Numbers 24:4
He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
Numbers 24:4
Balaam’s oracle oracles unfold within a charged confrontation: Israel’s camp is on the plains of Moab, Balak has hired Balaam to curse Israel, and yet God overrides every human agenda. In this verse, Balaam is described with vivid imagery: he “heareth the words of God,” “saw the vision of the Almighty,” and, yet, he is “falling into a trance, but having his eyes open.” The wording signals a faithful, revelatory encounter rather than mere human insight. The ancient Near Eastern backdrop often depicts dreams or ecstatic visions as moments when a deity communicates. Here, Balaam’s trance is controlled by God, not by his own will, and his eyes are opened to see what others could not—God’s sovereignty over nations. The verse situates Balaam as a prophet of the true God, albeit one with a complex moral arc: a mouthpiece under divine instruction, not a master of divination for hire.
Key themes include divine speech, prophetic revelation, and the paradox of a morally compromised prophet delivering blessings. God’s words come through a channel that is imperfect, yet the content defies the expectations of the human audience. The verse testifies to God’s sovereignty—he speaks and reveals truth even when human actors intend harm. It also foreshadows the rest of Balaam’s oracles, where partial human motives are silenced by God’s ultimate purposes for Israel. The trance underscores that prophecy is under God’s control, not dependent on the prophet’s character or circumstances.
This invites readers to recognize that true insight—whether about people, nations, or personal decisions—comes from attentive listening to God, not merely from human cleverness or persuasive speech. We may be surrounded by agendas and manipulations, yet God can open our eyes to his larger plan. Practically, cultivate quiet listening in prayer, asking God to reveal what he is doing behind current events. When you encounter a “prophetic” word or strong opinion, measure it against the character of God and the integrity of the message: does it align with the promise and blessing God gives his people? Like Balaam’s trance, sometimes God’s guidance comes through unusual channels—be willing to discern and submit to God’s revealed purposes, even if it contradicts personal plans.
Cross-References
- Numbers 23:7-10
- 2 Samuel 7:28-29
- Psalm 119:105
- Isaiah 6:1-3
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21