Numbers 24:16

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath said {H5002}, which heard {H8085} the words {H561} of God {H410}, and knew {H3045} the knowledge {H1847} of the most High {H5945}, which saw {H2372} the vision {H4236} of the Almighty {H7706}, falling {H5307} into a trance, but having his eyes {H5869} open {H1540}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the speech of him who hears God's words; who knows what 'Elyon knows, who sees what Shaddai sees, who has fallen, yet has open eyes:

Berean Standard Bible

the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:

American Standard Version

He saith, who heareth the words of God, And knoweth the knowledge of the Most High, Who seeth the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:16 presents Balaam's profound self-attestation, validating the divine source and authority of his impending prophecies. Despite his morally ambiguous character and mercenary intentions, this verse emphasizes his unique and direct access to God's words and profound knowledge, portraying him as one who genuinely perceives the Almighty's vision, even in an altered, trance-like state, yet with clear spiritual discernment. This powerful declaration serves to underscore the undeniable divine origin of the subsequent messianic revelation concerning Israel's future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Balaam's fourth and arguably most significant oracle, delivered to King Balak of Moab. The preceding narrative (Numbers 22-23) meticulously details Balak's persistent attempts to coerce Balaam into cursing Israel, and God's consistent, sovereign intervention, compelling Balaam to utter blessings instead. Each of Balaam's oracles is prefaced by an assertion of his prophetic authority, but Numbers 24:16 offers the most emphatic and detailed affirmation of his direct divine access. It functions as a solemn, weighty preamble to the climactic "Star out of Jacob" prophecy found in [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star out of Jacob Prophecy"), thereby underscoring the undeniable divine origin and authoritative nature of the subsequent messianic revelation. The overarching narrative arc positions Balaam not as an independent agent, but as an unwilling instrument of God's sovereign will, highlighting the profound truth that even those outside the covenant community can be used for divine purposes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this declaration is the plains of Moab, where the Israelite nation stands poised to enter the Promised Land, having recently secured victories over the Amorites. King Balak, deeply apprehensive of the vast Israelite presence, employs Balaam, a renowned diviner from Pethor in Mesopotamia. This practice of seeking supernatural assistance against perceived threats was common in the ancient Near East, where kings often consulted seers and diviners. Divination and prophecy were integral components of the political and religious landscape of the era, frequently involving various rituals and altered states of consciousness. Balaam's distinctive description of his prophetic state—"falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open"—suggests a unique form of revelation, perhaps distinguishing it from the ecstatic, uncontrolled prophecies of other cults. This phrasing implies a clear, direct, and conscious reception of divine truth, even amidst a trance-like physical state, lending immense credibility to his pronouncements.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 24:16 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes present throughout the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **sovereignty of God** over all creation, and crucially, over human will. Despite King Balak's desperate desire and Balaam's initial mercenary intent, God's immutable purpose for Israel—to bless them—cannot be thwarted. Secondly, the verse highlights the **authenticity and authority of divine revelation**. Balaam's emphatic claim to have heard "the words of God" and seen "the vision of the Almighty" serves to validate the pronouncements that follow as genuinely originating from God, not from human conjecture or pagan divination. This establishes a clear standard for true prophecy. Thirdly, it presents the profound **paradox of the messenger**: God can and does use imperfect, even morally compromised, individuals to accomplish His perfect will. Balaam's personal failings (later explicitly revealed in [Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel to Balaam")) do not negate the truth or divine origin of the words he is compelled to speak. This demonstrates God's remarkable ability to override human intentions for His own glory and for the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to Israel, particularly those concerning the future "Star out of Jacob" mentioned in [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star Out of Jacob Prophecy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** From the root `yadaʻ` (to know), this term (H1847) signifies more than mere acquaintance; it implies deep comprehension, understanding, and intimate familiarity. When Balaam claims to "knew the knowledge of the most High," he is asserting a profound, experiential grasp of divine wisdom and insight into God's purposes, transcending superficial hearing to encompass true comprehension. It suggests a privileged access to the very mind and counsel of God.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʻelyôwn'_):** This majestic title for God (H5945), meaning "highest" or "exalted one," emphasizes His supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and ultimate authority over all creation and all other deities. It denotes God as the preeminent being, above all earthly and heavenly powers. Its use here underscores the unparalleled source and authority of Balaam's revelation, indicating that his knowledge comes from the absolute pinnacle of being. This title is also found in contexts like [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek and God Most High") where Melchizedek is described as a priest of "God Most High."
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday'_):** This powerful name for God (H7706), often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient One," emphasizes His omnipotence, power, and ability to fulfill His promises. It speaks to God's all-encompassing strength and His capacity to bring about His will, regardless of obstacles. The combination of "Most High" and "Almighty" in this verse serves to magnify the divine source of Balaam's prophecy, portraying God as both transcendent and immanently powerful, capable of revealing His deep knowledge and vision to whomever He chooses. This name is notably used when God establishes His covenant with Abraham in [Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "Genesis 17:1 - God Almighty's Covenant with Abraham").
* **falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open (Hebrew, _nâphal_ (H5307) and _gâlâh_ (H1540) with _ʻayin_ (H5869)):** This unique phrase describes Balaam's prophetic state. "Falling" (from H5307, _nâphal_) often denotes a prostrate posture, perhaps indicating humility, awe, or the physical impact of a divine encounter, akin to a trance or deep spiritual experience. However, the crucial addition "but having his eyes open" (_gâlâh_ H1540, meaning "to uncover" or "reveal," combined with _ʻayin_ H5869, "eye") suggests a state of heightened spiritual perception rather than unconsciousness or blindness. It implies a direct, unfiltered, and clear reception of divine truth, where his physical eyes might be open, but his spiritual eyes are truly seeing the vision of the Almighty. This distinguishes his revelation as uniquely profound and authoritative, not a mere dream or a muddled vision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath said, which heard the words of God":** This initial clause immediately establishes the speaker's claim to divine revelation. Balaam asserts that his pronouncements are not his own thoughts or human wisdom, but a direct auditory reception of God's very words. This sets the authoritative tone for his subsequent oracle, emphasizing that what he is about to declare originates from the ultimate divine source, the God who speaks.
* **"and knew the knowledge of the most High":** Beyond merely hearing, Balaam claims to have "known" or comprehended the profound "knowledge" or "understanding" of God, specifically the "Most High" ('Elyon). This suggests a deeper, more intimate grasp of divine wisdom and insight into God's purposes, transcending superficial hearing to encompass true comprehension. It implies a privileged, profound access to the very mind and counsel of God, indicating a level of spiritual intimacy.
* **"[which] saw the vision of the Almighty":** This clause shifts from auditory reception to visual perception. Balaam declares that he has not only heard God's words and understood His knowledge but has also "seen" a "vision" from the "Almighty" (Shaddai). This emphasizes the direct, experiential nature of his encounter with God, suggesting a profound visual revelation that imparts divine truth, further validating the authenticity and power of his prophetic message as coming from the all-powerful and sovereign God.
* **"falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open":** This final, descriptive phrase details the physical and spiritual state in which Balaam receives these revelations. The "falling" suggests a prostrate or trance-like state, indicating the overwhelming nature of the divine encounter and the physical impact of God's presence. Crucially, "but having his eyes open" implies that even in this altered state, his spiritual perception remained clear and active. It's not a blind or unconscious trance, but one where his spiritual "eyes" are fully open to receive and comprehend the divine vision, making his revelation uniquely direct, lucid, and authoritative.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 24:16 employs several potent literary devices to underscore the divine authority and extraordinary nature of Balaam's prophecy. **Anaphora** is subtly utilized through the implied repetition of the subject's experience ("He hath said, *which* heard... *and* knew... *which* saw"), linking each aspect of Balaam's divine access—hearing, knowing, seeing—back to the same singular subject, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his revelation. **Climax** or **Ascension** is achieved through the accumulation of parallel phrases ("heard the words of God," "knew the knowledge of the Most High," "saw the vision of the Almighty"), each building upon the last to create an escalating sense of the profundity and authenticity of Balaam's prophetic experience, culminating in the direct visual encounter. The phrase "falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open" presents a striking **paradox** or **oxymoron**. While "falling into a trance" typically implies a loss of ordinary consciousness or vision, the counterpoint "having his eyes open" suggests a unique state where physical incapacitation is paired with heightened spiritual clarity. This device highlights the extraordinary, supernatural nature of Balaam's encounter, distinguishing it from common human perception and powerfully validating the divine origin of his words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:16 serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over revelation and His ability to use any instrument, even an unwilling or morally compromised one, to accomplish His divine purposes. It underscores that true prophecy originates solely from God, emphasizing His transcendence ("Most High") and omnipotence ("Almighty"). This verse highlights that God's plan for Israel, rooted in His covenant promises, is immutable and cannot be thwarted by human or demonic opposition. Balaam's unique prophetic state, where he receives direct, clear vision even in a trance, sets a high standard for authentic divine communication, distinguishing it from mere human conjecture or pagan divination. Theologically, it reminds us that the messenger's character, while important, does not negate the truth of a message genuinely from God, though it does raise crucial questions about the messenger's ultimate standing before God and the potential for personal judgment despite being used by Him.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God Will Raise Up a Prophet Like Moses")
* [Psalm 78:36-37](/psalms/78-36-37 "Psalm 78:36-37 - They Flattered Him with Their Mouth")
* [2 Peter 2:15-16](/2_peter/2-15-16 "2 Peter 2:15-16 - Following the Way of Balaam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:16 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging our assumptions about divine communication and human instruments. It reminds us that God is sovereign over His revelation, choosing to speak through various means and individuals, even those we might consider unlikely or flawed. This truth should cultivate a posture of humility and discernment within us, recognizing that divine truth can emerge from unexpected places, yet always aligning with God's unchanging character and purposes as revealed in His complete Word. Rather than focusing solely on the messenger's perceived worthiness, we are called to discern the message's divine origin and its consistency with the revealed Word of God. This verse also challenges us to consider the depth of our own spiritual perception. Do we merely hear about God, or do we truly seek to know His knowledge and see His vision, allowing His truth to penetrate our deepest being? It encourages a pursuit of genuine spiritual encounter, recognizing that true revelation transcends ordinary human understanding and provides vital insight into God's grand, unfolding plan for humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's use of Balaam, despite his moral failings, challenge or affirm your understanding of divine sovereignty and human agency?**
* **In what ways might we, like Balaam, be tempted to use spiritual gifts or knowledge for personal gain rather than for God's purposes?**
* **What does "having his eyes open" in a trance-like state suggest about the nature of true spiritual revelation, and how can we cultivate such clarity in our own walk with God?**
* **How can we discern between genuine divine revelation and human conjecture or deception in our contemporary context, especially when the messenger may be imperfect?**

### FAQ

**Who was Balaam, and why is he described in such a unique prophetic state?**

Answer: Balaam was a non-Israelite diviner or prophet from Pethor in Mesopotamia, renowned for his ability to bless or curse. He was hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites as they approached the Promised Land ([Numbers 22:5-6](/numbers/22-5-6 "Numbers 22:5-6 - Balak Sends for Balaam")). However, God repeatedly intervened, compelling Balaam to bless Israel instead. The description of his unique prophetic state—"falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open"—highlights the direct and authoritative nature of his revelation. Unlike many pagan diviners who might enter an unconscious or frenzied state, Balaam's "eyes open" suggests a clear, conscious spiritual perception even while in a trance, emphasizing that his words were not his own, but directly from the "Most High" and "Almighty." This unique state authenticates the divine origin of his prophecies, particularly the messianic one that follows in [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star out of Jacob Prophecy").

**What is the significance of the titles "Most High" and "Almighty" in this verse?**

Answer: The use of "Most High" (Hebrew: _‘Elyon'_) and "Almighty" (Hebrew: _Shaddai'_) is highly significant. "Most High" emphasizes God's supreme transcendence and sovereignty over all creation, indicating that He is the ultimate authority and source of all power and knowledge. It positions Him as superior to all other gods or earthly powers. "Almighty" speaks to God's omnipotence and self-sufficiency, His boundless power to accomplish His will and fulfill His promises. Together, these titles underscore the unparalleled majesty, power, and authority of the God who is revealing Himself to Balaam. They convey that the source of Balaam's prophecy is not merely a powerful deity, but the one true, all-powerful, and utterly sovereign God, lending immense weight and infallibility to the words Balaam is about to speak concerning Israel's future. These titles are found throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek and God Most High") for "Most High" and [Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "Genesis 17:1 - God Almighty's Covenant with Abraham") for "Almighty."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:16, with its emphatic declaration of Balaam's direct access to the "words of God" and "vision of the Almighty," serves as a powerful prelude to the messianic prophecy of the "Star out of Jacob" in [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star out of Jacob Prophecy"). While Balaam himself was a flawed prophet, his divinely compelled pronouncements ultimately point to the coming of the true Prophet, the ultimate embodiment of divine revelation: Jesus Christ. Unlike Balaam, who merely heard and saw visions, Jesus is the very "Word of God" incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He doesn't just receive knowledge of the Most High; He is one with the Most High God, declaring, "I and the Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - I and the Father Are One")). The "vision of the Almighty" that Balaam saw finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Image of the Invisible God")) and through whom God has spoken His final, complete word to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Balaam's unique prophetic state, seeing with "eyes open" even in a trance, foreshadows the perfect, unhindered clarity of Christ's revelation, for He perfectly knows the Father and perfectly reveals Him ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No One Knows the Son Except the Father")). Thus, Numbers 24:16, by establishing the supreme authority of the divine word, prepares the reader for the ultimate and complete revelation of God found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true Star and Scepter who reigns eternally.

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 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:

1 Corinthians 8:1

¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

1 Corinthians 13:2

And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

2 Samuel 23:1

¶ Now these [be] the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man [who was] raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

2 Samuel 23:2

The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.