Numbers 24:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took up {H5375} his parable {H4912}, and said {H559}, Balaam {H1109} the son {H1121} of Beor {H1160} hath said {H5002}, and the man {H1397} whose eyes {H5869} are open {H8365} hath said {H5002}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So he made his pronouncement: "This is the speech of Bil'am, son of B'or; the speech of the man whose eyes have been opened;

Berean Standard Bible

Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,

American Standard Version

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor saith, And the man whose eye was closed saith;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:15 introduces Balaam's profound fourth oracle, marking a pivotal moment in his encounters with Balak. Despite being hired to curse Israel, Balaam consistently delivers divine blessings, demonstrating God's sovereign control over prophecy and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This verse serves as a solemn preamble, with Balaam reasserting his unique, divinely granted insight, setting the stage for the climactic messianic prophecy of a "Star out of Jacob" that will emerge from Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 24:15 is situated within the extended narrative of Balaam, found in [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "Numbers 22-24 - The Balaam Narrative"), which details King Balak of Moab's repeated attempts to hire the Mesopotamian diviner Balaam to curse the Israelites as they approach the plains of Moab. Each of Balaam's previous oracles ([Numbers 23:7-10](/numbers/23-7-10 "Numbers 23:7-10 - Balaam's First Oracle"); [Numbers 23:18-24](/numbers/23-18-24 "Numbers 23:18-24 - Balaam's Second Oracle"); [Numbers 24:3-9](/numbers/24-3-9 "Numbers 24:3-9 - Balaam's Third Oracle")) has, contrary to Balak's desires, resulted in blessings for Israel. This verse precedes Balaam's final and most significant oracle, which includes the renowned prophecy of the "Star out of Jacob" and the "Scepter out of Israel" ([Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star Out of Jacob")). It functions as a solemn, almost ritualistic, introduction to a divinely compelled utterance, emphasizing the source and authority behind the words that follow, which ultimately point to Israel's glorious future and the coming Messiah. The narrative underscores God's absolute control over even those who oppose Him, turning curses into blessings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold as Israel is encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land, following their forty years of wilderness wandering. Moab, along with Midian, felt threatened by the large Israelite population. In the ancient Near East, the practice of divination and the hiring of seers or prophets to influence outcomes, particularly in warfare, was common. Balaam, though not an Israelite, was recognized as a powerful diviner, indicating that God could communicate through various means, even outside the direct covenant line. The geographical setting, near the Jordan River, highlights Israel's proximity to their destiny and the final challenges they faced. The cultural belief in the efficacy of curses and blessings, and the power of divine pronouncements, provides the backdrop against which God demonstrates His unique sovereignty, rendering human attempts to manipulate spiritual forces futile when they oppose His will.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the Balaam narrative and the book of [Numbers](/numbers/1 "Numbers - The Book of Numbers"). Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; God's will cannot be thwarted by human or demonic machinations, as seen in His ability to turn Balaam's intended curses into blessings ([Numbers 23:8](/numbers/23-8 "Numbers 23:8 - God Turns Curses into Blessings")). Secondly, the theme of **God's Unchanging Promises to Israel** is central; despite Israel's frequent rebellion and unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")). Balaam's oracles, particularly the one introduced here, serve to confirm Israel's divine election and future glory. Thirdly, the **Nature of True Prophecy** is illuminated; Balaam, despite his personal failings and mercenary motives, is compelled by God to speak His truth, demonstrating that the authority of the message derives from the divine Sender, not the human messenger. This contrasts with false prophecy, which originates from human desire or demonic influence, rather than God's sovereign revelation ([Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True from False Prophets")). The emphasis on Balaam's "open eyes" also hints at the theme of **Divine Revelation**, where God grants specific individuals insight into His hidden purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Parable (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** (H4912) From the root meaning to rule or be superior, this word refers to a pithy maxim, often metaphorical. In this prophetic context, it signifies a solemn, weighty utterance, a divinely inspired oracle or prophetic discourse, often poetic in form, conveying profound spiritual truth or a divine decree. It implies an authoritative declaration, distinguishing it from ordinary speech and emphasizing its profound, divinely-sourced nature.
* **Said (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** (H5002) This term, often translated as "oracle" or "utterance," is specifically used for divine pronouncements. Its repetition in this verse ("Balaam...hath said, and the man...hath said") underscores the authoritative and declarative nature of Balaam's words, indicating that they are not merely his own thoughts but a message directly from God, carrying divine weight and certainty.
* **Open (Hebrew, _shâtham'_):** (H8365) This primitive root means "to unveil" or "to be open." In the phrase "whose eyes are open," it signifies a state of profound spiritual perception or unveiled vision. It suggests that Balaam possesses a unique ability to see or perceive divine realities, contrasting with his prior spiritual blindness that was only overcome when his donkey supernaturally saw the angel of the Lord before he did ([Numbers 22:31](/numbers/22-31 "Numbers 22:31 - Balaam's Eyes Opened")). This "openness" of eyes is a divinely granted insight, enabling him to receive and convey God's messages.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took up his parable, and said,"**: This opening clause signifies the solemn and deliberate initiation of a prophetic utterance. Balaam is not speaking casually but is entering into a divinely inspired state, preparing to deliver a weighty oracle. The phrase "took up" (נָשָׂא, _nasa'_) suggests lifting or raising, indicating the elevation and importance of the words that follow, distinguishing them from ordinary speech and marking them as a profound, authoritative declaration.
* **"Balaam the son of Beor hath said,"**: This clause serves as a self-identification and an assertion of the speaker's identity. By stating his name and lineage, Balaam establishes his authority and reputation as the recognized diviner. This repetition, along with the following clause, emphasizes that the words are indeed coming from him, yet paradoxically, they are not his own but divinely compelled. It grounds the supernatural message in a known human vessel, while simultaneously highlighting the divine origin of the message.
* **"and the man whose eyes are open hath said:"**: This is a powerful and self-aggrandizing claim to unique prophetic insight. It reinforces Balaam's credentials, suggesting a direct, unhindered vision into the divine realm. This phrase sets the stage for the profound and detailed prophecies that follow, particularly the vision of the future "Star out of Jacob," implying that these are not mere human predictions but revelations seen with "open eyes" of spiritual perception. The repetition of "hath said" (נְאֻם, _ne'um_) further underscores the authoritative, declarative nature of his pronouncements, often used for divine oracles.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 24:15 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its profound message. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "hath said" (נְאֻם, _ne'um_) repeated twice ("Balaam...hath said, and the man...hath said"). This repetition creates a sense of solemnity and emphasizes the authoritative, declarative nature of the pronouncement, signaling that what follows is a significant, divinely inspired oracle. The verse also utilizes **Self-Attestation**, where Balaam explicitly names himself and describes his unique spiritual status ("the man whose eyes are open"), lending weight and credibility to his forthcoming words. This self-attestation, however, is imbued with **Irony**, as Balaam, a pagan diviner with mercenary motives, is being used by God against his own will to bless Israel. His "open eyes" are a divine gift, not a personal achievement, highlighting God's sovereignty even over those who oppose Him. Finally, the verse functions as a **Prophetic Introduction**, setting the stage for one of the most significant messianic prophecies in the Old Testament ([Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star Out of Jacob")), thereby employing **Foreshadowing** of the glorious future of Israel and the coming "Star."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:15 powerfully illustrates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including human will and prophetic utterance. Despite Balaam's desire to curse Israel for personal gain, God compels him to speak only blessings, demonstrating that His plans and purposes for His chosen people are immutable and cannot be thwarted by any human or demonic force. This highlights the reliability of God's promises and the certainty of His word. The verse also underscores that God can use even imperfect or morally compromised individuals as instruments for His divine purposes, ensuring that the message's authority rests solely on the divine Sender, not the human messenger. It reminds us that God's truth is not dependent on the purity of its channel but on the power and faithfulness of its source.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:15 offers profound truths for contemporary believers. It encourages us to trust implicitly in God's sovereign control over all circumstances, even when events seem to be working against His people or His purposes. Just as God turned Balaam's intended curses into blessings for Israel, so too can He orchestrate seemingly negative situations for the ultimate good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")). This verse also challenges us to discern the message from the messenger. While we are called to live righteously, God's truth, when proclaimed, retains its power and authority regardless of the speaker's personal failings or motives. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human perfection but on His own unchanging character. We are called to listen for God's voice, knowing that He can speak through unexpected channels, and to rest in the assurance that His promises for His people are steadfast and will ultimately be fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Balaam's inability to curse Israel, despite his intentions, strengthen your trust in God's sovereign control over your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways might God be speaking truth or working His purposes through unexpected or imperfect channels in your life or in the world today?**
* **How does the immutability of God's word, as demonstrated in this passage, provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty or opposition?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Balaam "took up his parable"?**

Answer: The phrase "took up his parable" (KJV) translates the Hebrew "nasa' mashal" (נָשָׂא מָשָׁל). While "mashal" can mean a proverb or riddle, in this context, it signifies a solemn, weighty prophetic utterance or oracle, often poetic in form. To "take up" such a _mashal_ means to utter, pronounce, or deliver a divinely inspired declaration. It indicates that Balaam is not speaking his own thoughts but is acting as a conduit for a profound, authoritative message from God, a message that is distinct from ordinary speech and carries significant spiritual weight. This is evident in the subsequent verses where Balaam delivers a powerful prophecy concerning Israel's future ([Numbers 24:17-19](/numbers/24-17-19 "Numbers 24:17-19 - Balaam's Prophecy of the Star and Scepter")).

**What is the significance of Balaam calling himself "the man whose eyes are open"?**

Answer: This self-description, "the man whose eyes are open" (שְׁתֻם הָעַיִן, _shetum ha'ayin_), is Balaam's assertion of his unique prophetic credentials and direct access to divine revelation. It suggests a profound spiritual insight or vision that allows him to perceive realities hidden from others. While the exact meaning of the Hebrew phrase is debated (some scholars suggest "closed" or "pierced" eyes, perhaps implying a physical disability that paradoxically accompanies spiritual sight), the KJV's rendering emphasizes his claim to supernatural perception. This claim serves to validate the authority and truthfulness of the oracles he is about to deliver, particularly the climactic prophecy of the "Star out of Jacob" ([Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star Out of Jacob")). It highlights that his words are not mere human speculation but divinely revealed truths.

**Why would God use Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, to deliver His message?**

Answer: God's use of Balaam demonstrates His absolute sovereignty and His ability to work through any means or individual to accomplish His purposes. Balaam was a recognized diviner in the ancient Near East, and God chose to compel this pagan prophet, who initially sought to curse Israel for money, to bless them instead. This serves several purposes: it powerfully underscores that God's will cannot be thwarted by human or demonic opposition; it highlights that God is not limited to using only His covenant people to declare His truth; and it provides an undeniable testimony to His power and faithfulness, even to those outside of Israel. It shows that God's message derives its authority from Him alone, not from the purity or background of the messenger. This foreshadows God's universal redemptive plan that extends beyond Israel ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant, Blessing All Nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:15, with its emphasis on Balaam's divinely compelled oracle and his claim to "open eyes," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Balaam's most significant prophecy, introduced by this verse, is that of a "Star out of Jacob and a Scepter out of Israel" ([Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star Out of Jacob")), a clear messianic foretelling of the coming King and Deliverer. Jesus is the true "Star of Jacob," the bright and morning star ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright Morning Star")), who perfectly embodies the divine revelation that Balaam only partially and imperfectly conveyed. Unlike Balaam, whose eyes were "open" by divine compulsion yet whose heart remained mercenary, Jesus is the one whose eyes are perfectly open to the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")) and who perfectly declares God's word, not under compulsion but out of perfect obedience and love ([John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - Jesus in the Father, the Father in Jesus")). He is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, the one who brings true blessing to all nations, fulfilling God's original promise to Abraham ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")). The sovereign control God exercised over Balaam to ensure Israel's blessing ultimately points to Christ, through whom God's greatest blessing—salvation and eternal life—is extended to all who believe, demonstrating that God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 23:7

And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, [saying], Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.

Numbers 24:3

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 24:4

He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open:

Job 27:1

¶ Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,

Numbers 23:18

And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.