Numbers 24:4

The Almighty. From Shaddai, a word concerning whose exact meaning there has been considerable discussion. “The Almighty” has been adopted as a conventional equivalent in translation, and is uniformly so rendered, perhaps owing to the adoption of the Latin Omnipotens by Jerome. Some Hebrew scholars think the name goes back to a root meaning “to be bountiful.” If so, the use of this word as a title for God indicates the fullness and richness of His grace. It points to Him also as the One who generously supplies all our needs.

Falling into a trance, but having his eyes open. Literally, “falling down and his eyes uncovered.” The words “into a trance” are supplied. The meaning seems to be that he fell down on his face on the ground, but that his eyes remained open. This twofold physical phenomenon implies control by the Holy Spirit. Compare the experience of Saul (1 Sam. 19:23,24), of Ezekiel (Eze. 1:28), of Daniel (Dan. 8:17, 18; 10:8-19), of John (Rev. 1:17). Some also think of the experiences of Adam (Gen. 2:21) and Abraham (Gen. 15:12) as being similar. Balaam fell asleep, as it were, and God spoke to him while he was in that condition. It is certainly true that in whatever position his body may have been, whether prostrate or upright, his natural senses were held inoperative and his sensory perception was controlled by the Spirit of God.