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Commentary on Numbers 24 verses 1–9
The blessing itself which Balaam here pronounces upon Israel is much the same with the two we had in the foregoing chapter; but the introduction to it is different.
I. The method of proceeding here varies much in several instances. 1. Balaam laid aside the enchantments which he had hitherto depended on, used no spells, or charms, or magic arts, finding they did him no service; it was to no purpose to deal with the devil for a curse, when it was plain that God was determined immovably to bless, Num 24:1. Sooner or later God will convince men of their folly in seeking after lying vanities, which cannot profit. To what purpose should he seek for enchantment? He knew that God was out of the reach of them. 2. He did not now retire into a solitary place as before, but set his face directly towards the wilderness where Israel lay encamped; and, since there is no remedy, but they must be blessed, he will design nothing else, but will submit by compulsion. 3. Now the Spirit of God came upon him, that is, the Spirit of prophecy, as upon Saul to prevent him from taking David, Sa1 19:23. He spoke not his own sense, but the language of the Spirit that came upon him. 4. He used a different preface now from what he had used before (Num 24:3, Num 24:4), much like that of David (Sa2 23:1-3), yet savouring very much (as some think) of pride and vain-glory, taking all the praise of this prophecy to himself, and magnifying himself as one of the cabinet-council of heaven. Two things he boasts of: - (1.) The favour God did him in making known himself to him. He heard the words of God, and saw the vision of the Almighty. God himself had met him and spoken to him (Num 23:16), and with this he was greatly puffed up. Paul speaks with humility of his visions and revelations (Co2 12:1), but Balaam speaks of his with pride. (2.) His own power to receive and bear those revelations. He fell into a trance indeed, as other prophets did, but he had his eyes open. This he mentions twice; but the words in the original are not the same. The man whose eyes were shut, some think it may be read so (Num 24:3-9), but now having his eyes open, Num 24:4. When he attempted to curse Israel, he owns, he was in a mistake, but now he began to see his error, and yet still he remained blinded by covetousness and ambition, those foolish and hurtful lusts. Note, [1.] Those that oppose God and his people will sooner or later be made to see themselves wretchedly deceived. [2.] Many have their eyes open that have not their hearts open, are enlightened, but not sanctified; and that knowledge which puffs men up with pride will but serve to light them to hell, whither many go with their eyes open.
II. Yet the blessing is for substance the same with those before. Several things he admires in Israel: -
1.Their beauty (Num 24:5): How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! Though they dwelt not in stately palaces, but in coarse and homely tents, and these, no doubt, sadly weather-beaten, yet Balaam sees a beauty in those tents, because of their admirable order, according to their tribes, Num 24:2. Nothing recommends religion more to the good opinion of those that look upon it at a distance than the unity and harmony of its professors, Psa 133:1. The amiableness of this people, and the great reputation they should gain among their neighbours, are compared (Num 24:6) to the beauty and sweetness of fruitful valleys and fine gardens, flourishing trees and fragrant spices. Note, Those whose eyes are open see the saints on the earth to be excellent ones, and their delight is accordingly in them. The righteous, doubtless, is more excellent than his neighbour. They are trees which the Lord has planted; that is their excellency. The branches of righteousness are the planting of the Lord. See Hos 14:5-7.
2.Their fruitfulness and increase. This may be intended by those similitudes (Num 24:6) of the valleys, gardens, and trees, as well as by those expressions (Num 24:7), He shall pour the water out of his buckets; that is, God shall water them with his blessing like rain from heaven, and then his seed shall be in many waters. Compare Hos 2:23, I will sow her unto me in the earth. And waters are in scripture put for peoples, and multitudes, and nations. This has been fulfilled in the wonderful increase of that nation and their vast multitude even in their dispersion.
3.Their honour and advancement. As the multitude of the people is the honour of the prince, so the magnificence of the prince is the honour of the people; Balaam therefore foretells that their king shall be higher than Agag. Agag, it is probable, was the most potent monarch in those parts; Balaam knew of none more considerable than he was; he rose above the rest of his neighbours. But Balaam foretells that Israel's chief commander, who, after Moses, was Joshua, should be more great and honourable than ever Agag was, and make a far better figure in history. Saul, their first king, triumphed over Agag, though, it is said, he came delicately.
4.Their power and victory, Num 24:8. (1.) He looks back upon what they had done, or rather what had been done for them: God brought them forth out of Egypt; this he had spoken of before, Num 23:22. The wonders that attended their deliverance out of Egypt contributed more to their honour, and the terror of their adversaries, than any thing else, Jos 2:10. He that brought them out of Egypt will not fail to bring them into Canaan, for, as for God, his work is perfect. (2.) He looks down upon their present strength. Israel hath, as it were, the strength of a unicorn, of which creature it is said (Job 39:9, Job 39:10), Will he be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind him with his band in the furrow? "No, Israel is too powerful to be checked or held in by my curses or thy armies." (3.) He looks forward to their future conquests: He shall eat up the nations his enemies; that is, "he shall not only destroy and devour them as easily and irresistibly as a lion does his prey, but he shall himself be strengthened, and fattened, and enriched, by their spoils."
5.Their courage and security: He lay down as a lion, as a great lion, Num 24:9. Now he does so in the plains of Moab, and asks no leave of the king of Moab, nor is he in fear of him; shortly will he do so in Canaan. When he has torn his prey, he will take his repose, quiet from the fear of evil, and bid defiance to all his neighbours; for who shall stir up a sleeping lion? It is observed of lions (as the learned bishop Patrick takes notice here) that they do not retire into places of shelter to sleep, but lie down any where, knowing that none dares meddle with them: thus secure were Israel in Canaan, chiefly in the days of David and Solomon; and thus is the righteous bold as a lion (Pro 28:1), not to assault others, but to repose themselves, because God maketh them to dwell in safety, Psa 4:8.
6.Their interest, and influence upon their neighbours. Their friends, and those in alliance with them, were happy: Blessed is he that blesseth thee; those that do them any kindness will certainly fare the better for it. But their enemies, and those in arms against them, were certainly miserable: Cursed is he that curseth thee; those that do them any injury do it at their peril; for God takes what is done to them, whether good or evil, as done to himself. Thus he confirms the blessing of Abraham (Gen 12:3), and speaks as if therefore he did at this time bless Israel, and not curse them, because he desired to share in the blessing of Israel's friends and dreaded the curse on Israel's enemies.
Now, in order that He might be shown to have together in Himself at once the nature of God and that of man,-as the apostle, too, says: "Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Now a mediator is not of one man, but two," -it was therefore necessary that Christ, in becoming the Mediator between God and men, should receive from both an earnest of some kind, that He might appear as the Mediator between two distinct persons.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 24:1 marks a pivotal turning point in the Balaam narrative, revealing his profound and pragmatic realization that the LORD's unyielding purpose was to bless Israel, making any attempt to curse them futile. Consequently, Balaam abandons his customary pagan divination practices, acknowledging their impotence against divine sovereignty, and instead, he resolutely turns his attention towards the wilderness, anticipating a direct and unmediated revelation from God. This decisive shift underscores God's absolute control over all events and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even compelling an unwilling prophet to declare His will.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as a critical transition point, immediately following two failed attempts by Balak, the king of Moab, to induce Balaam to curse the advancing Israelite nation. In Numbers 22, Balak, driven by fear of Israel's vast numbers, hires Balaam, a renowned diviner from Mesopotamia. Despite Balak's persistent demands and Balaam's initial willingness to comply, God repeatedly intervenes. In Numbers 23, each time Balaam attempts to utter a curse, the LORD supernaturally compels him to pronounce blessings instead (Numbers 23:11-12 and Numbers 23:25-26). Numbers 24:1 signifies Balaam's recognition of this undeniable pattern of divine intervention and his understanding that further attempts at divination would be utterly fruitless. This realization sets the stage for his final, most significant prophecies, which culminate in the profound messianic "Star out of Jacob" oracle.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events described in Numbers unfold as the Israelites are encamped on the plains of Moab, strategically positioned to enter the promised land of Canaan. The Moabites, under the leadership of King Balak, perceive Israel as an existential threat. In the ancient Near East, it was a widespread and accepted practice for nations to employ diviners, sorcerers, or seers to invoke curses upon their enemies, seek favorable omens before military engagements, or gain supernatural insight. Balaam, though not an Israelite, was widely recognized for his potent prophetic and divinatory abilities, even by foreign kings like Balak. His decision to abandon "enchantments" (Hebrew nehashim) is profoundly significant within this cultural framework. It dramatically demonstrates that the power of YHWH, the God of Israel, utterly superseded and rendered impotent all pagan magical practices, divinatory techniques, and human manipulation. This narrative highlights a fundamental clash of worldviews where the sovereign, direct divine revelation of the one true God triumphs decisively over all forms of human-attempted control or manipulation of the spiritual realm.
Key Themes: This pivotal verse powerfully reinforces several core theological themes woven throughout the Book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphatically highlights Divine Sovereignty, illustrating God's absolute and unchallengeable control over all circumstances, including the intentions and actions of human agents, even those hostile to His purposes. Despite Balak's fervent desire and Balaam's professional inclination, God's immutable will to bless Israel could not be thwarted, echoing the timeless truth that "many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21). Secondly, it underscores the Futility of Paganism and Divination Against God's Will. Balaam's abandonment of his customary "enchantments" vividly demonstrates the utter impotence of human magic, sorcery, and spiritual manipulation when confronted with the omnipotent power of the one true God. He recognized that seeking omens or employing spells was pointless and powerless when God had already declared His unchangeable intent. Thirdly, the verse unequivocally confirms God's Unwavering Blessing on Israel and His Covenant Faithfulness. God's ancient promise to bless Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:3) was being visibly and powerfully upheld, even through the mouth of an unwilling and initially hostile prophet, demonstrating God's steadfast and unbreakable commitment to His covenant people.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 24:1 employs several effective literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is Contrast, as the verse sharply juxtaposes Balaam's past, habitual actions ("as at other times, to seek for enchantments") with his new, divinely compelled approach ("but he set his face toward the wilderness"). This stark contrast underscores the transformative power of God's undeniable revelation and the absolute futility of human will or pagan practices when set against divine decree. There is also a strong element of Irony, as a renowned pagan diviner, hired specifically to curse God's people, is ultimately forced by the very God he opposes to abandon his craft and become an unwilling instrument for speaking God's truth and blessing. This powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control over all, even those hostile to His people. Furthermore, the verse serves as potent Foreshadowing, setting the immediate narrative stage for the profound and significant prophecies that follow, particularly the messianic "Star out of Jacob" oracle in Numbers 24:17, which points directly to the coming Messiah.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:1 profoundly illustrates God's unassailable sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Balaam's forced recognition that God's will to bless Israel could not be manipulated or thwarted serves as a powerful theological statement: no human or spiritual opposition, no scheme or enchantment, can ultimately prevail against the divine purpose. This verse reinforces the truth that God's plans are immutable, and His word will accomplish precisely what He desires, regardless of the intentions of individuals or nations. It highlights the utter futility of relying on human schemes, worldly wisdom, or any form of spiritual manipulation when confronted with the omnipotence of the Creator. God's blessing upon Israel was not contingent on their merit or Balaam's cooperation, but solely on His covenant faithfulness and sovereign decree, demonstrating His steadfast character.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:1 offers profound reassurance and a crucial challenge for believers today. It teaches us with undeniable clarity that when God has a purpose, a plan, or a blessing for His people, no human or spiritual opposition can ultimately prevail against His sovereign will. We can find deep rest, confidence, and peace in the knowledge that God's intentions for us are for our good and His glory, regardless of the apparent obstacles, the anxieties of our hearts, or the schemes of adversaries. This verse calls us to abandon reliance on worldly wisdom, manipulative tactics, or any form of "enchantment"—whether literal pagan practices or metaphorical attempts to control outcomes, force God's hand, or circumvent His direct guidance. Instead, we are called to "set our face" toward God, trusting solely in His divine guidance, power, and provision, for His will is always supreme, and His purposes will always stand. Our security, hope, and ultimate victory are rooted not in our strategies or abilities, but in His unchanging character and sovereign decree.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Balaam suddenly change his approach and stop seeking enchantments?
Answer: Balaam's change of approach was not a genuine spiritual conversion or a heartfelt embrace of YHWH, but rather a pragmatic recognition of divine supremacy. After two consecutive attempts to curse Israel were supernaturally overridden by God, forcing him to utter blessings instead, Balaam finally understood that the LORD's will to bless Israel was immutable and unchallengeable. He realized that his usual methods of divination ("enchantments") were utterly useless and impotent against God's sovereign decree, making any further attempts futile. His decision was born out of a stark realization of God's overwhelming power, not necessarily a change of heart, as evidenced by his later actions (Numbers 31:16).
What does "seek for enchantments" mean in this context?
Answer: The phrase "seek for enchantments" translates the Hebrew nehashim, which refers to Balaam's customary practice of using various forms of divination, omens, or augury. As a professional diviner, this could involve observing natural phenomena for signs, interpreting omens, or employing magical spells to gain insight, predict the future, or influence outcomes. Balaam's abandonment of this practice in Numbers 24:1 signifies his acknowledgment that God's direct, unmediated revelation and unchangeable will superseded all his usual magical techniques and rendered them completely powerless and irrelevant.
Does this verse imply Balaam became a true prophet of YHWH or converted to the worship of the God of Israel?
Answer: While Balaam was undeniably compelled by God to speak divine oracles and clearly recognized YHWH's irresistible power, this verse does not necessarily imply a full conversion to the worship of the God of Israel or that he became a true, faithful prophet in the Israelite sense. He recognized God's irresistible power and submitted to it pragmatically, but his heart remained divided. His later counsel to Balak, which led Israel into idolatry and immorality through the "teaching of Balaam" (Numbers 31:16, Revelation 2:14), indicates that his personal allegiance was not fully to the LORD. He remained an unwilling instrument of God's purpose, demonstrating God's ability to use even those outside His covenant to accomplish His sovereign will.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:1, with Balaam's profound recognition of God's unyielding will to bless Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect fulfillment of God's blessing in Jesus Christ. The "Star out of Jacob" prophecy that immediately follows this verse (Numbers 24:17) is a direct and unmistakable messianic promise, pointing to the coming of the Messiah. Just as no human or spiritual force could thwart God's determined blessing on ancient Israel, so too no power in heaven or on earth could prevent God's ultimate plan of salvation and blessing through His Son. The cross, though seemingly a defeat to human eyes, was God's sovereign act to secure the blessing of redemption for all who believe, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and omnipotent purpose. In Christ, the blessing of Abraham extends far beyond ethnic Israel to encompass the Gentiles (Galatians 3:14), and believers are now "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). Jesus is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and through His decisive victory on the cross, He disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). Thus, the futility of Balaam's enchantments against God's will finds its grandest and most glorious expression in the absolute triumph of Christ over sin, death, and every opposing spiritual force, securing God's eternal blessing for His redeemed people.