Numbers 24:2
And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א
lifted up
H5375
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א
lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵינָ֗יו
his eyes
H5869
עֵינָ֗יו
his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וַיַּרְא֙
and he saw
H7200
וַיַּרְא֙
and he saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
שֹׁכֵ֖ן
abiding
H7931
שֹׁכֵ֖ן
abiding
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
8 of 13
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
לִשְׁבָטָ֑יו
in his tents according to their tribes
H7626
לִשְׁבָטָ֑יו
in his tents according to their tribes
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
9 of 13
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
וַתְּהִ֥י
H1961
וַתְּהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
1 Samuel 19:20And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.2 Chronicles 15:1And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:1 Samuel 10:10And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.1 Samuel 19:23And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
Historical Context
Israel's tribal organization around the tabernacle (Numbers 2) presented a powerful visual testimony to God's presence among them. This orderly arrangement under divine leadership contrasted with chaotic pagan nations, displaying God's design for holy community.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's Spirit coming upon even resistant prophets teach about His sovereignty over revelation?
- How does ordered, covenant community display God's presence to watching world?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam 'lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.' The visual of Israel's orderly encampment, organized by tribes, displayed God's covenant structure. The phrase 'spirit of God came upon him' indicates prophetic enablement for authentic revelation. Even unwilling prophets can be seized by God's Spirit to speak truth (like Saul in 1 Samuel 19:23-24).