for the sake of the people of Israel, and to prevent his doing them mischief. His prophecy follows.

Numbers 24:15 In-Context

13 'Even if Balak gave me his palace stuffed with silver and gold, I couldn't do anything on my own, whether good or bad, that went against God's command'?

14 I'm leaving for home and my people, but I warn you of what this people will do to your people in the days to come."

15 Then he spoke his oracle-message: Decree of Balaam son of Beor, decree of the man with 20/20 vision,

16 Decree of the man who hears godly speech, who knows what's going on with the High God, Who sees what The Strong God reveals, who bows in worship and sees what's real.

17 I see him, but not right now, I perceive him, but not right here; A star rises from Jacob a scepter from Israel, Crushing the heads of Moab, the skulls of all the noisy windbags;