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:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
And he took up
H5375
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
And he took up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
מְשָׁל֖וֹ
his parable
H4912
מְשָׁל֖וֹ
his parable
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
בְּנ֣וֹ
the son
H1121
בְּנ֣וֹ
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְעֹ֔ר
of Beor
H1160
בְעֹ֔ר
of Beor
Strong's:
H1160
Word #:
7 of 11
beor, the name of the father of an edomitish king; also of that of balaam
Cross References
Numbers 24:16He 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 23:7And 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.
Historical Context
This introduction established Balaam's authority as one who genuinely received divine revelation. Ancient Near Eastern oracles typically began with the seer's credentials and claim to supernatural vision, authenticating the message that followed.
Questions for Reflection
- How is spiritual sight (perceiving God's truth) distinct from spiritual obedience (living by it)?
- What truths have your eyes been opened to see that you resist obeying?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam introduces his third oracle with 'Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said.' The phrase 'eyes are open' contrasts with his earlier blindness when the donkey saw the angel he couldn't perceive (22:31). True spiritual sight comes from God, not human wisdom. Despite opened eyes, Balaam's subsequent treachery showed that seeing truth doesn't guarantee obeying it.