Numbers 24:2

Translations

Modern

When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,

Traditional

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.

Literal

And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes, and the Spirit of God came upon him.

Latin

…et elevans oculos, vidit Israël in tentoriis commorantem per tribus suas: et irruente in se spiritu Dei,

Original

Hebrew

English

When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,

Notes

Numbers 24:1–2

Unlike before, Balaam did not use divination this time (23:3, 15). He already knew that signs and omens could not harm Israel (23:23). So he stopped looking for them.

Instead, the Spirit of God came directly upon Balaam. God himself gave Balaam the message to speak.

Numbers 23:27–24:14

Unhappy with Balaam's blessing, Balak hoped a new location would change the outcome. Although the exact location of Mount Peor is unknown, it was probably near a worship site for Baal of Peor and the Beth-peor (compare 25:3, 5). See Deuteronomy 3:29; 34:6 for where they buried Moses.

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 Spirit Empowerment The Coming of the Spirit of God The Priestly Blessing

Related verses

1 Samuel 19:20
…he sent messengers to seize him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy.
2 Chronicles 15:1
Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded.
1 Samuel 19:23
So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
1 Samuel 10:10
When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them.
Numbers 11:25–29
Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again.
Numbers 2:2–34
“The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family.
Matthew 10:4
Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
Luke 10:20
Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Matthew 7:22
Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Numbers 24:5
How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!
Song of Solomon 6:4
You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners.
Song of Solomon 6:10
Who is this who shines like the dawn, as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun, as majestic as the stars in procession?

People

Balaam: A prophet hired to curse Israel but blessed them instead Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of Jannes and Jambres Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Peor (Place) Shittim (Place)

Topics

Balaam: A Prophet Holy Spirit: Inspiration of Balaam Prophecy: Gift of, Sometimes Possessed by Unconverted Men Prophets: Inspiration of Tents were Used by Israel in the Desert

Numbers 24:2

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