Numbers 24:2
Numbers 24:2 in Multiple Translations
When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,
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.
And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him.
And lifting up his eyes, he saw Israel there, with their tents in the order of their tribes: and the spirit of God came on him.
and as he looked at Israel camped there according to their respective tribes, the Spirit of God came on him.
And Balaam lift vp his eyes, and looked vpon Israel, which dwelt according to their tribes, and the Spirit of God came vpon him.
and Balaam lifteth up his eyes, and seeth Israel tabernacling, by its tribes, and the Spirit of God is upon him,
Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on him.
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.
And lifting up his eyes, he saw Israel abiding in their tents by their tribes: and the spirit of God rushing upon him,
He saw the Israeli people camped there in their tents, with each tribe gathered in its own group. Then the Spirit of God took control of him,
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 24:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֨א
בִלְעָ֜ם
אֶת
עֵינָ֗י/ו
וַ/יַּרְא֙
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
שֹׁכֵ֖ן
לִ/שְׁבָטָ֑י/ו
וַ/תְּהִ֥י
עָלָ֖י/ו
ר֥וּחַ
אֱלֹהִֽים
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֨א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִלְעָ֜ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֵינָ֗י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
וַ/יַּרְא֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
שֹׁכֵ֖ן
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal
לִ/שְׁבָטָ֑י/ו
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וַ/תְּהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:2
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֨א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
בִלְעָ֜ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֵינָ֗י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וַ/יַּרְא֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
שֹׁכֵ֖ן
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
לִ/שְׁבָטָ֑י/ו
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
וַ/תְּהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:2
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
- Sermons on Numbers 24:2
Context — Balaam’s Third Oracle
1And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.
2When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,
3and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, 4the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 19:20 | he sent messengers to capture 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 | 2 Chronicles 15:1 | Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Song of Solomon 6:4 | You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners. |
| 6 | Matthew 10:4 | Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. |
| 7 | Numbers 24:5 | How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel! |
| 8 | John 11:49–51 | But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, |
| 9 | 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? |
| 10 | 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. On the east side, toward the sunrise, the divisions of Judah are to camp under their standard: The leader of the descendants of Judah is Nahshon son of Amminadab, and his division numbers 74,600. The tribe of Issachar will camp next to it. The leader of the Issacharites is Nethanel son of Zuar, and his division numbers 54,400. Next will be the tribe of Zebulun. The leader of the Zebulunites is Eliab son of Helon, and his division numbers 57,400. The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Judah is 186,400; they shall set out first. On the south side, the divisions of Reuben are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Reubenites is Elizur son of Shedeur, and his division numbers 46,500. The tribe of Simeon will camp next to it. The leader of the Simeonites is Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, and his division numbers 59,300. Next will be the tribe of Gad. The leader of the Gadites is Eliasaph son of Deuel, and his division numbers 45,650. The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Reuben is 151,450; they shall set out second. In the middle of the camps, the Tent of Meeting is to travel with the camp of the Levites. They are to set out in the order they encamped, each in his own place under his standard. On the west side, the divisions of Ephraim are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Ephraimites is Elishama son of Ammihud, and his division numbers 40,500. The tribe of Manasseh will be next to it. The leader of the Manassites is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, and his division numbers 32,200. Next will be the tribe of Benjamin. The leader of the Benjamites is Abidan son of Gideoni, and his division numbers 35,400. The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Ephraim is 108,100; they shall set out third. On the north side, the divisions of Dan are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Danites is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, and his division numbers 62,700. The tribe of Asher will camp next to it. The leader of the Asherites is Pagiel son of Ocran, and his division numbers 41,500. Next will be the tribe of Naphtali. The leader of the Naphtalites is Ahira son of Enan, and his division numbers 53,400. The total number of men in the camp of Dan is 157,600; they shall set out last, under their standards.” These are the Israelites, numbered according to their families. The total of those counted in the camps, by their divisions, was 603,550. But the Levites were not counted among the other Israelites, as the LORD had commanded Moses. So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; they camped under their standards in this way and set out in the same way, each man with his clan and his family. |
Numbers 24:2 Summary
In Numbers 24:2, the Spirit of God comes upon Balaam as he looks out at the Israelites camped in their tribes, indicating that God is about to speak through him. This event shows how God can use anyone, even those who may have previously opposed Him, to proclaim His message (as also seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27). The Spirit's coming upon Balaam prepares him to bless Israel instead of curse them, demonstrating God's power to change hearts and use us for His purposes (Romans 8:14). As believers, we can learn from Balaam's experience and seek to be open to the Spirit's guidance in our lives, just as Jesus promised in John 14:26.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Spirit of God to come upon someone?
When the Spirit of God comes upon someone, it means God is giving them a special gift or empowering them for a specific task, as seen in Numbers 24:2 and also in Judges 3:10 where the Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel to lead the Israelites to victory.
Why did Balaam look up and see Israel encamped tribe by tribe before the Spirit came upon him?
Balaam looked up and saw Israel's organization and unity, which may have prepared his heart for the Spirit's work, similar to how Moses saw the burning bush in Exodus 3:2-4 before receiving his calling from God.
Is this the same Spirit that comes upon believers today?
Yes, the same Spirit of God that came upon Balaam is the same Spirit who comes to live in believers today, as promised in Romans 8:9 and 1 Corinthians 3:16, guiding and empowering them for service and witness.
How does this event relate to Balaam's previous attempts to curse Israel?
This event marks a turning point for Balaam, as he now sees Israel blessed by God, and instead of resorting to sorcery as before, the Spirit of God comes upon him, indicating a shift towards obedience and prophetic utterance, as seen in the following verses of Numbers 24.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways I can prepare my heart to receive the Spirit's guidance and empowerment in my life, just like Balaam?
- How can I, like Balaam, move from a place of opposition to God's people to a place of blessing and prophecy?
- In what ways can I recognize the Spirit of God coming upon me, and how should I respond?
- What are the implications of the Spirit of God coming upon someone for the community of believers, and how can we support one another in our callings?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:2
And Balaam lifted up his eyes,.... Being on Mount Peor: and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; in that exact order in which they were directed to encamp under four
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
According to their tribes; in the order appointed, Numbers 2. Came upon him, i.e. inspired him to speak the following words, and so constrained him again to bless those whom he desired to curse.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
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.Ver. 2. And the spirit of God came upon him.] A common spirit, a spirit of prophecy: "Have not we prophesied in thy name?," said those castaways. In impiis quandoque sunt dona Dei, sine Deo. God gives gifts to men, "yea to the rebellious," for the use of his Church. A blind man may bear a torch in his hand, whereby others may receive benefit, though himself receive none; so here.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
(2) Abiding in his tents . . . —i.e., encamped according to the order prescribed for the respective tribes. The cognate noun is rendered tabernacles in Numbers 24:5. And the spirit of God came upon him.—In regard to the two former utterances, it is said that Jehovah put a word in the mouth of Balaam (Numbers 23:5; Numbers 23:15). In the present case the Spirit of God came upon (or, over) him. The same expression is used of the messengers of Saul (1 Samuel 19:20), and of Saul himself (Ibid, Numbers 24:23). The prophecy of Caiaphas (John 11:15) affords another instance of the sovereign power of the Spirit as displayed through the medium of wicked men.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
Verse 2. The Spirit of God came upon him.] This Divine afflatus he had not expected on the present occasion, but God had not yet declared the whole of his will.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:2
Numbers 24:1-2. Balaam knew that Jehovah wished Israel to be blessed; he did not therefore seek an omen to guide him, but began his declaration at once.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:2
Balaam gazed over the camp of Israel that stretched before him, and allowed the spectacle to work its own influence upon him.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:2
2. The Spirit of God came upon him — The inlet of God into the soul is through the truth as a medium.
Sermons on Numbers 24:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Manifest Presence - Part 2 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of drawing near to God. He emphasizes that the distance between God and ourselves is not always equal and that God may be farther |
|
Union With Christ by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the profound union believers have with Christ, highlighting that while they possess heavenly beauty, they are also equipped to confront spiritual battles ag |
|
Righteous Prayer in an Unrighteous Time by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life and engaging in fervent prayer in the midst of unrighteous times. Drawing from James chapter 5, the message calls f |
|
(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 21 Psalm 84 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 84, emphasizing the deep longing for God's presence and the joy found in worshiping Him. He explains the significance of the tabernacles and the journ |
|
The General Plan of the Tabernacle by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the significance of the Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people, illustrating how it symbolizes a new beginning and a holy nation set apa |
|
The Blessings of the Coming Age by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the glorious blessings promised in the coming age of the kingdom, the millennium, as revealed in the prophetic Word. He emphasizes the true de |
|
(John) 15 - the Life Saving by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on John chapter 11, which tells the story of the resurrection of Lazarus. The sermon is divided into four sections: the occasion of the miracle, |