Numbers 24:1-6

1 By now Balaam knew that the Lord wanted him to bless the people of Israel, so he did not go to look for omens, as he had done before. He turned toward the desert

2 and saw the people of Israel camped tribe by tribe. The spirit of God took control of him,

3 and he uttered this prophecy: "The message of Balaam son of Beor, The words of the man who can see clearly,

4 Who can hear what God is saying. With staring eyes I see in a trance A vision from Almighty God.

5 The tents of Israel are beautiful,

6 Like long rows of palms Or gardens beside a river, Like aloes planted by the Lord Or cedars beside the water.

Numbers 24:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 24

In this chapter we are told, that Balaam leaving his enchantments, the Spirit of God came on him, and he spake of the happiness of Israel, and prophesied of their future greatness and glory, Nu 24:1-9 which so exasperated Balak, that he ordered him at once to depart from him, Nu 24:10,11. Balaam justified himself in what he said and did, and suggested that before they parted, he had something to say in a prophetic manner, concerning what Israel should do to Moab in "future" times, Nu 24:12-14 and then prophesies concerning the Messiah, and the destruction of Moab, and of some neighbouring nations, and even of some at a greater distance, as the Assyrians and Romans, Nu 24:15-25.

Footnotes

• [a]. who can see clearly; [or] whose eyes are closed.