NOTES for Num 24:15-17
15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: |
16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: |
17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. |
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The Lord gives Balaam an amazing vision. "I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near." Balaam sees not simply God at a distance - he sees Him on the way. He is not yet nearby, He has not yet come. Balaam hears Him, sees Him far off, but understands that His coming is still foreknowledge, prophecy, and not an accomplished fact.
In these days of Advent, of preparation for Christmas, the Church reminds us that God was not always so close to His people. Only the Birth of Jesus changed the situation. And now, as it were, together with Old Testament Israel and the prophets, we await Him, looking from afar as He draws near to us.
Readings for 15 December 2025
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