Keraia
Numbers 24

Numbers 24:15

Balaam’s Fourth Oracle · Numbers 24:15–19
Read Numbers 24

Translations

Modern
Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
Traditional
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
Literal
And he lifted up his oracle and said, “An utterance of Balaam son of Beor and a declaration of the man with opened eyes,
Latin
Sumpta igitur parabola, rursum ait: Dixit Balaam filius Beor: dixit homo, cujus obturatus est oculus:

Original

Hebrew
English
Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,

Notes

Numbers 24:15–25

This prophecy gives more specific details than the first three messages. It is based on another vision from God (the Most High, 24:16). It also predicts the appearance of a great leader who will play a major role in these military victories (24:17).

Numbers 22:2–24:25

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

Theme notes and profiles

Balaam Moab and Ammon

People

Balaam: A prophet hired to curse Israel but blessed them instead Beor: Father of Balaam

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of Jacob Jannes and Jambres Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Oracle Poetry, Biblical Prophecy Shittim (Place)

Topics

Prophets: Inspiration of