Numbers 24:2-4

24:2 When Balaam lifted up his eyes, he saw Israel camped tribe by tribe; ¹  and the Spirit of God came upon him. 24:3 Then he uttered this oracle: ² 

“The oracle ³  of Balaam son of Beor;

the oracle of the man whose eyes are open; ⁴ 

24:4 the oracle of the one who hears the words of God,

who sees a vision from the Almighty,

although falling flat on the ground ⁵  with eyes open: ⁶ 

Numbers 24:12-13

24:12 Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not also tell your messengers whom you sent to me, 24:13 ‘If Balak would give me his palace full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond ⁷  the commandment ⁸  of the Lord to do either good or evil of my own will, ⁹  but whatever the Lord tells me I must speak’?

¹ tn Heb “living according to their tribes.”

² tn Heb “and he took up his oracle and said.”

³ tn The word נְאֻם (nÿ’um) is an “oracle.” It is usually followed by a subjective genitive, indicating the doer of the action. The word could be rendered “says,” but this translations is more specific.

⁴ tn The Greek version reads “the one who sees truly.” The word has been interpreted in both ways, “shut” or “open.”

³ tn The phrase “flat on the ground” is supplied in the translation for clarity. The Greek version interprets the line to mean “falling asleep.” It may mean falling into a trance.

⁴ tn The last colon simply has “falling, but opened eyes.” The falling may simply refer to lying prone; and the opened eyes may refer to his receiving a vision. See H. E. Freeman, An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets, 37-41.

⁴ tn Heb “I am not able to go beyond.”

⁵ tn Heb “mouth.”

⁶ tn Heb “from my heart.”