King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:1 Mean?

Numbers 24:1 in the King James Version says “And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. to seek: Heb. to the meeting of”

Numbers 24:1 · KJV

Context

1

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. to seek: Heb. to the meeting of

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.

3

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: whose: Heb. who had his eyes shut, but now opened

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When Balaam 'saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments.' After two failed attempts to curse Israel, Balaam abandoned divination and simply 'set his face toward the wilderness.' This shift suggests partial submission to God's will, yet his later treachery (31:16) proved his heart remained divided between God's word and personal gain.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'seek for enchantments' reveals Balaam's prior practice of using divination techniques to discern divine will. His abandoning these methods acknowledged God's clear intent to bless Israel regardless of magical manipulation attempts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What manipulative religious practices must you abandon to simply accept God's revealed will?
  2. How can external compliance with God's word mask continued internal resistance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיַּ֣רְא1 of 19

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בִּלְעָ֗ם2 of 19

“And when Balaam”

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

כִּ֣י3 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ט֞וֹב4 of 19
H2895

to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense

בְּעֵינֵ֤י5 of 19

“that it pleased”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָה֙6 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְבָרֵ֣ךְ7 of 19

“to bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֶת8 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 19

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְלֹֽא10 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָלַ֥ךְ11 of 19

“he went”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּפַ֖עַם12 of 19

“not as at other times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

בְּפַ֖עַם13 of 19

“not as at other times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

לִקְרַ֣את14 of 19

“to seek”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

נְחָשִׁ֑ים15 of 19

“for enchantments”

H5173

an incantation or augury

וַיָּ֥שֶׁת16 of 19

“but he set”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

אֶל17 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּדְבָּ֖ר18 of 19

“toward the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

פָּנָֽיו׃19 of 19

“his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 24:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 24:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 23:3Numbers 23:23Numbers 31:16Revelation 2:14Numbers 22:13Numbers 23:28

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