Numbers 24:1
Numbers 24:1 in Multiple Translations
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
And when Balaam saw that it pleased Jehovah to bless Israel, he went not, as at the other times, to meet with enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
Now when Balaam saw that it was the Lord's pleasure to give his blessing to Israel, he did not, as at other times, make use of secret arts, but turning his face to the waste land,
When Balaam saw that the Lord wanted to bless Israel, he chose not to use divination as he had previously. Instead he turned towards the desert,
When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to blesse Israel, then he went not, as certaine times before, to set diuinations, but set his face toward the wildernesse.
And Balaam seeth that [it is] good in the eyes of Jehovah to bless Israel, and he hath not gone as time by time to meet enchantments, and he setteth towards the wilderness his face;
When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he didn’t go, as at the other times, to use divination, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord that he should bless Israel. he went not as he had gone before, to seek divination: but setting his face towards the desert,
Balaam now realized that Yahweh wanted to bless the Israeli people, not curse them. So he did not use magic/divination like a shaman would do to find out what Yahweh wanted, as he often did. Instead, he turned toward the desert.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:1
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 24:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
בִּלְעָ֗ם
כִּ֣י
ט֞וֹב
בְּ/עֵינֵ֤י
יְהוָה֙
לְ/בָרֵ֣ךְ
אֶת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וְ/לֹא
הָלַ֥ךְ
כְּ/פַֽעַם
בְּ/פַ֖עַם
לִ/קְרַ֣את
נְחָשִׁ֑ים
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׁת
אֶל
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
פָּנָֽי/ו
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּלְעָ֗ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ט֞וֹב
ṭôwb
H2895
be pleasing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/עֵינֵ֤י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/בָרֵ֣ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הָלַ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כְּ/פַֽעַם
paʻam
H6471
beat
Prep | N-fs
בְּ/פַ֖עַם
paʻam
H6471
beat
Prep | N-fs
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
נְחָשִׁ֑ים
nachash
H5173
divination
N-mp
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Art | N-ms
פָּנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:1
וַ/יַּ֣רְא
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.
בִּלְעָ֗ם
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.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ט֞וֹב
ṭôwb
H2895
"be pleasing"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to be good or pleasing, often used to describe God's actions or human behavior. It appears in Genesis 1, where God sees that creation is good, and in Psalm 100, where the psalmist says that God is good and his love endures forever.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favourable, be happy, be right 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleasant, be delightful 1a2) to be glad, be joyful 1a3) to be better 1a4) to be well with, be good for 1a5) to be pleasing 1b) (Hiphil) to do well, do good, act right, act rightly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be (do) better, cheer, be (do, seem) good, (make) goodly, [idiom] please, (be, do, go, play) well. See also: Numbers 11:18; Nehemiah 2:7; Psalms 119:68.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֤י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
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.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/בָרֵ֣ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
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.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הָלַ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
כְּ/פַֽעַם
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
בְּ/פַ֖עַם
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
Prep | N-fs
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
נְחָשִׁ֑ים
nachash
H5173
"divination"
N-mp
Divination is the act of seeking guidance or knowledge through supernatural means, like enchantment. It is mentioned in Numbers 23:23 as a forbidden practice.
Definition: divination, enchantment
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: enchantment. See also: Numbers 23:23; Numbers 24:1.
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Art | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
פָּנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
- Sermons on Numbers 24:1
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,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:3 | “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height, |
| 2 | Numbers 23:23 | For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’ |
| 3 | Numbers 23:28 | And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland. |
| 4 | Numbers 31:16 | “Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. |
| 5 | Numbers 22:13 | So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.” |
| 6 | Numbers 23:20 | I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. |
| 7 | Revelation 2:14 | But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. |
| 8 | Numbers 23:15 | Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 26:2 | So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 26:25 | Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son. You will accomplish great things and will surely prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home. |
Numbers 24:1 Summary
This verse shows us that Balaam, who had been using sorcery to try to curse Israel, had a change of heart and decided to seek God's will instead. He turned away from his old ways and looked to God for guidance, which is something we can all learn from (Psalm 37:5-7). By seeking God's pleasure and will, we can find a clearer direction for our lives, just like Balaam did. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all things, and we should trust in His goodness and wisdom, as seen in Romans 11:33-36.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balaam stop using sorcery in this instance?
Balaam stopped using sorcery because he saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, indicating a shift in his approach to align with God's will, as seen in Numbers 24:1, and this change is likely due to his growing understanding of God's character, as expressed in Exodus 34:6-7.
What is the significance of Balaam turning his face toward the wilderness?
By turning his face toward the wilderness, Balaam may have been seeking a clearer connection with God, away from the distractions of the Israelite camp, and this act can be seen as a form of humility and surrender, similar to Moses' actions in Exodus 3:5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of divine sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty over all events, including the actions of non-believers like Balaam, as it is God's pleasure that dictates the outcome, as seen in Romans 9:15-16 and Psalm 115:3.
What can we learn from Balaam's example about seeking God's will?
Balaam's example teaches us to seek God's will above our own desires and methods, and to be willing to change our approach when we discern God's pleasure, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be relying on my own methods or sorcery, rather than seeking God's will?
- How can I, like Balaam, turn my face toward the wilderness and seek a clearer connection with God?
- In what ways can I align my actions and decisions with God's pleasure, as expressed in His Word?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply this understanding to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:1
And when Balsam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel,.... That it was good in his sight, what he approved of, and was well-pleasing to him, and that it was his determined mind that Israel
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:1
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
NUMBERS CHAPTER 24 Balaam lays aside his sorceries, and the Spirit of God comes upon him; his eyes are open; hears the words of God, and sees the vision of the Almighty, ; prophesies of Israel’ s prosperity, . Balak is angry; commands him to flee; his answer, . He prophesies of the Messias the King, and of the destruction of the nations, . He returns to his place; and Balak goes his way, . To seek for enchantments, i.e. to use enchantments, which he is said to have done, either because when he consulted and sacrificed to God, he did also use enchantments and consult with the devil, that if one would not, the other might help him; or because he consulted God in a magical and superstitious way, by using such postures or instruments or forms of words as enchanters used. Toward the wilderness, where Israel lay encamped, either with intent to curse Israel without God’ s leave; or rather, expecting what God of his own accord would suggest to him concerning this matter.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
Numbers 24:1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.Ver. 1. He went not as at other times.] As being resolved to curse howsoever, and without God’ s leave; yea, al despito di Dio, as that mouth of blasphemy, Pope Julius III, once said in another case; to take his own course whatever came of it. He set his face.] As fully bent to do it, and nothing should hinder him. So our Saviour Christ "steadfastly set (εστηριξε) his face to go to Jerusalem." He steeled his forehead against all oppositions. Act. and Mon., fol. 1417.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
XXIV.(1) He set his face toward the wilderness.—i.e., towards the place where the Israelites were encamped on the steppes of Moab.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
CHAPTER XXIV Balaam, finding that God was determined to bless Israel, seeks no longer for enchantments, 1. The Spirit of God coming upon him, he delivers a most important prophetic parable, 2-9. Balak's anger is kindled against him, and he commands him to depart to his own country, 10,11. Balaam vindicates his conduct, 12, 13; and delivers a prophecy relative to the future destruction of Moab by the Israelites, 14-17; also of Edom, 18, 19; of the Amalekites, 20; and of the Kenites, 21, 22. Predicts also the destruction of Asshur and Eber, by the naval power of Chittim, which should afterwards be itself destroyed, 23, 24. Balaam and Balak separate, 25. NOTES ON CHAP. XXIV Verse 1. He went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments] We have already had occasion to observe that the proper meaning of the word נחש nachash is not easily ascertained; see Numbers 21:9, and see on Genesis 3:1. Here the plural נחשים nechashim is rendered enchantments; but it probably means no more than the knowledge of future events.
When Balaam saw that it pleased God to bless Israel, he therefore thought it unnecessary to apply for any farther prophetic declarations of God's will as he had done before, for he could safely infer every good to this people, from the evident disposition of God towards them.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:1
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.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:1
ISRAEL’S , Numbers 24:1-4. 1. Enchantments — Auguries. See Numbers 23:3; Numbers 23:15; Numbers 23:23, notes. Toward the wilderness — The plains of Moab, where Israel was encamped. Chap. Numbers 22:1.
Sermons on Numbers 24:1
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Standing Ordinances of Religion by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of adhering to the Standing Ordinances of Religion, emphasizing the perpetuation of doctrines through ordinances, the embodiment of unseen |
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Error of Balamm - Part 2 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Balaam and Balak from the Bible. Balaam is asked by Balak to curse the enemies of Israel, but instead, he blesses them as directe |
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How to Hear From God by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of hearing from God amidst the distractions of modern life, urging believers to seek a desolate place free from competing voices. He highlig |
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(Through the Bible) Numbers 21-28 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker uses a football game as an analogy to explain how God sees our lives. He emphasizes that God's purposes remain steadfast and sure, even though it may ap |
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Jude: Last Days - Balaam 2 by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the love of Christ to be present in the world. He believes that until people have Christ's love in their hearts towards one ano |
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(History of the Salvation Army) Sweeping Through the Land by H. Scotney | The video discusses the early efforts of the Salvation Army in using film and visual education for evangelism. It mentions the production of a full-length feature film in Paris, wh |
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Is Muhammad a True Prophet of God? by Sam Shamoun | Sam Shamoun presents six propositions that challenge the belief in Muhammad as a true prophet of God, urging Muslims to reflect on these claims. He argues that Muhammad's teachings |