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:
Original Language Analysis
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
which heard
H8085
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
which heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵ֑ל
of God
H410
אֵ֑ל
of God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
4 of 11
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה
which saw
H2372
יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה
which saw
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
8 of 11
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
נֹפֵ֖ל
falling
H5307
נֹפֵ֖ל
falling
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
9 of 11
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
Cross References
Revelation 1:17And 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 1:10I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,Ezekiel 1:28As 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.Numbers 12:6And 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.
Historical Context
Balaam was a real prophet who genuinely contacted Yahweh, showing God can use imperfect vessels to speak truth while disapproving their character. This warns against assuming gifting indicates spiritual maturity or divine approval.
Questions for Reflection
- How can someone exercise genuine spiritual gifts while having corrupt character?
- What does Balaam's example teach about distinguishing between gifting and godliness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Balaam declares himself '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.' This describes genuine prophetic experience—hearing God's words, seeing visions, entering trance states with spiritual eyes open. Yet even authentic prophetic gifting doesn't guarantee righteous character, as Balaam's later wickedness proved (2 Peter 2:15-16, Jude 11, Revelation 2:14).