Numbers 24:3

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

and 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

and he 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 24:3 introduces the third of Balaam's powerful prophetic oracles, delivered by a non-Israelite diviner from Pethor who was hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the advancing Israelites. This verse serves as a crucial preamble, emphasizing that the words about to be spoken are not of human origin or wisdom, but are a direct, authoritative, and divinely inspired revelation, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances and individuals, even those hostile to His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Numbers 22-24, which details Balak's persistent attempts to secure a curse against Israel through Balaam. Following two previous oracles in [Numbers 23](/numbers/23 "Numbers 23 - Balaam's First Two Oracles"), where God repeatedly intervened to turn Balaam's intended curses into blessings, Numbers 24:3 sets the stage for a third, and arguably the most profound, prophetic utterance. The repetition of Balaam's self-identification and the emphasis on his divinely-opened eyes serve to authenticate the forthcoming message, highlighting that it is God's word, not Balaam's own, that is being proclaimed, further frustrating Balak's intentions and solidifying the theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, as the Israelites are poised to enter the Promised Land. The Moabites, like other nations in the ancient Near East, were deeply fearful of the numerous and powerful Israelite encampment ([Numbers 22:3-4](/numbers/22-3 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Moab's Fear of Israel")). In this cultural milieu, seers, diviners, and prophets like Balaam were believed to possess supernatural abilities to manipulate divine forces through incantations, blessings, and curses. Kings would frequently employ such figures to gain an advantage in warfare or to protect their realms. Balak's hiring of Balaam reflects this common practice, yet the narrative powerfully subverts these expectations by demonstrating Yahweh's supreme authority over all other deities and human schemes, transforming a pagan ritual of cursing into a divine declaration of blessing.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 24:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty**, showing that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human will or even the machinations of a powerful diviner. Balaam, despite his own dubious character and motivations (which later lead him to counsel Balak to corrupt Israel in [Numbers 31:16](/numbers/31-16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel to Balak")), is merely a vessel through whom God's own words are spoken. This highlights the **Authenticity of Prophecy**, emphasizing that the truth and authority of a prophetic message derive solely from its divine origin, not from the moral standing of the messenger. Furthermore, the phrase "the man whose eyes are open" underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation**, signifying that Balaam's insights are not natural wisdom or learned divination techniques, but a direct, supernatural insight granted by God Himself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Parable (Hebrew, _mashal'_):** The KJV translates this Hebrew word as "parable," which can sometimes imply a simple story. However, in this context, _mashal_ (מָשָׁל) signifies a much weightier, authoritative utterance. It refers to a profound statement of truth, often poetic or figurative in language, carrying prophetic or didactic significance. Here, it denotes a formal, divinely inspired oracle or prophetic discourse, emphasizing its solemnity and divine origin rather than mere human wisdom or a casual saying.
* **Open (Hebrew, _shatum'_):** The phrase "the man whose eyes are open" translates the Hebrew _shatum ha'ayin_ (שְׁתֻם הָעָיִן). While the KJV interprets _shatum_ as "open," scholarly debate exists regarding its precise meaning, with some suggesting it could mean "closed," "pierced," or "shut." However, in this context, the Septuagint and other ancient versions support the understanding of "open" or "unveiled." Regardless of the precise etymology, the theological intent is clear: Balaam's vision is not natural or self-generated, but a divinely granted, supernatural insight. His eyes are "open" in a spiritual sense, allowing him to perceive realities beyond human comprehension, making his prophecy uniquely authoritative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took up his parable, and said":** This clause describes Balaam's deliberate posture and action. "Took up" (נָשָׂא, _nasa'_) implies a formal, solemn act of uttering a weighty pronouncement. It indicates that Balaam is not speaking impulsively or from his own mind, but is preparing to deliver a message that is both significant and divinely compelled. It sets the stage for an authoritative declaration, distinct from common speech.
* **"Balaam the son of Beor hath said":** This is a self-identification, establishing the speaker's human identity and lineage. It grounds the prophecy in a known individual, Balaam, the son of Beor, from Pethor. While asserting his identity, it immediately precedes the crucial qualification that follows, setting up the tension between the human messenger and the divine source.
* **"and the man whose eyes are open hath said":** This is the critical qualification that elevates the preceding statement. It clarifies that Balaam's words are not merely his own thoughts or human wisdom, but stem from a supernatural source. The phrase "whose eyes are open" signifies that he has received a special, divine revelation, granting him insight into spiritual realities that are hidden from ordinary perception. This emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the oracle, making it clear that God is speaking through Balaam.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore its profound theological message. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "hath said," which is used twice, emphasizing the authoritative and deliberate nature of Balaam's utterance. This repetition reinforces the idea that the words are not casual but a formal declaration. **Apposition** and **Parallelism** are also central, as "Balaam the son of Beor" and "the man whose eyes are open" refer to the same individual but highlight different facets of his identity. This parallelism draws attention to the contrast between Balaam's human identity and his divinely-empowered prophetic state, thereby emphasizing the supernatural source of his insight. Finally, the entire narrative context of Balaam's oracles is saturated with **Irony**: a pagan diviner, hired by an enemy king to curse Israel, is repeatedly compelled by God to utter blessings instead. This verse, by highlighting Balaam's unique, divinely-granted vision, deepens the irony, portraying him as an unwilling, yet effective, instrument of God's sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:3 powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that His purposes cannot be thwarted by human will, political machinations, or even the spiritual practices of pagan nations. The fact that God compels a non-Israelite diviner, hired to curse, to instead pronounce blessings, underscores His supreme authority over all creation and every individual. This verse affirms that God's word is ultimate and effective, always accomplishing His intended purpose, irrespective of the messenger's character or the opposition's intent. It provides profound comfort for believers, assuring them that God's covenant blessings upon His people are irrevocable and cannot be overturned by any scheme or curse.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Gifts and Calling are Irrevocable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:3 offers a profound lesson in divine sovereignty and the unyielding nature of God's purposes. In a world often filled with opposition, fear, and attempts to undermine God's people, this verse reminds us that no human plot or spiritual attack can ultimately thwart God's will for those He has blessed. It encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem dire or when His instruments are unexpected. We are called to discern the divine origin of a message, recognizing that God can speak through various means and individuals, regardless of their personal flaws or initial intentions. This should inspire confidence that God is actively working in and through all things, even the seemingly negative, to bring about His good and perfect will for His church and for the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Balaam's experience challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty in unexpected circumstances?**
* **In what ways might God be using unlikely people or situations today to accomplish His purposes, even if they are unaware or unwilling instruments?**
* **How can I better discern the divine origin of a message or event, rather than focusing solely on the messenger or the immediate circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Who was Balaam, and why was he involved with Israel?**

Answer: Balaam was a well-known diviner or prophet from Pethor, a city in Mesopotamia. He was not an Israelite and practiced forms of divination that were later forbidden to Israel ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominations to the Lord")). He was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites, who were encamped in the plains of Moab and causing great fear among the Moabites. Balak believed Balaam's curses would weaken Israel, allowing Moab to defeat them.

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

Answer: This phrase is highly significant because it emphasizes that Balaam's prophetic insights were not derived from his pagan divination practices or his own human wisdom, but were a direct, supernatural revelation granted by God. It signifies that God "opened" his spiritual eyes to perceive divine truths, compelling him to speak God's words despite his own intentions or Balak's desires. This highlights the divine origin and authority of the oracles he delivered.

**Does this verse imply that God approves of divination or pagan practices?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The Bible consistently condemns divination and other pagan spiritual practices as abominations to the Lord ([Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Do Not Turn to Mediums or Necromancers")). The narrative of Balaam is not an endorsement of his practices but rather a powerful demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty *over* such practices. God used Balaam as an unwilling instrument to prove that He alone is sovereign, and that no human or demonic power can thwart His divine plan or reverse His blessings upon His chosen people. It shows God's power to compel even those who oppose Him to serve His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The paradoxical figure of Balaam, a pagan prophet compelled by God to bless Israel, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate blessing found in Jesus Christ. The theme that no curse can stand against God's people finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Christ. While Balak sought to curse Israel, Christ became a curse for us on the cross, redeeming us from the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). The phrase "the man whose eyes are open" points to Jesus as the ultimate revealer of God; He is the Word made flesh, through whom God has fully disclosed Himself ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") and [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Furthermore, Balaam's later prophecies in [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star and Scepter Prophecy") explicitly speak of a "Star from Jacob" and a "Scepter from Israel," widely understood as messianic prophecies pointing directly to the coming King, Jesus Christ. Thus, Numbers 24:3, by setting the stage for these divinely compelled blessings, ultimately directs our gaze to the one who is the source of all true blessing and against whom no curse can prevail, securing our eternal standing in God's unshakeable favor ([Romans 8:31-39](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31-39 - God Is For Us")).

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 24:16

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:

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 24:4

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:

Numbers 23:18

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

Numbers 22:31

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.