The spirit of God came upon him. This seems to intimate a higher state of inspiration than the expression, "God put a word into his mouth" (Numbers 23:5, Numbers 23:16).
Bible Commentary
Numbers 24:2
The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:2
The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain
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Matthew Henry on Numbers 24:1-9Numbers 24:1-9 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryNow 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 wit…Balaam Blesses Israel a Third Time. (b. c. 1452.)Numbers 24:1-9 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleBALAAM BLESSES ISRAEL A THIRD TIME. (B. C. 1452.) The blessing itself which Balaam here pronounces upon Israel is much the same with the two we had in the foregoing chapter; but the introduction to it is different. I. T…The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:1-9Numbers 24:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryBALAAM-THE THIRD PARABLE This passage marks the period at which Balaam becomes finally convinced that it is vain for him to attempt to satisfy Balak, or to carry out the baser promptings of his own heart. He confesses h…
commentaryMatthew Henry on Numbers 24:1-9Now 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 wit…Matthew HenrycommentaryBalaam Blesses Israel a Third Time. (b. c. 1452.)BALAAM BLESSES ISRAEL A THIRD TIME. (B. C. 1452.) The blessing itself which Balaam here pronounces upon Israel is much the same with the two we had in the foregoing chapter; but the introduction to it is different. I. T…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:1-9BALAAM-THE THIRD PARABLE This passage marks the period at which Balaam becomes finally convinced that it is vain for him to attempt to satisfy Balak, or to carry out the baser promptings of his own heart. He confesses h…Joseph S. Exell and contributors