Numbers 24:15

15 Then Balaam gave this message: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of a man who sees clearly;

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 'Balak could give me his palace filled with silver and gold, but I still cannot go against the Lord's commands. I could not do anything, good or bad, on my own, but I must say what the Lord says.'

14 Now I am going back to my own people, but I will tell you what these people will do to your people in the future."

15 Then Balaam gave this message: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of a man who sees clearly;

16 this is the message of a man who hears the words of God. I know well the Most High God. I see a vision from the Almighty, and my eyes are open as I fall before him.

17 I see someone who will come some day, someone who will come, but not soon. A star will come from Jacob; a ruler will rise from Israel. and smash the skulls of the sons of Sheth.