2 When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him

Other Translations of Numbers 24:2

King James Version

2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.

English Standard Version

2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him,

The Message

2 As Balaam looked, he saw Israel camped tribe by tribe. The Spirit of God came on him,

New King James Version

2 And Balaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him.

New Living Translation

2 where he saw the people of Israel camped, tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him,

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 24:2

Commentary on Numbers 24:1-9

(Read Numbers 24:1-9)

Now Balaam spake not his own sense, but the language of the Spirit that came upon him. Many have their eyes open who have not their hearts open; are enlightened, but not sanctified. That knowledge which puffs men up with pride, will but serve to light them to hell, whither many go with their eyes open. The blessing is nearly the same as those given before. He admires in Israel, their beauty. The righteous, doubtless, is more excellent than his neighbour. Their fruitfulness and increase. Their honour and advancement. Their power and victory. He looks back upon what had been done for them. Their power and victory. He looks back upon what had been done for them. Their courage and security. The righteous are bold as a lion, not when assaulting others, but when at rest, because God maketh them to dwell in safety. Their influence upon their neighbours. God takes what is done to them, whether good or evil, as done to himself.