Numbers 24:15

15 He took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor says, The man whose eye was closed says;

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 can't go beyond the word of Yahweh, to do either good or bad of my own mind; what Yahweh speaks, that will I speak?

14 Now, behold, I go to my people: come, [and] I will advertise you what this people shall do to your people in the latter days.

15 He took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor says, The man whose eye was closed says;

16 He says, who hears the words of God, Knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:

17 I see him, but not now; I see him, but not near: There shall come forth a star out of Jacob, A scepter shall rise out of Israel, Shall strike through the corners of Moab, Break down all the sons of tumult.