Commentary

Adam Clarke

Verse 2 The Spirit of God came upon him - This Divine afflatus he had not expected on the present occasion, but God had not yet declared the whole of his will.

John Wesley

Came upon him - Inspired him to speak the following words.

Pulpit Commentary

Num 24:2

The spirit of God came upon him. This seems to intimate a higher state of inspiration than the expression, "God put a word into his mouth" (Num 23:5, Num 23:16).