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 Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he didn’t go, as at the other times, to meet with enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. ​
2
Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on him. ​
3
He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says; ​
4
he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open: ​
5
How goodly are your tents, Jacob, and your tents, Israel! ​
6
As valleys they are spread out, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which the LORD has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters. ​
7
Water shall flow from his buckets. His seed shall be in many waters. His king shall be higher than Agag. His kingdom shall be exalted. ​
8
God brings him out of Egypt. He has as it were the strength of the wild ox. He shall eat up the nations his adversaries, shall break their bones in pieces, and pierce them with his arrows. ​
9
He couched, he lay down as a lion, as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? Everyone who blesses you is blessed. Everyone who curses you is cursed.”

Balak's Anger and Balaam's Defense

10
Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times. ​
11
Therefore now flee you to your place! I thought to promote you to great honor; but, behold, the LORD has kept you back from honor.”
12
Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers who you sent to me, saying,
13
‘If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond the LORD’s word, to do either good or bad of my own mind. I will say what the LORD says’? ​
14
Now, behold, I go to my people. Come, I will inform you what this people shall do to your people in the latter days.” ​

The Fifth Oracle: The Star and the Scepter

15
He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says; ​
16
he says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:
17
I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and break down all the sons of Sheth. ​
18
Edom shall be a possession. Seir, his enemies, also shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly. ​
19
Out of Jacob shall one have dominion, and shall destroy the remnant from the city.”

Oracles Against the Nations

20
He looked at Amalek, and took up his parable, and said, “Amalek was the first of the nations, But his latter end shall come to destruction.” ​
21
He looked at the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said, “Your dwelling place is strong. Your nest is set in the rock. ​
22
Nevertheless Kain shall be wasted, until Asshur carries you away captive.”
23
He took up his parable, and said, “Alas, who shall live when God does this? ​
24
But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim. They shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber. He also shall come to destruction.”
25
Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place; and Balak also 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.

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