🔢WEB · Numbers 24:3
What does Numbers 24:3 mean?
"He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says;"
— Numbers 24:3 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
When Balaam saw that it pleased Yahweh to bless Israel, he didn’t go, as at the other times, to meet with enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on him.
He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says;
he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open:
How goodly are your tents, Jacob, and your tents, Israel!
As valleys they are spread out, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which Yahweh has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters.
Explanation
Numbers 24:3 introduces the third of Balaam's oracles concerning Israel, and it is essentially a formal announcement that a prophecy is about to be spoken. The verse itself is simple: Balaam identifies himself by name and by lineage ("son of Beor") and describes himself as "the man whose eyes are open." This is poetic, formulaic language typical of ancient prophetic speech, signaling to the listener that what follows is not Balaam's own opinion but a message received through special insight or revelation.
The context is essential to understanding the verse. Balaam was a non-Israelite diviner or seer, hired by Balak, the king of Moab, who feared the Israelites as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. Balak wanted Balaam to curse Israel so that Moab could defeat them in battle. However, God repeatedly intervened, ensuring that whenever Balaam opened his mouth, blessing came out instead of a curse. By this point in Numbers 24, Balaam has already given two oracles blessing Israel, much to Balak's frustration. Numbers 24
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.