Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: New Living Translation the message of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: English Standard Version the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: Berean Standard Bible the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: King James Bible He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: New King James Version The utterance of him who hears the words of God, And has the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Who falls down, with eyes wide open: New American Standard Bible The declaration of him who hears the words of God, And knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered: NASB 1995 The oracle of him who hears the words of God, And knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered. NASB 1977 The oracle of him who hears the words of God, And knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered. Legacy Standard Bible The oracle of him who hears the words of God, And knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who beholds the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes opened. Amplified Bible The oracle of him who hears the words of God And knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, but having his eyes open and uncovered: Christian Standard Bible the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God and has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered: Holman Christian Standard Bible the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God and has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered: American Standard Version He saith, who heareth the words of God, And knoweth the knowledge of the Most High, Who seeth the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open: Contemporary English Version My knowledge comes from God Most High, the LORD All-Powerful. I bowed down to him and saw a vision of Israel. English Revised Version He saith, which heareth the words of God, And knoweth the knowledge of the Most High, Which seeth the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open: GOD'S WORD® Translation This is the message of the one who hears the words of God, receives knowledge from the Most High, has a vision from the Almighty, and falls [into a trance] with his eyes open: Good News Translation Who can hear what God is saying And receive the knowledge that comes from the Most High. With staring eyes I see in a trance A vision from Almighty God. International Standard Version A declaration from one who hears what God has to say, who knows what the Most High knows, who saw the vision that the Almighty revealed, who keeps stumbling with open eyes. Majority Standard Bible the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: NET Bible the oracle of the one who hears the words of God, and who knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, although falling flat on the ground with eyes open: New Heart English Bible he says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of Shaddai, falling down, and having his eyes open: Webster's Bible Translation He hath said, who heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the Most High, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: World English Bible he says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open: Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAn affirmation of him who is hearing sayings of God, "" And knowing knowledge of the Most High; He sees a vision of the Almighty, "" Falling—and eyes uncovered: Young's Literal Translation An affirmation of him who is hearing sayings of God -- And knowing knowledge of the Most High; A vision of the Almighty he seeth, Falling -- and eyes uncovered: Smith's Literal Translation He said, hearing the sayings of God, honoring the knowledge of the Most High, he will see the vision of the Almighty, falling, and the eyes being uncovered: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe hearer of the words of God hath said, who knoweth the doctrine of the Highest, and seeth the visions of the Almighty, who falling hath his eyes opened: Catholic Public Domain Version the hearer of the sermon of God, he who knows the doctrine of the Most High, and who sees the visions of the Almighty, who, falling down, has his eyes opened, has declared: New American Bible The oracle of one who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows, Of one who sees what the Almighty sees, in rapture and with eyes unveiled. New Revised Standard Version the oracle of one who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, but with his eyes uncovered: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe has said, who heard the words of God and knew the knowledge of the Most High, who saw the vision of God, falling into a trance but having his eyes open; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He said, hearing the speech of God and knowing the mind of the Highest, and he saw the appearance of God, when raising and opening his eyes: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The saying of him who heareth the words of God, And knoweth the knowledge of the Most High, Who seeth the vision of the Almighty, Fallen down, yet with opened eyes: Brenton Septuagint Translation hearing the oracles of God, receiving knowledge from the Most High, and having seen a vision of God in sleep; his eyes were opened. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Balaam's Fourth Oracle15Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, 16the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: 17I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.… Cross References 2 Peter 1:21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. Revelation 1:1 This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. / We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. Daniel 2:22 He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. Ephesians 3:3-5 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. / In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, / which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. Isaiah 44:26 who confirms the message of His servant and fulfills the counsel of His messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be inhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They will be rebuilt, and I will restore their ruins,’ John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you. Genesis 41:16 “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.” 1 Samuel 9:9 (Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) Acts 3:18 But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer. Isaiah 48:16 Come near to Me and listen to this: From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time it happened, I was there.” And now the Lord GOD has sent me, accompanied by His Spirit. Jeremiah 23:18 But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it? Treasury of Scripture He has said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see him. Job 19:25-27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: … Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Jude 1:11,14,15 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core… a star Matthew 2:2-9 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him… Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: a sceptre Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Psalm 45:6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Psalm 78:70-72 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: … 1 Samuel 14:38 And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day. Zechariah 10:4 Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together. Moab 2 Samuel 8:2 And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. 2 Kings 3:5,26,27 But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel… 1 Chronicles 18:2 And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. all the children Genesis 4:25,26 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew… Jump to Previous Affirmation Almighty Ear Eyes Heard Heareth Hearing Hears High Open Opened Prostrate Ruler Sayings Trance Uncovered Vision WordsJump to Next Affirmation Almighty Ear Eyes Heard Heareth Hearing Hears High Open Opened Prostrate Ruler Sayings Trance Uncovered Vision WordsNumbers 24 1. Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel10. Balak, in anger, dismisses him 15. He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations the prophecy of one who hears the words of God This phrase refers to Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, who is depicted as having a unique relationship with God, despite his outsider status. In the biblical context, Balaam is a complex figure who is both a true prophet and yet often associated with negative actions (Numbers 22-24). His ability to hear God's words indicates divine revelation, a theme consistent with other prophets like Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:9-18). This highlights the sovereignty of God in choosing His messengers, regardless of their background. who has knowledge from the Most High who sees a vision from the Almighty who bows down with eyes wide open Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who is known for his interactions with Balak, the king of Moab. Balaam is a complex figure who hears from God and delivers prophecies, including the one in Numbers 24:16. 2. Balak The king of Moab who sought Balaam's help to curse the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land. His fear of Israel's strength led him to seek supernatural intervention. 3. Moab A region east of the Dead Sea, whose king, Balak, was threatened by the presence of the Israelites. Moab plays a significant role in the account as the setting for Balaam's prophecies. 4. Israelites The people of God, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. They are the subject of Balaam's prophecies, which ultimately bless rather than curse them. 5. The Almighty (El Shaddai) A name for God emphasizing His power and sovereignty. Balaam's vision and prophecy are attributed to the Almighty, highlighting divine authority. Teaching Points Hearing God's WordsBalaam's ability to hear God's words reminds us of the importance of being attentive to God's voice in our lives. We should seek to cultivate a heart that listens to God through prayer and Scripture. Knowledge from the Most High True wisdom and knowledge come from God. We should prioritize seeking divine wisdom over worldly knowledge, aligning our understanding with God's truth. Vision from the Almighty Spiritual vision requires humility and openness to God's revelation. We should pray for spiritual insight to see God's plans and purposes clearly. Submission to God Balaam's posture of bowing down with eyes wide open symbolizes submission to God's authority. We are called to submit our lives to God, trusting in His sovereignty and guidance.(16) Which heard . . . and knew.--Better, which heareth . . . and knoweth. Which saw.--Better, he seeth. Verse 16. - Knew the knowledge of the Most High. Septuagint, ἐπιστάμενος ἐπιστήμην παρὰ Υψίστου. This expression alone distinguishes this introduction of Balaam's mashal from the former one (verses 3, 4), but it is difficult to say that it really adds anything to our understanding of his mental state. If we ask when Balaam had received the revelation which he now proceeds to communicate, it would seem most natural to reply that it was made known to him when "the Spirit of God came upon him," and that Balak's anger had interrupted him in the midst of his mashal, or possibly he had kept it back, as too distasteful to his patron, until he saw that he had nothing more to expect from that quarter.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew the prophecyנְאֻ֗ם (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle of one who hears שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙ (šō·mê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently the words אִמְרֵי־ (’im·rê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 561: Something said of God, אֵ֔ל (’êl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty who has knowledge וְיֹדֵ֖עַ (wə·yō·ḏê·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 3045: To know from the Most High, עֶלְי֑וֹן (‘el·yō·wn) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 5945: An elevation, lofty, as title, the Supreme who sees יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה (ye·ḥĕ·zeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of a vision מַחֲזֵ֤ה (ma·ḥă·zêh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4236: A vision from the Almighty, שַׁדַּי֙ (šad·day) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7706: The Almighty who bows down נֹפֵ֖ל (nō·p̄êl) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie with eyes עֵינָֽיִם׃ (‘ê·nā·yim) Noun - cd Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain wide open: וּגְל֥וּי (ū·ḡə·lui) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal Links Numbers 24:16 NIVNumbers 24:16 NLT Numbers 24:16 ESV Numbers 24:16 NASB Numbers 24:16 KJV Numbers 24:16 BibleApps.com Numbers 24:16 Biblia Paralela Numbers 24:16 Chinese Bible Numbers 24:16 French Bible Numbers 24:16 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 24:16 He says who hears the words (Nu Num.) |
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