Numbers24

Balaam, no longer seeking enchantments, is filled with the Spirit of God and blesses Israel for the third time, describing their prosperity and strength. Despite Balak's anger, Balaam delivers further prophecies, foretelling the rise of a "Star out of Jacob" and the future dominion of Israel over surrounding nations like Moab, Edom, Amalek, and the Kenites, along with a final prophecy concerning Chittim, Asshur, and Eber. He consistently emphasizes that he can only speak what the LORD commands.

Balaam's Fourth Oracle: Israel's Prosperity

1
When Bil'am saw that it pleased ADONAI to bless Isra'el, he didn't go, as at the other times, to make use of divination, but looked out toward the desert. ​
2
Bil'am raised his eyes and saw Isra'el encamped tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him, ​
3
and he made his pronouncement: "This is the speech of Bil'am, son of B'or; the speech of the man whose eyes have been opened; ​
4
the speech of him who hears God's words; who sees what Shaddai sees, who has fallen, yet has open eyes: ​
5
"How lovely are your tents, Ya'akov; your encampments, Isra'el! ​
6
They spread out like valleys, like gardens by the riverside, like succulent aloes planted by ADONAI, like cedar trees next to the water. ​
7
"Water will flow from their branches, their seed will have water aplenty. Their king will be higher than Agag and his kingdom lifted high. ​
8
God, who brought them out of Egypt, gives them the strength of a wild ox. They will devour the nations opposing them, break their bones, pierce them with their arrows. ​
9
"When they lie down they crouch like a lion, or like a lioness - who dares to rouse it? Blessed be all who bless you! Cursed be all who curse you!"

Balak's Anger and Balaam's Defense

10
Balak blazed with fury against Bil'am. He struck his hands together and said to Bil'am, "I summoned you to curse my enemies. But here, you have done nothing but bless them - three times already! ​
11
Now you had better escape to your own place! I had planned to reward you very well, but now ADONAI has deprived you of payment."
12
Bil'am answered Balak, "Didn't I tell the messengers you sent me
13
that even if Balak would give me his palace full of silver and gold, I could not of my own accord go beyond the word of ADONAI to do either good or bad? that what ADONAI said is what I would say? ​
14
But now that I am going back to my own people, come, I will warn you what this people will do to your people in the acharit-hayamim. ​

The Fifth Oracle: The Star and the Scepter

15
So he made his pronouncement: "This is the speech of Bil'am, son of B'or; the speech of the man whose eyes have been opened; ​
16
the speech of him who hears God's words; who knows what 'Elyon knows, who sees what Shaddai sees, who has fallen, yet has open eyes:
17
"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not soon -a star will step forth from Ya'akov, a scepter will arise from Isra'el, to crush the corners of Mo'av and destroy all descendants of Shet. ​
18
His enemies will be his possessions -Edom and Se'ir, possessions. Isra'el will do valiantly, ​
19
From Ya'akov will come someone who will rule, and he will destroy what is left of the city."

Oracles Against the Nations

20
He saw 'Amalek and made this pronouncement: "First among nations was 'Amalek, but destruction will be its end." ​
21
He saw the Keini and made this pronouncement: "Though your dwelling is firm, your nest set on rock, ​
22
Kayin will be wasted while captive to Ashur."
23
Finally, he made this pronouncement: "Oh no! Who can live when God does this? ​
24
But ships will come from the coast of Kittim to subdue Ashur and subdue 'Ever, but they too will come to destruction."
25
Then Bil'am got up, left and returned to his home; and Balak too went his way. ​

Study Notes for Numbers 24

Verse 1

Balaam recognizes the futility of seeking pagan omens against God's will. By setting his face toward the wilderness, he positions himself for direct divine revelation, reinforcing that the blessing of Israel is inevitable.

Verse 2

The phrase 'the spirit of God came upon him' emphasizes that Balaam's subsequent prophecy is involuntary and divinely inspired, reinforcing that Yahweh is speaking through this non-Israelite prophet.

Verse 3

Balaam asserts his prophetic authority by using traditional titles ('son of Beor,' 'man whose eyes are open'), legitimizing the source of the message he is about to deliver.

Verse 4

The paradox of 'falling into a trance, but having his eyes open,' highlights the unique nature of Balaam's revelation—a direct, overpowering vision from the Almighty despite his pagan origins.

Verse 5

This verse praises the order, beauty, and security of the Israelite camp, suggesting divine favor and successful organization under the covenant, contrasting sharply with Balak's expectation of chaos.

Verse 6

The imagery compares Israel's growth to abundant, well-watered plant life (gardens, cedar trees), symbolizing divinely granted prosperity, stability, and longevity.

Verse 7

This verse shifts focus to Israel's future dominance. The king being 'higher than Agag' likely anticipates Saul's later victory over the Amalekite king, symbolizing Israel's ultimate supremacy over its enemies.

Verse 8

The 'strength of an unicorn' (re'em, likely a wild ox) signifies immense, untamable power. This oracle affirms that God is the source of Israel's military success and destructive capability against hostile nations.

Verse 10

Balak's physical reaction ('smote his hands together') shows his extreme frustration. This marks the culmination of three failed attempts to reverse God's irrevocable blessing on Israel.

Verse 13

Balaam reiterates his core defense: his prophetic integrity is bound completely by Yahweh's word, rendering earthly wealth ('silver and gold') irrelevant when contrasted with divine command.

Verse 14

Balaam promises a final, unsolicited prophecy concerning what Israel will do to Moab 'in the latter days,' a phrase referring to the eschatological future or a significant period of history.

Verse 15

Balaam again asserts his prophetic credentials, preparing to deliver the most significant and future-oriented oracle, which focuses on the distant destiny of Israel.

Verse 17

This is a crucial messianic prophecy. The 'Star out of Jacob' and 'Scepter shall rise out of Israel' are traditionally interpreted as referring to the Davidic monarchy and ultimately to the Messiah (cf. Matt 2:2), who will bring judgment upon Israel’s neighbors.

Verse 18

Edom and Seir, descendants of Esau, are traditional rivals of Israel. Their predicted subjugation confirms Israel's dominance under the promised king, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Jacob ruling Esau.

Verse 20

Amalek was the first nation to attack Israel after the Exodus (Ex 17:8). Balaam predicts their complete and permanent destruction due to their persistent hostility toward God’s people.

Verse 21

The Kenites, though related to Moses' father-in-law, are warned that even their seemingly secure dwelling place ('nest in a rock') is temporary when faced with divine judgment.

Verse 23

This cryptic lament expresses dread concerning the widespread future judgment ('when God doeth this'). It introduces the final, sweeping prophecy regarding the ultimate fate of empires.

Verse 25

The chapter concludes with Balak and Balaam departing, seemingly ending their association. However, Balaam later advises the Midianites on how to corrupt Israel through temptation (Num 31:16), demonstrating his persistence in opposing Israel.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options