Numbers 24:18

KJV

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Edom {H123} shall be a possession {H3424}, Seir {H8165} also shall be a possession {H3424} for his enemies {H341}; and Israel {H3478} shall do {H6213} valiantly {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His enemies will be his possessions -Edom and Se'ir, possessions. Isra'el will do valiantly,

Berean Standard Bible

Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.

American Standard Version

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession, who were his enemies; While Israel doeth valiantly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:18 is a profound prophetic declaration by Balaam, delivered under divine compulsion, asserting Israel's future prominence and decisive victory over its adversaries, specifically Edom and the region of Seir. This verse highlights God's unwavering sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to turn intended curses into blessings and to ensure the fulfillment of His covenant promises for His chosen people, empowering them to achieve dominion and act with divinely-granted strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Balaam's fourth and final oracle, recorded in [Numbers 24](/numbers/24 "Numbers 24 - Balaam's Oracles"). Following Balak's repeated attempts to induce Balaam to curse Israel, the prophet, against his own desire for reward, is consistently compelled by the Spirit of God to pronounce blessings. [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star and Scepter Prophecy") immediately precedes this verse, featuring the famous prophecy of a "Star out of Jacob" and a "Scepter out of Israel," often interpreted as a messianic or Davidic prophecy. Verse 18 then elaborates on the practical implications of this rising power, detailing the subjugation of specific enemy nations, beginning with Edom, thereby transitioning from a general vision of Israel's future glory to concrete military and territorial dominion. This sequence underscores the unstoppable nature of God's plan for His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The relationship between Israel and Edom was deeply rooted in the ancient rivalry between Jacob and Esau, twin brothers and patriarchs of their respective nations ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - Two Nations in the Womb")). Edom, often identified with the mountainous region of Seir, lay to the southeast of Judah, controlling vital trade routes. Throughout their history, Edom frequently opposed Israel, refusing passage during the Exodus ([Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage")) and later engaging in conflicts. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet from Mesopotamia, was hired by Balak, the King of Moab, to curse the Israelites as they approached the promised land. His inability to curse Israel, despite Balak's persistent demands, dramatically illustrates God's sovereign control over all nations and individuals, even those outside His direct covenant. The prophecy anticipates a future period of Israelite strength and expansion, which would indeed see the subjugation of surrounding peoples.
* **Key Themes:** The prophecy in [Numbers 24:18](/numbers/24-18 "Numbers 24:18 - Israel's Dominion Over Edom") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Unstoppable Purpose**. God's plans for Israel, His chosen people, cannot be thwarted by human or demonic opposition; even a hired prophet like Balaam cannot curse whom God has blessed. This highlights God's absolute control over history and human affairs. Secondly, it emphasizes **Israel's Promised Dominance and Covenant Fulfillment**. The subjugation of Edom and Seir directly relates to the Abrahamic covenant, which promised land and dominion to Israel ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Covenant with Abraham")). The phrase "Edom shall be a possession" signifies a complete conquest and lasting claim to their territory and resources. Lastly, the verse speaks to **Divine Empowerment for Israel's Valiance**. The declaration that "Israel shall do valiantly" underscores that the strength, courage, and prowess needed for conquest would be divinely bestowed, enabling Israel to fulfill God's purposes, not through their own might alone, but through His enabling power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Possession (Hebrew, _yerushah'_):** This term, derived from the root _yarash_ (to inherit, dispossess), signifies more than temporary occupation; it implies a lasting claim, an inherited property, or a permanent acquisition. In this context, it emphasizes the divine decree behind Israel's future control over Edom, indicating a legal and permanent transfer of ownership, making their land an enduring part of Israel's dominion.
* **Valiantly (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This is a rich and multifaceted Hebrew word encompassing strength, power, military force, wealth, and virtue. Here, it specifically denotes effective, divinely-empowered action in battle. It speaks to Israel's prowess, courage, and success in conquering its foes, implying not merely physical might but also the moral and spiritual strength that God would impart to His people for the accomplishment of His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Edom shall be a possession":** This clause serves as a direct prophetic statement declaring the complete subjugation and acquisition of Edom's territory and resources by Israel. It indicates that the land of Edom will become an inheritance or owned territory for Israel, signifying a decisive and lasting conquest rather than a temporary occupation.
* **"Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies":** Seir is the mountainous region specifically and historically associated with Edom. The phrase "for his enemies" refers to Israel, who are the adversaries of Edom. This clause functions as a reinforcing parallel to the first, reiterating and intensifying the prophecy of Edom's downfall and Israel's triumph, emphasizing the totality of the conquest over Edom's stronghold and its strategic territories.
* **"and Israel shall do valiantly":** This concluding clause explains the means by which the subjugation will occur. It speaks to Israel's divinely-empowered strength, courage, and military prowess that will enable them to achieve these victories. It is not a passive inheritance but an active, successful undertaking, where Israel, empowered by God, will demonstrate remarkable effectiveness and strength in battle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. Foremost is **Prophecy**, as the entire statement is a divinely inspired declaration of future events, revealing God's sovereign plan for Israel's ascendancy and the downfall of its adversaries. There is clear **Parallelism** in the phrasing "Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession," where the second clause reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, emphasizing the complete and certain subjugation of Edom, with Seir serving as a synonymous identifier for Edom's territory. Furthermore, an implicit **Contrast** is present between Balak's fervent desire for Balaam to curse Israel and God's turning that very intention into a blessing and a prophecy of Israel's triumph. This highlights God's ultimate control over human intentions and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:18 powerfully reinforces the theological truth of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are surrounded by formidable enemies. It demonstrates that God's plan for Israel's dominion and blessing is immutable and unstoppable, transcending human opposition and political maneuvering. This divine sovereignty is a cornerstone of biblical theology, assuring believers that God's purposes will ultimately prevail. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy, particularly during the reign of King David, serves as a tangible testament to God's word being true and effective.

* [Genesis 27:29](/genesis/27-29 "Isaac's Blessing on Jacob")
* [2 Samuel 8:14](/2_samuel/8-14 "David Conquers Edom")
* [Psalm 60:8](/psalm/60-8 "God's Triumph Over Edom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:18 offers enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's unwavering faithfulness and His empowering presence in our lives. Just as God's prophecy for Israel's triumph was fulfilled, we can trust in His promises for our own lives and for His church. His purposes will stand, regardless of the opposition we face. This verse assures us that God empowers His people to accomplish His will; when we are called to a task, He provides the strength and courage to "do valiantly," not relying on our own might but on His divine enablement. In a world often filled with adversity, this passage provides immense hope: even when surrounded by those who wish us harm, God can turn curses into blessings and ensure His people's ultimate victory. It is a powerful reminder that our strength comes from Him, and our ultimate triumph is secured by His sovereign hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unthwartable nature of God's plan for Israel encourage you regarding His purposes for your life or His church today?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need God's strength to "do valiantly" against spiritual or personal adversaries?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty, even over those who oppose His will, deepen your trust in Him amidst challenges?**

### FAQ
**Was this prophecy fulfilled historically?**

Answer: Yes, this prophecy saw significant historical fulfillment, particularly during the reign of King David. [2 Samuel 8:14](/2_samuel/8-14 "2 Samuel 8:14 - David Conquers Edom") explicitly states, "And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants." This marked a clear and decisive subjugation of Edom by Israel, aligning perfectly with Balaam's declaration that Edom would become a "possession." While conflicts with Edom continued intermittently through Israel's history, David's conquest represented a major fulfillment of this prophetic word, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises.

**What is the significance of Edom and Seir in this prophecy?**

Answer: Edom represents the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and their territory in the mountainous region of Seir ([Genesis 36:8](/genesis/36-8 "Genesis 36:8 - Esau Settles in Mount Seir")). Their relationship with Israel was often marked by deep-seated animosity and rivalry, stemming from the original sibling conflict between Jacob and Esau. In biblical prophecy, Edom often symbolizes the archetypal enemy of God's people, representing those who oppose God's chosen nation. Therefore, their subjugation in this prophecy is not merely a geopolitical prediction but a powerful theological statement about God's protection and vindication of Israel, ensuring the defeat of all who stand against His divine purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 24:18 speaks of Israel's earthly dominion and military prowess, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The "Star out of Jacob" and "Scepter out of Israel" prophesied in [Numbers 24:17](/numbers/24-17 "Numbers 24:17 - The Star and Scepter Prophecy") finds its ultimate realization in Jesus, the true King of Kings, who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "valiance" of Israel, empowered by God to conquer earthly enemies, foreshadows the spiritual victory achieved by Christ on the cross, where He triumphed over all spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through Christ, believers, who are the spiritual Israel, are empowered to "do valiantly" in spiritual warfare, inheriting a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")) and participating in His ultimate dominion over all things ([Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Supremacy")). The subjugation of Edom, a historical enemy of God's people, points forward to the final and complete defeat of all opposition under the feet of the true Davidic King, Jesus Christ, who 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 Must Reign")).

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

Amos 9:12

That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.

2 Samuel 8:14

And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

Genesis 27:29

Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed [be] every one that curseth thee, and blessed [be] he that blesseth thee.

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Genesis 27:40

And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

Genesis 32:3

¶ And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.

Psalms 60:8

Moab [is] my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.