Numbers 24:1
New International Version
Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to divination as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness.

New Living Translation
By now Balaam realized that the LORD was determined to bless Israel, so he did not resort to divination as before. Instead, he turned and looked out toward the wilderness,

English Standard Version
When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness.

Berean Standard Bible
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.

King James Bible
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

New King James Version
Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

New American Standard Bible
When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times to seek omens, rather he turned his attention toward the wilderness.

NASB 1995
When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times to seek omens but he set his face toward the wilderness.

NASB 1977
When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times to seek omens but he set his face toward the wilderness.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Balaam saw that it was good in the eyes of Yahweh to bless Israel, so he did not go as at other times to encounter omens, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

Amplified Bible
When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as he had done each time before [superstitiously] to seek omens and signs [in the natural world], but he set his face toward the wilderness (desert).

Christian Standard Bible
Since Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go to seek omens as on previous occasions, but turned toward the wilderness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Since Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go to seek omens as on previous occasions, but turned toward the wilderness.

American Standard Version
And when Balaam saw that it pleased Jehovah to bless Israel, he went not, as at the other times, to meet with enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

Contemporary English Version
Balaam was sure that the LORD would tell him to bless Israel again. So he did not use any magic to find out what the LORD wanted him to do, as he had the first two times. Instead, he looked out toward the desert

English Revised Version
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at the other times, to meet with enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Balaam saw that the LORD wanted to bless Israel, he didn't look for omens as he had done before. He turned toward the desert,

Good News Translation
By now Balaam knew that the LORD wanted him to bless the people of Israel, so he did not go to look for omens, as he had done before. He turned toward the desert

International Standard Version
When Balaam noticed that the LORD was pleased that Balaam was blessing Israel, he didn't behave as he had time after time before, that is, to practice divination. Instead, he turned with his face to the wilderness,

Majority Standard Bible
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.

NET Bible
When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at the other times to seek for omens, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

New Heart English Bible
When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go, as at the other times, to meet with omens, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

World English Bible
When Balaam saw that it pleased Yahweh to bless Israel, he didn’t go, as at the other times, to use divination, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Balaam sees that [it is] good in the eyes of YHWH to bless Israel, and he has not gone as time by time to seek enchantments, and he sets his face toward the wilderness;

Young's Literal Translation
And Balaam seeth that it is good in the eyes of Jehovah to bless Israel, and he hath not gone as time by time to meet enchantments, and he setteth towards the wilderness his face;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Balaam will see that it was good in the eyes of Jehovah to praise Israel, and he went not now as before to meet enchantments, and he will set his face to the desert.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord that he should bless Israel. he went not as he had gone before, to seek divination: but setting his face towards the desert,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Balaam had seen that it was pleasing to the Lord that he should bless Israel, he by no means went out as he had gone before, to seek divination. But directing his face opposite the desert,

New American Bible
Balaam, however, perceiving that the LORD was pleased to bless Israel, did not go aside as before to seek omens, but turned his gaze toward the wilderness.

New Revised Standard Version
Now Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, so he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens, but set his face toward the wilderness.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
AND when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to seek divination; but set his face toward the wilderness.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Balaam saw that it was pleasing in the eyes of LORD JEHOVAH for his blessing of Israel and he did not go as in every other time to know divination and set his face to the wilderness.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at the other times, to meet with enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And when Balaam saw that it pleased God to bless Israel, he did not go according to his custom to meet the omens, but turned his face toward the wilderness.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Balaam's Third Oracle
1And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness. 2When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:18-19
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. / And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name.

2 Peter 1:21
For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 3:22-23
For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you. / Everyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among his people.’

John 11:51
Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation,

1 Samuel 10:6
Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person.

1 Samuel 19:20-24
he sent messengers to seize him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. / When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy. / Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. ...

2 Kings 3:15-16
But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha / and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’

Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

Ezekiel 13:3
This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.

Micah 3:8
As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

John 7:16-18
“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me. / If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. / He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.

Acts 13:6-12
They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, / an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. / But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. ...

1 Corinthians 12:3
Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.


Treasury of Scripture

And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

the spirit

Numbers 11:25-29
And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease…

1 Samuel 10:10
And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

1 Samuel 19:20,23
And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied…

Jump to Previous
Arts Bless Blessing Desert Enchantments Eyes Israel Lord's Meet Omens Pleased Pleasure Resort Secret Seek Sight Sorcery Times Towards Turned Turning Use Waste Wilderness
Jump to Next
Arts Bless Blessing Desert Enchantments Eyes Israel Lord's Meet Omens Pleased Pleasure Resort Secret Seek Sight Sorcery Times Towards Turned Turning Use Waste Wilderness
Numbers 24
1. Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel
10. Balak, in anger, dismisses him
15. He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations














And Balaam saw
The phrase "And Balaam saw" indicates a moment of realization or perception. In Hebrew, the word for "saw" is "ra'ah," which can mean to see with the eyes, to perceive, or to understand. This suggests that Balaam's understanding was not merely visual but also spiritual. He recognized a divine truth, which is significant because it marks a turning point in his actions. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is beginning to understand the will of the God of Israel, which is a profound moment of revelation and insight.

that it pleased the LORD
The phrase "that it pleased the LORD" highlights the divine approval of blessing Israel. The Hebrew word for "pleased" is "towb," which means good, pleasant, or agreeable. This indicates that the blessing of Israel aligns with God's good and perfect will. In the conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the sovereignty of God and His unchanging purpose to bless His chosen people, Israel. It also reflects the broader biblical theme that God's plans are ultimately for the good of His people.

to bless Israel
"To bless Israel" is a significant phrase that reflects God's covenantal relationship with Israel. The Hebrew word for "bless" is "barak," which means to kneel, to bless, or to praise. This blessing is not just a verbal pronouncement but an invocation of divine favor and protection. Historically, Israel's identity as God's chosen people is central to the narrative of the Old Testament, and this blessing is a reaffirmation of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

he did not resort to divination
The phrase "he did not resort to divination" indicates a departure from Balaam's previous practices. The Hebrew word for "divination" is "nachash," which refers to the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means. Balaam's decision to abandon divination signifies a shift from relying on pagan practices to acknowledging the true God. This change is crucial as it demonstrates a recognition of God's authority and a rejection of false spiritual practices.

as at other times
The phrase "as at other times" suggests that Balaam had previously engaged in divination regularly. This highlights the contrast between his past actions and his current obedience to God's will. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of encountering the true God, which can lead to a change in behavior and beliefs.

but he set his face
"But he set his face" is a phrase that denotes determination and resolve. In Hebrew, "set his face" is "shith panim," which implies a deliberate and focused action. This expression is often used in the Bible to describe a resolute decision to follow a particular path. Balaam's decision to set his face toward the wilderness indicates his commitment to follow God's direction, despite any personal or external pressures.

toward the wilderness
The phrase "toward the wilderness" is significant in the biblical context. The wilderness, or "midbar" in Hebrew, is often a place of testing, revelation, and encounter with God. It is where the Israelites wandered for forty years and where they experienced God's provision and guidance. Balaam's turning toward the wilderness symbolizes a movement toward God's presence and a willingness to align with His purposes. In a broader sense, it reflects the journey of faith, where believers are called to trust and follow God, even into the unknown.

XXIV.

(1) He set his face toward the wilderness.--i.e., towards the place where the Israelites were encamped on the steppes of Moab.

Chapter 24:1. - As at other times, or, "as (he had done) time after time." Septuagint, κατὰ τὸ εἰωθός. To seek for enchantments. Rather, "for the meeting with aunties." לִקְםראת נְחַשִׁים. Septuagint, to συνάντησιν τοῖς οἰωνοῖς. Nachashim., as in Numbers 23:23, is not enchantments in the sense of magical practices, but definitely auguries, i.e. omens and signs in the natural world observed and interpreted according to an artificial system as manifesting the purposes of God. As one of the commonest and worst of heathen practices, it was forbidden to Israel (Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 18:10) and held up to reprobation, as in 2 Kings 17:17; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6. Toward the wilderness. הַמִּדְבָּר. Not "Jeshimon," but apparently the Arboth Moab in which Israel was encamped, and which were for the most part desert as compared with the country around.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And when Balaam
בִּלְעָ֗ם (bil·‘ām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet

saw
וַיַּ֣רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

it pleased
ט֞וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2895: To be pleasing or good

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to bless
לְבָרֵ֣ךְ (lə·ḇā·rêḵ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

he did not
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

resort
הָלַ֥ךְ (hā·laḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to sorcery
נְחָשִׁ֑ים (nə·ḥā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5173: Divination, enchantment

as on previous occasions,
כְּפַֽעַם־ (kə·p̄a·‘am-)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

but he turned
וַיָּ֥שֶׁת (way·yā·šeṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7896: To put, set

his face
פָּנָֽיו׃ (pā·nāw)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

toward
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the wilderness.
הַמִּדְבָּ֖ר (ham·miḏ·bār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech


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OT Law: Numbers 24:1 When Balaam saw that it pleased Yahweh (Nu Num.)
Numbers 23:30
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