Numbers 24:14

And now, behold, I go unto my people: come [therefore, and] I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.

And now, behold, I go {H1980} unto my people {H5971}: come {H3212} therefore, and I will advertise {H3289} thee what this people {H5971} shall do {H6213} to thy people {H5971} in the latter {H319} days {H3117}.

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.

Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”

And now, behold, I go unto my people: come, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.

Commentary

Historical and Cultural Context

Numbers 24:14 finds Balaam, a diviner from Mesopotamia, at the culmination of his forced prophecies. Hired by Balak, the King of Moab, to curse the Israelites who were encamped on the plains of Moab, Balaam found himself repeatedly compelled by God to utter blessings and prophetic declarations instead. This verse marks Balaam's final address to Balak before his departure. Despite his personal desire to fulfill Balak's request, God's sovereign hand intervened, forcing Balaam to speak divine truth. Here, he offers a final, unsolicited warning about Israel's future actions against Moab and other nations, highlighting God's ability to turn intended curses into blessings and prophecies.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Unstoppable Sovereignty: This verse powerfully demonstrates that God's plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human schemes or spiritual opposition. Balaam, though a pagan diviner, becomes an involuntary mouthpiece for God's divine will.
  • Prophetic Warning for the "Latter Days": Balaam's declaration serves as a crucial warning to Balak concerning the inevitable future dominance of Israel. The phrase "the latter days" (Hebrew: acharit hayyamim) is a significant prophetic term, pointing to a future period when God's ultimate purposes for Israel and the world will be fulfilled. It signifies that these prophecies are not just for the immediate future but have long-term, eschatological implications.
  • Divine Revelation Beyond Human Will: Even an unrighteous individual like Balaam is made to deliver God's message, emphasizing God's absolute control over all circumstances and His ability to use anyone to accomplish His purposes. This sets the stage for the powerful Messianic prophecy in the very next verses, particularly the prediction of a Star out of Jacob and a Scepter out of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "I will advertise thee" might sound archaic to modern ears. In this context, "advertise" means to inform, warn, or give notice. It signifies Balaam's intention to impart critical, divinely revealed information to Balak. The Hebrew word for "latter days," acharit hayyamim, is a technical prophetic term used throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 49:1, Deuteronomy 4:30), referring to a future era, often associated with the culmination of God's redemptive plan, the coming of the Messiah, or the final destiny of nations.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of God's unwavering sovereignty and His ultimate control over history and prophecy. We can take comfort in knowing that no human plan or opposition can thwart God's divine will. It encourages us to pay attention to biblical prophecy, understanding that God has a predetermined plan that extends into "the latter days," culminating in the establishment of His kingdom. For believers, this fosters trust in God's faithfulness and foreknowledge, reminding us that He is working all things according to His purpose.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Micah 6:5

    O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.

  • Genesis 49:1

    ¶ And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you [that] which shall befall you in the last days.

  • Revelation 2:14

    But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

  • Daniel 2:28

    But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

  • 2 Timothy 3:1

    ¶ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

  • Acts 2:17

    And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

  • Hosea 3:5

    Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.
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