Numbers 24:17

KJV

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

KJV (with Strong's)

I shall see {H7200} him, but not now: I shall behold {H7789} him, but not nigh {H7138}: there shall come {H1869} a Star {H3556} out of Jacob {H3290}, and a Sceptre {H7626} shall rise {H6965} out of Israel {H3478}, and shall smite {H4272} the corners {H6285} of Moab {H4124}, and destroy {H6979} all the children {H1121} of Sheth {H8352}{H8351}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.

American Standard Version

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: There shall come forth a star out of Jacob, And a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, And shall smite through the corners of Moab, And break down all the sons of tumult.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:17 is a pivotal prophetic utterance from Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet divinely compelled to bless Israel rather than curse them. This verse, part of his fourth oracle, foretells the distant emergence of a powerful, royal figure from Israel, symbolized as a "Star" and a "Sceptre." This coming ruler is prophesied to achieve decisive victory over Israel's enemies, particularly Moab and the "children of Sheth," signifying a comprehensive and ultimate dominion that transcends immediate historical events and points to God's sovereign plan for His people and the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 24:17 concludes Balaam's fourth and most significant oracle within the larger narrative of Numbers 22-24. This entire section details Balak's repeated attempts to hire Balaam to curse Israel, only for God to miraculously intervene, forcing Balaam to pronounce blessings and prophecies instead. The preceding verses (Numbers 24:15-16) set the stage for this specific prophecy, describing Balaam's state as one who "hears the words of God" and "sees the vision of the Almighty," emphasizing the divine origin and authority of his pronouncements. The oracles progressively move from general blessings to specific, future-oriented prophecies concerning Israel's strength and ultimate triumph, with verse 17 serving as a climactic revelation of the coming King who will secure this victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, as the Israelites are encamped, poised to enter the Promised Land after their forty years of wilderness wandering. Balak, the king of Moab, fears the vast Israelite presence and seeks to neutralize them through supernatural means, employing Balaam, a renowned diviner from Pethor in Mesopotamia. In the ancient Near East, curses and blessings were believed to have real power, and prophets or diviners were sought for their ability to manipulate these forces. The imagery of a "star" and "sceptre" would have been immediately recognizable as symbols of royalty, dominion, and destiny in the region, reflecting common motifs of kingship and divine appointment among surrounding cultures. The mention of Moab and "the children of Sheth" grounds the prophecy in the immediate geopolitical landscape while also hinting at a broader, ultimate subjugation of all opposition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with several profound themes. **Messianic Prophecy** is central, as the "Star" and "Sceptre" imagery points directly to a future deliverer and king of unparalleled authority and prominence. This foreshadows the ultimate ruler from the lineage of [Jacob and Israel](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Sceptre Will Not Depart from Judah"). **Divine Sovereignty** is powerfully demonstrated throughout the Balaam narrative, culminating here; despite Balak's intentions and Balaam's initial mercenary desires, God maintains absolute control, orchestrating every word to fulfill His unchangeable plan for Israel. This highlights God's ability to use even unwilling agents to accomplish His purposes, as seen in [Psalm 76:10](/psalm/76-10 "Psalm 76:10 - The Wrath of Man Shall Praise You"). Finally, the theme of **Ultimate Victory** is pronounced, as the prophecy describes the decisive crushing of Israel's enemies, signifying the triumphant and comprehensive dominion of this coming ruler over all opposition, echoing the promise of a victorious seed in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Star (כּוֹכָב, _kokhav_):** In ancient Near Eastern thought, stars often symbolized powerful rulers, deities, or significant figures whose destiny was divinely ordained. This imagery conveys brilliance, prominence, and a guiding light, suggesting a figure of immense majesty and destiny who will rise to lead. It speaks to a unique and divinely appointed individual.
* **Sceptre (שֵׁבֶט, _shevet_):** While literally meaning a rod or staff, in this context, _shevet_ unequivocally represents a symbol of royal authority, a king's staff of dominion. It signifies power, governance, and the right to rule, indicating that the coming figure will exercise supreme kingship and exert control.
* **Sheth (שֵׁת, _sheth_):** The identity of "Sheth" is debated among scholars. It could refer to a specific, otherwise unknown tribe or region in the vicinity of Moab, or it might be a general term for "tumult" or "uproar," referring to all the noisy, hostile, or rebellious peoples who oppose God's chosen. In either case, its inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the coming ruler's victory over all adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh:"** Balaam emphasizes the distant, future nature of this vision. He sees this figure not in his immediate present, nor in close proximity, but as a prophecy stretching far into time, indicating a significant, epoch-making event rather than a contemporary one. This temporal distance underscores the profound importance and ultimate fulfillment of the prophecy.
* **"there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel,"** This is the core of the prophecy, identifying the origin and nature of the coming ruler. "Jacob" and "Israel" are synonymous terms for the nation, emphasizing that this figure will emerge from within God's covenant people. The "Star" signifies his unique brilliance, divine appointment, and guiding presence, while the "Sceptre" denotes his royal authority, dominion, and kingly power. Together, they paint a picture of a majestic and sovereign king.
* **"and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."** This clause describes the decisive action and ultimate victory of the coming ruler. "Smite the corners of Moab" implies a thorough and devastating defeat, reaching every part of their territory. "Destroy all the children of Sheth" further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this triumph, signifying the complete subjugation of all hostile forces. This is not merely a military victory but a total establishment of dominion over all opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 24:17 is rich in **Symbolism**, primarily through the use of "Star" and "Sceptre." The "Star" symbolizes a figure of great prominence, divine origin, and guiding light, often associated with kingship and destiny in ancient cultures. The "Sceptre" is a direct and unmistakable symbol of royal authority, power, and dominion. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, looking far beyond Balaam's immediate context to a future, ultimate ruler. There is a strong element of **Prophecy**, as Balaam's words are not merely predictions but divinely inspired declarations of future events. The structure of the opening clauses ("I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh:") exhibits **Poetic Parallelism**, where two phrases express a similar idea in slightly different ways, adding emphasis and rhythmic quality to the pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This prophecy in Numbers 24:17 is a profound testament to God's sovereign plan of redemption, revealing that even before Israel entered the Promised Land, God had a future King in view who would establish ultimate dominion. It underscores the theme of divine election and the certainty of God's promises, demonstrating that His purposes cannot be thwarted by human or demonic opposition. The imagery of a "Star" and "Sceptre" points to a divinely appointed, majestic ruler who will not only secure Israel's physical safety but also bring about a cosmic victory over all forces of chaos and rebellion. This vision serves as an early, foundational Messianic prophecy, laying groundwork for later, more explicit declarations of a coming King who would reign forever.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Sceptre Will Not Depart from Judah")
* [Psalm 110:1-2](/psalm/110-1 "Psalm 110:1-2 - The Lord's Anointed King")
* [Isaiah 11:1-5](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1-5 - The Branch from Jesse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:17 offers profound encouragement and a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and ultimate triumph. In a world often marked by chaos, conflict, and uncertainty, this ancient prophecy assures us that God has a King, a "Star" and "Sceptre," who will ultimately bring order, justice, and peace. It invites us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in the long-term, sovereign plan of God. For believers, this means finding our security not in earthly powers or fleeting victories, but in the eternal reign of the promised King. We are called to live with hope, knowing that all opposition to God's kingdom will ultimately be subdued, and His righteous dominion will prevail. This should inspire us to align our lives with His purposes, to participate in the advance of His kingdom, and to eagerly anticipate the full manifestation of His glorious reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the distant nature of Balaam's prophecy (not now, not nigh) impact your understanding of God's long-term plan for history?**
* **In what ways do the symbols of "Star" and "Sceptre" speak to the character and authority of the ultimate King?**
* **How does the promise of ultimate victory over enemies like Moab and "the children of Sheth" provide comfort and assurance in your own life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in light of the sovereign reign of the King prophesied in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the children of Sheth" mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: The identity of "the children of Sheth" (שֵׁת, _sheth_) is a subject of scholarly debate. Some interpretations suggest it refers to a specific, though otherwise unidentifiable, tribe or people group located near Moab. Another prominent view, supported by linguistic analysis, suggests that "Sheth" here is not a proper noun referring to a specific lineage (like Seth, Adam's son) but rather a common noun meaning "tumult," "uproar," or "noise." In this sense, "the children of Sheth" would refer to all tumultuous, noisy, or rebellious peoples—essentially, all those who oppose God's chosen people and His divine order. This broader interpretation emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the coming King's victory over all forms of opposition and chaos, not just a single historical group. Regardless of the precise identification, the phrase underscores the total subjugation of all enemies under the dominion of the "Star" and "Sceptre."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true "Star out of Jacob" and "Sceptre out of Israel." While King David achieved a partial, historical fulfillment by conquering Moab ([2 Samuel 8:2](/2_samuel/8-2 "2 Samuel 8:2 - David Conquers Moab")), the prophetic language stretches far beyond any earthly monarch to describe a divine, eternal King. Jesus is explicitly identified as the "bright and morning star" in [Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright Morning Star"), and His birth was heralded by a miraculous star that guided the Magi to the newborn "King of the Jews" ([Matthew 2:2](/matthew/2-2 "Matthew 2:2 - The Star of Bethlehem")). As the "Sceptre," Christ embodies the ultimate royal authority and dominion. The New Testament consistently presents Him as the promised King whose "throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom" ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - The Son's Eternal Kingdom")). His victory is not merely over earthly nations but over the spiritual forces of darkness, sin, and death, as He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The smiting of Moab and the destruction of the "children of Sheth" foreshadow His comprehensive triumph over all His enemies, for He "must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet" ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued")). Thus, Numbers 24:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's eternal plan to send His Son, Jesus, to establish an everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Revelation 1:7

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: