Connect Numbers 24:16 with another instance of divine revelation in Scripture. Setting the Scene in Numbers 24:16 “the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who obtains knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open.” (Numbers 24:16) Key Phrases to Notice • “hears the words of God” – revelation comes by God’s initiative, not human invention • “obtains knowledge from the Most High” – what is revealed is trustworthy, authoritative truth • “sees a vision from the Almighty” – God discloses Himself visually as well as verbally • “bows down with eyes wide open” – true revelation produces humility, yet clarity Parallel Moment: Peter’s Vision in Acts 10:9-16 “While the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being lowered to earth by its four corners… Then a voice said to him, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat!’… ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’” (Acts 10:10-15) Shared Elements of Divine Revelation • Direct initiative of God – Balaam “hears the words of God” – Peter hears a heavenly voice three times • Visionary experience – Balaam “sees a vision from the Almighty” – Peter “saw heaven opened” and a symbolic sheet • Physical response – Balaam “bows down” in awe – Peter is so overcome he “fell into a trance” • Authoritative message that alters history – Balaam’s oracle foretells Israel’s blessed future (Numbers 24:17-19) – Peter’s vision opens the gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10:34-48) • Consistency with wider Scripture – Similar patterns of sight, sound, and humbled posture appear in Isaiah 6:1-5; Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 10:7-9; Revelation 1:17 Why the Connection Matters • Affirms that God communicates clearly and specifically across eras • Shows prophetic revelation guiding both Old- and New-Covenant missions • Highlights that true revelation aligns with God’s redemptive plan, never contradicting prior truth (Galatians 1:8; 2 Peter 1:19-21) • Demonstrates that God’s word carries the power to transform nations—Moab heard through Balaam, the Gentile world heard through Peter Living Out the Truth • Receive Scripture as the same authoritative word Balaam and Peter heard—complete and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Approach God’s word with Balaam’s open eyes and Peter’s readiness, bowing before its authority • Expect God’s revealed truth to challenge prejudice and enlarge obedience, just as Peter’s vision shattered Jewish-Gentile barriers • Trust that what God speaks, He fulfills; Balaam’s star-prophecy (Numbers 24:17) found completion in Christ (Matthew 2:2), and Peter’s vision still fuels global mission today |
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