Numbers 24:15

15 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 24:15 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 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith , that will I speak ?

14 And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.

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

16 He hath said , which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open :

17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth .