Numbers 24:4

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath said {H5002}, which heard {H8085} the words {H561} of God {H410}, 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 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 sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:4 introduces Balaam's third prophetic oracle, setting the stage by describing the unique, divinely-imposed state in which he received and uttered these profound prophecies. The verse emphasizes the direct, overwhelming, and authoritative nature of the revelation Balaam experienced, highlighting that his subsequent words are not of human origin but a direct impartation from God, despite his initial intentions to curse Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 24:4 is part of a larger narrative arc (Numbers 22-24) detailing Balak's attempts to have Balaam curse Israel. Following two previous failed attempts where Balaam, contrary to Balak's desires, uttered blessings upon Israel, this verse precedes Balaam's third oracle. Each oracle becomes progressively more expansive, moving from immediate blessings to long-term prophetic visions of Israel's future glory and the downfall of its enemies. This verse specifically describes Balaam's physical and spiritual state *before* delivering this significant prophecy, underscoring the divine origin and authoritative nature of the words he is about to speak. It serves as a preamble, validating the prophecy that follows as truly from God, not from Balaam's own will or divination practices.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Balaam was a well-known diviner from Pethor in Mesopotamia, a region where divination and consulting oracles were common practices. Balak, the king of Moab, feared the numerous Israelites encamped on his border and sought to employ Balaam's renowned abilities to curse them, believing that such curses held real power. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief in the efficacy of curses and blessings pronounced by powerful spiritual figures. However, the narrative consistently subverts these expectations, demonstrating that the God of Israel is sovereign over all, even over foreign diviners and their practices. The geographical setting, on the plains of Moab, is crucial as it positions Israel on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, making Balak's fear and God's protective intervention highly significant for the unfolding covenant narrative.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Inspiration and Revelation**, asserting that Balaam's words are not his own but a direct impartation from God, emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of true prophecy, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God Raising Up a Prophet"). The paradoxical state of "falling... but having his eyes open" introduces the theme of **Paradoxical Prophetic Insight**, suggesting a unique spiritual receptivity that transcends normal physical perception, where divine truth is revealed even in a state of physical prostration. Most profoundly, the entire Balaam narrative, including this verse, underscores **God's Absolute Sovereignty**. Even a non-Israelite prophet, hired to curse, is compelled by God to speak His truth, dramatically demonstrating God's ultimate control over human intentions and events, ensuring His purposes for His people are fulfilled, regardless of opposition, aligning with the truth found in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans in a Man's Heart, But the Lord's Purpose Prevails").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **נֹפֵל (Hebrew, _nofel_):** This Hebrew word literally means "falling" or "prostrate." In the KJV, it is translated as "falling [into a trance]," with "into a trance" being an interpretive addition by the translators. The core meaning implies a physical posture of being overwhelmed, humbled, or brought low by the divine presence, rather than necessarily an unconscious state. It suggests a profound, perhaps involuntary, physical reaction to the power and majesty of God's revelation, indicating a state of awe and submission.
* **וּגְלוּי עֵינָיִם (Hebrew, _u'gluy einayim_):** This phrase translates to "but having his eyes open" or "with unveiled eyes." It stands in stark contrast to the preceding "falling" and is highly significant. While some ancient versions might suggest "closed" or "sealed" eyes, the Masoretic Text and the KJV's rendering emphasize a unique spiritual perception. Despite being physically prostrate or overwhelmed, Balaam's spiritual vision was clear and unveiled, allowing him to perceive divine truths and visions that were hidden from ordinary human sight, indicating a state of heightened spiritual awareness.
* **שַׁדַּי (Hebrew, _Shaddai_):** Translated as "the Almighty," this is one of the ancient names for God, frequently used in the patriarchal narratives and the book of Job. It emphasizes God's power, might, and self-sufficiency. Balaam "saw the vision of the Almighty," implying that the source of his revelation was not a lesser deity or a mere spirit, but the supreme, all-powerful God, lending immense authority and weight to the vision and subsequent prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath said, which heard the words of God":** This initial clause identifies the speaker as Balaam, but immediately qualifies his words as originating from a divine source. The phrase "heard the words of God" (אִמְרֵי־אֵל, _imrei-el_) signifies a direct, auditory reception of divine communication. It establishes that Balaam is not speaking his own thoughts or divinations, but is merely a conduit for God's message, underscoring the authoritative and non-human origin of the prophecy.
* **"which saw the vision of the Almighty":** This second clause complements the first, indicating that Balaam's revelation was not only auditory but also visual. He "saw the vision" (מַחֲזֵה, _machazeh_), implying a direct encounter with divine reality. The specific designation "the Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, _Shaddai_) emphasizes the supreme power and authority of the source of this vision, reinforcing the idea that this is a revelation from the sovereign God of Israel, not a lesser spirit or human insight.
* **"falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open":** This final, pivotal clause describes Balaam's paradoxical physical and spiritual state during the revelation. "Falling" (נֹפֵל, _nofel_) suggests a physical prostration, perhaps overwhelmed by the divine presence, or a state of humility and submission. The crucial counterpoint, "but having his eyes open" (וּגְלוּי עֵינָיִם, _u'gluy einayim_), signifies that despite any physical incapacitation, his spiritual perception was fully active and clear. This paradox highlights that divine revelation can transcend normal human faculties, granting profound spiritual insight even in a physically compromised state, distinguishing true prophecy from mere human speculation or ecstatic frenzy.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 24:4 is **Paradox**. The description of Balaam as "falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open" presents a striking contradiction that encapsulates the supernatural nature of his prophetic experience. He is physically overwhelmed and prostrate ("falling"), yet simultaneously possesses acute spiritual clarity and perception ("having his eyes open"). This paradox emphasizes that divine revelation operates beyond normal human understanding and physical limitations, granting a unique insight into spiritual realities. Additionally, there is an element of **Emphasis** through the dual description of Balaam's reception of revelation: he both "heard the words of God" and "saw the vision of the Almighty." This repetition underscores the comprehensive and undeniable nature of the divine communication, validating the authenticity and authority of the prophecy he is about to deliver. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the profound and unexpected prophecies that follow, which detail Israel's future glory and the downfall of its enemies, all from the mouth of someone initially hired to oppose them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:4 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over revelation and His ability to use any instrument, even an unwilling one, to accomplish His purposes. It underscores that true prophecy originates solely from God, not from human will or mystical practices. Balaam's unique state—physically overwhelmed yet spiritually perceptive—serves as a powerful testament to the overwhelming nature of encountering the divine. This encounter transforms him from a diviner seeking to curse into an involuntary prophet compelled to bless, demonstrating God's absolute power to turn human intentions on their head for the sake of His covenant people. The verse also highlights the distinction between human attempts at divination and genuine divine inspiration, asserting that God's word is pure, authoritative, and irresistible.

* [2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy from God")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Job 42:5](/job/42-5 "Job 42:5 - Seeing God with the Eyes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:4 invites us to consider the profound nature of divine revelation and our posture before it. Balaam's experience, though unique, offers a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual receptivity. We are called to approach God's Word with humility, allowing ourselves to be "overwhelmed" by its truth, even if it challenges our preconceived notions or comfortable perspectives. Just as Balaam's physical prostration was coupled with spiritual clarity, we are reminded that true insight often comes when we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom above our own. This verse reassures us of God's unfailing purpose for His people; no human scheme or opposition can ultimately thwart His divine will. It encourages us to cultivate a spiritual discernment that allows us to see God's hand at work even in confusing or seemingly contradictory circumstances, trusting that His plans will prevail and His truth will be unveiled to those who seek Him with open spiritual eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Balaam's paradoxical state of "falling but having his eyes open" challenge or affirm your understanding of how God reveals Himself?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to "fall" (humble yourself) in order to gain clearer spiritual "eyes" (discernment)?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God displayed in Numbers 24:4 provide comfort or challenge in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "falling [into a trance]" mean in this context?**

Answer: The KJV's "falling [into a trance]" translates the Hebrew word _nofel_ (נֹפֵל), which literally means "falling" or "prostrate." The bracketed "into a trance" is an interpretive addition by the translators to convey the spiritual nature of the experience. In context, it suggests a physical posture of being overwhelmed, humbled, or brought low by the intense presence and power of God's revelation. It is less about an unconscious state and more about an involuntary physical reaction to the divine, indicating awe, submission, and perhaps a loss of physical control in the face of God's majesty. This state sets him apart from ordinary diviners and underscores the divine, rather than human, origin of his prophecy.

**Why is Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, receiving divine revelation from the God of Israel?**

Answer: Balaam's reception of divine revelation, despite being a non-Israelite diviner, powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to use anyone, even those outside His covenant people, to accomplish His purposes. God is not limited by human categories or religious affiliations. In this narrative, God uses Balaam to bless Israel and to reveal His plans, directly countering Balak's intentions to curse them. This highlights that God's will cannot be thwarted by human schemes or even by the practices of foreign diviners. It emphasizes that God controls all things and can compel even an unwilling agent to speak His truth, as seen in [Numbers 23:8](/numbers/23-8 "Numbers 23:8 - Balaam Cannot Curse Whom God Has Not Cursed").

**What is the significance of "having his eyes open" while "falling"?**

Answer: The phrase "having his eyes open" (Hebrew: _u'gluy einayim_, וּגְלוּי עֵינָיִם) is highly significant because it creates a powerful paradox with the preceding "falling." While "falling" suggests physical prostration or being overwhelmed, "eyes open" indicates profound spiritual clarity and perception. It means that despite any physical incapacitation or being in a trance-like state, Balaam's spiritual vision was clear and unveiled. He was able to perceive divine truths and visions that were hidden from others. This emphasizes that his insights were not a result of human divination or ecstatic frenzy, but a direct, clear, and authoritative revelation from God, granting him a unique spiritual discernment that transcended normal physical sight. This mirrors the idea of spiritual eyes being opened to truth, as described in [Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Enlightenment of the Eyes of the Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:4, with its description of Balaam as one who "heard the words of God" and "saw the vision of the Almighty," points forward to the ultimate Prophet and Revealer of God: Jesus Christ. While Balaam was a reluctant and flawed prophet, compelled by God's Spirit, Jesus is the very Word of God incarnate, the perfect and willing embodiment of divine revelation. He is the one who truly "saw the vision of the Almighty" because He is eternally one with the Father, having come from the Father's side to make Him known ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son")). Jesus perfectly fulfills the prophetic role, not merely speaking God's words, but being God's Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His earthly ministry, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, can be seen as the ultimate "falling" (His humble descent, suffering, and death on the cross) through which His "eyes" (His divine purpose and glory) were fully "open" and revealed, bringing light and salvation to the world ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Through Christ, the veiled truths of God are unveiled, and humanity gains true spiritual sight, enabling us to see God's ultimate plan of redemption, a plan far greater than any blessing Balaam could pronounce, culminating in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 1:10

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Numbers 12:6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.

2 Corinthians 12:1

¶ It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:4

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Ezekiel 1:28

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Acts 10:10

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,