Balaam prepares to deliver a dramatic and poetic vision concerning the end of days. He begins with a grand introduction, presenting himself with great flair before unveiling what lies in the distant future. The primary approach among commentators is that his message is delivered as a poetic parable [אור החיים, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The motivation behind using this style, however, is a matter of debate. Some see it as evidence of his elevated prophetic state at that moment, suggesting he achieved a sudden vision even while casually conversing with Balak—a miracle granted solely to honor the Israelites [העמק דבר]. Others view the use of a parable as a reflection of his dark intentions. Because he did not truly want to bless the Israelites, he wrapped his words in metaphors to push the fulfillment of these blessings far into the distant future [שפתי כהן].
Unlike his previous messages, there is no explicit mention that the spirit of God rests upon him. This omission is not a lack of divine presence; rather, the lofty titles he immediately claims for himself serve as absolute proof that the hand of God is guiding him [רמב״ן]. He introduces himself as the son of Beor and the man with an uncovered eye, repeating the grand titles from his earlier blessing to boast of his all-knowing prophetic abilities [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. Conversely, another perspective views these exact descriptions, combined with the missing mention of the divine spirit, as a subtle confession. In this view, Balaam admits he is flawed and truly unworthy of such divine communication, acknowledging that the prophecy only rests upon him for the sake of the Israelites [שפתי כהן].
Ultimately, commentators agree that this repeated introduction is meant to establish his authority before delivering a distinctly new type of message. While his earlier prophecies focused on the present state of the Israelites, he is now preparing to expose God's hidden plans and reveal events destined to unfold at the very end of time [רמב״ן, רש״ר הירש, מלבי״ם].