Numbers 23:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is important to recognize that all of Balaam's utterances are referred to as parables in Scripture. This designation appears as many as seven times, corresponding perfectly to the number of times Balaam spoke. This indicates that there is a profound or enigmatic significance in his messages, akin to the parables spoken by the Savior, and relates not only to the nation of Israel but also to the spiritual Israel. Similarly, the parables and prophetic insights of David highlight events of Israel's past (Psalm 77), while also alluding to the future of spiritual Israel. In this context, the Lord Himself uses the imagery of heavenly bread or manna mentioned by David in his parable to reveal the true heavenly sustenance, namely His body and blood (John 6, cf. Psalm 77:24, 25). The messages of Balaam should also be interpreted through this lens.