Balaam’s oracle affirms God’s intent to bless Israel, despite human attempts to manipulate or thwart His plan.
Then he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, And the oracle of the man whose eye is opened.” (Numbers 24:15)
In this verse, Balaam—the enigmatic prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab—announces yet another oracle concerning Israel. Historically, these events occurred near the end of Israel’s forty-year wilderness journey, around the plains of Moab (Numbers 22:1). Though Balak wanted Balaam to curse God’s people, the LORD repeatedly caused Balaam to bless Israel instead. By describing himself as “the man whose eye is opened,” Balaam claims to see spiritual realities that others do not, including God’s unwavering plan to preserve and prosper His chosen people. Despite Balaam’s own shifting loyalties, God uses him here to declare a prophecy that ultimately reveals divine favor toward Israel.
Balaam’s role in the biblical narrative has often been regarded with suspicion because of his willingness to seek reward from a pagan king. In Israel’s history, his story becomes a warning against divided loyalties. Nonetheless, the LORD still spoke His truth through Balaam, countering Balak’s motives and reaffirming the covenant blessings promised to Abraham’s descendants. Balaam’s words highlight that the power of divine sovereignty exceeds human intentions—once the LORD grants a blessing, no one can revoke it (Numbers 23:20).
By calling Balaam “the man whose eye is opened,” Scripture emphasizes his prophetic insight into God’s plan. Even though he was not an Israelite, God chose to reveal His intentions through him—a reminder that the LORD can use any means to accomplish His purposes. And indeed, the oracles following this verse extend beyond Israel’s immediate fortunes to portray a coming ruler and blessing for all nations (Numbers 24:17). In Balaam’s prophecy, we see how man’s agendas can be overruled by God’s sovereign will.
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Numbers 24:15 meaning
Then he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, And the oracle of the man whose eye is opened.” (Numbers 24:15)
In this verse, Balaam—the enigmatic prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab—announces yet another oracle concerning Israel. Historically, these events occurred near the end of Israel’s forty-year wilderness journey, around the plains of Moab (Numbers 22:1). Though Balak wanted Balaam to curse God’s people, the LORD repeatedly caused Balaam to bless Israel instead. By describing himself as “the man whose eye is opened,” Balaam claims to see spiritual realities that others do not, including God’s unwavering plan to preserve and prosper His chosen people. Despite Balaam’s own shifting loyalties, God uses him here to declare a prophecy that ultimately reveals divine favor toward Israel.
Balaam’s role in the biblical narrative has often been regarded with suspicion because of his willingness to seek reward from a pagan king. In Israel’s history, his story becomes a warning against divided loyalties. Nonetheless, the LORD still spoke His truth through Balaam, countering Balak’s motives and reaffirming the covenant blessings promised to Abraham’s descendants. Balaam’s words highlight that the power of divine sovereignty exceeds human intentions—once the LORD grants a blessing, no one can revoke it (Numbers 23:20).
By calling Balaam “the man whose eye is opened,” Scripture emphasizes his prophetic insight into God’s plan. Even though he was not an Israelite, God chose to reveal His intentions through him—a reminder that the LORD can use any means to accomplish His purposes. And indeed, the oracles following this verse extend beyond Israel’s immediate fortunes to portray a coming ruler and blessing for all nations (Numbers 24:17). In Balaam’s prophecy, we see how man’s agendas can be overruled by God’s sovereign will.