The opening triplet is as follows:

The oracle of Balaam son of Beor.

The oracle of the man whose eye is (?) closed.

The oracle of one that heareth the words of God.

The form of it should be compared with 2 Samuel 23:1, where the same word -oracle" is used. The text appears to be corrupt. The word rendered -closed" is very doubtful; and -opened" (R.V. marg.) is no less questionable. With the former rendering the reference is to the eyes closed in a trance; with the latter, to the eyes of the mind opened to receive the vision.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising