Numbers 24:2-3

24:2 When Balaam lifted up his eyes, he saw Israel camped tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him. 24:3 Then he uttered this oracle:

“The oracle of Balaam son of Beor;

the oracle of the man whose eyes are open;


tn Heb “living according to their tribes.”

tn Heb “and he took up his oracle and said.”

tn The word נְאֻם (nÿum) is an “oracle.” It is usually followed by a subjective genitive, indicating the doer of the action. The word could be rendered “says,” but this translations is more specific.

tn The Greek version reads “the one who sees truly.” The word has been interpreted in both ways, “shut” or “open.”