Numbers 24:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

NUMBERS CHAPTER 24 Balaam lays aside his sorceries, and the Spirit of God comes upon him; his eyes are open; hears the words of God, and sees the vision of the Almighty, Numbers 24:1-4; prophesies of Israel's prosperity, Numbers 24:5-9. Balak is angry; commands him to flee; his answer, Numbers 24:10-14. He prophesies of the Messias the King, and of the destruction of the nations, Numbers 24:15-24. He returns to his place; and Balak goes his way, Numbers 24:25. To seek for enchantments, i.e. to use enchantments, which he is said to have done, either because when he consulted and sacrificed to God, he did also use enchantments and consult with the devil, that if one would not, the other might help him; or because he consulted God in a magical and superstitious way, by using such postures or instruments or forms of words as enchanters used. Toward the wilderness, where Israel lay encamped, either with intent to curse Israel without God's leave; or rather, expecting what God of his own accord would suggest to him concerning this matter.

Numbers 24:1

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