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Commentary on Numbers 24 verses 15–25
The office of prophets was both to bless and to prophesy in the name of the Lord. Balaam, as a prophet, per force had blessed Israel; here he foretels future events.
I. His preface is much the same as that, Num 24:3, Num 24:4. He personates a true prophet admirably well, God permitting and directing him to do so, because, whatever he was, the prophecy itself was a true prophecy. He boasts, 1. That his eyes are open (Num 24:15), for prophets were in old time called seers (Sa1 9:9), because they must speak what they had seen, and therefore, before they opened their lips, it was necessary that they should have their eyes open. 2. That he has heard the words of God, which many do that do not heed them, nor hear God in them. 3. That he knew the knowledge of the Most High; this is added here. A man may be full of the knowledge of God and yet utterly destitute of the grace of God, may receive the truth in the light of it and yet be a stranger to the love of it. 4. That he saw the vision of the Almighty, but not so as to be changed into the same image. He calls God the Most High, and the Almighty; no man could speak more honourably of him, nor seem to put a greater value upon his acquaintance with him, and yet he had no true fear of him, love to him, or faith in him, so far may a man go towards heaven, and yet come short.
II. Here is his prophecy concerning him that should be the crown and glory of his people Israel, who is, 1. David in the type, who not now, not quickly, but in process of time, should smite the corners of Moab. (Num 24:17), and take possession of Mount Seir, and under whom the forces of Israel should do valiantly, Num 24:18. This was fulfilled when David smote Moab, and measured them with a line, so that the Moabites became David' servants, Sa2 8:2. And at the same time the Edomites likewise were brought into obedience to Israel, Num 24:14. But, 2. Our Lord Jesus, the promised Messiah, is chiefly pointed at in the antitype, and of him it is an illustrious prophecy; it was the will of God that notice should thus be given of his coming, a great while before, not only to the people of the Jews, but to other nations, because his gospel and kingdom were to extend themselves so far beyond the borders of the land of Israel. It is here foretold, (1.) That while: "I shall see him, but not now; I do see him in vision, but at a very great distance, through the interposing space of 1500 years at least." Or understand it thus: - Balaam, a wicked man, shall see Christ, but shall not see him nigh, nor see him as Job, who saw him as his Redeemer, and saw him for himself, Job 19:25, Job 19:27. When he comes in the clouds every eye shall see him, but many will see him (as the rich man in hell saw Abraham) afar off. (2.) That he shall come out of Jacob, and Israel, as a star and a sceptre, the former denoting his glory and lustre, and the bright and morning star, the latter his power and authority; it is he that shall have dominion. Perhaps this prophecy of Balaam (one of the children of the east) concerning a star that should arise out of Jacob, as the indication of a sceptre arising in Israel, being preserved by a tradition of that country, gave occasion to the wise men, who were of the east too, upon the sight of an unusual star over the land of Judea, to enquire for him that was born king of the Jews, Mat 2:2. (3.) That his kingdom shall be universal, and victorious over all opposition, which was typified by David's victories over Moab and Edom. But the Messiah shall destroy, or, as some read it, shall rule over, all the children of Seth. (Num 24:17), that is, all the children of men, who descend from Seth, the son of Adam, the descendants of the rest of Adam's sons being cut off by the deluge. Christ shall be king, not only of Jacob and Israel, but of all the world; so that all the children of Seth shall be either governed by his golden sceptre or dashed in pieces by his iron rod. He shall set up a universal rule, authority, and power, of his own, and shall put down all opposing rule, Co1 15:24. He shall unwall all the children of Seth; so some read it. He shall take down all their defences and carnal confidences, so that they shall either admit his government or lie open to his judgments. (4.) That his Israel shall do valiantly; the subjects of Christ, animated by his might, shall maintain a spiritual was with the powers of darkness, and be more than conquerors. The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits, Dan 11:32.
III. Here is his prophecy concerning the Amalekites and Kenites, part of whose country, it is probable, he had now in view. 1. The Amalekites were now the chief of the nations (Num 24:20), therefore Agag was spoken of (Num 24:7) as an eminent prince, and they were the first that engaged Israel when they came out of Egypt; but the time will come when that nation, as great as it looks now, will be totally ruined and rooted out: His latter end shall be that he perish for ever. Here Balaam confirms that doom of Amalek which Moses had read (Exo 17:14, Exo 17:16), where God had sworn that he would have perpetual war with Amalek. Note, Those whom God is at war with will certainly perish for ever; for when God judges he will overcome. 2. The Kenites were now the securest of the nations; their situation was such as that nature was their engineer, and had strongly fortified them: "Thou puttest thy nest (like the eagle) in a rock, Num 24:21. Thou thinkest thyself safe, and yet the Kenites shall be wasted (Num 24:22) and gradually brought to decay, till they be carried away captive by the Assyrians," which was done at the captivity of the ten tribes. Note, Bodies politic, like natural bodies, though of the strongest constitutions, will gradually decay, and come to ruin at last; even a nest in a rock will be no perpetual security.
IV. Here is a prophecy that looks as far forward as the Greeks and Romans, for theirs is supposed to be meant by the coast of Chittim, v. 24.
1.The introduction to this parable; this article of his prophecy is very observable (v. 23): Alas! who shall live when God doeth this? Here he acknowledges all the revolutions of states and kingdoms to be the Lord's doing: God doeth this; whoever are the instruments, he is the supreme director. But he speaks mournfully concerning them, and has a very melancholy prospect of these events: Who shall live? Either, (1.) These events are so distant, and so far off to come, that it is hard to say who shall live till they come; but, whoever shall live to see them, there will be amazing turns. Or, (2.) They will be so dismal, and make such desolations, that scarcely any will escape or be left alive; who shall live when death rides in triumph? Rev 6:8. Those that live then will be as brands plucked out of the fire, and will have their lives given them as a prey. God fit us for the worst of times!
2.The prophecy itself is observable. Both Greece and Italy lie much upon the sea, and therefore their armies were sent forth mostly in ships. Now he seems here to foretell, (2.) That the forces of the Grecians should humble and bring down the Assyrians, who were united with the Persians, which was fulfilled when the eastern country was overcome, or overrun rather, by Alexander. (2.) That theirs and the Roman forces should afflict the Hebrews, or Jews, who were called the children of Eber; this was fulfilled in part when the Grecian empire was oppressive to the Jewish nation, but chiefly when the Roman empire ruined it and put a period to it. But, (3.) That Chittim, that is, the Roman empire, in which the Grecian was at length swallowed up, should itself perish for ever, when the stone cut out of the mountain without hands shall consume all these kingdoms, and particularly the feet of iron and clay, Dan 2:34. Thus (says Dr. Lightfoot) Balaam, instead of cursing the church, curses Amalek the first, and Rome the last, enemy of the church. And so let all thy enemies perish, O Lord!
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SUMMARY
Numbers 24:19 stands as the powerful culmination of Balaam's fourth and final oracle, a divinely inspired prophecy that, contrary to Balak's malicious intent, pronounces a profound blessing and foretells the glorious future of Israel. This verse specifically declares the emergence of a mighty ruler from Jacob who will exercise supreme, conquering authority and decisively destroy the remaining adversaries, pointing beyond immediate historical fulfillments to an ultimate, messianic victory and the establishment of an undisputed, eternal dominion.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 24:19 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its prophetic power and theological depth. The most prominent device is Prophecy itself, as Balaam's words are a divinely inspired foretelling of future events, specifically the rise of a powerful, conquering ruler from Israel. This prophecy functions as profound Messianic Foreshadowing, pointing beyond any immediate historical fulfillment to the ultimate, universal reign of the Messiah. The phrase "him that remaineth of the city" utilizes Metonymy, where "city" stands in for its inhabitants and their collective power or resistance, signifying the complete and utter subjugation of all adversaries. The language itself is highly Symbolic, with "dominion" and "destroy" conveying not just physical conquest but the establishment of an ultimate, unchallengeable authority that eradicates all opposition. The entire oracle, delivered by a pagan diviner who is compelled to bless, is a powerful example of Divine Irony, showcasing God's absolute sovereignty over human will and plans.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:19 is a profound statement on God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate plan for a sovereign, victorious ruler. The prophecy underscores the theme of divine election and the absolute certainty of God's promises, even when spoken through an unlikely, non-Israelite prophet like Balaam. It establishes the trajectory of Israel's future as one marked by a powerful, divinely appointed king who will secure their peace and prosperity through decisive victory over all enemies. The "he that shall have dominion" points to a figure of ultimate authority, whose rule is not merely earthly but carries a divine mandate for the complete subjugation of all opposition. This vision of a conquering king provides deep assurance of God's ultimate triumph over all forces hostile to His kingdom and His people, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:19 offers a powerful anchor for faith, reminding us of God's absolute sovereignty and the unfailing certainty of His prophetic word. In a world often characterized by chaos, conflict, and the apparent triumph of evil, this verse reassures us that a divine ruler, ultimately Christ Himself, has and will exercise ultimate dominion. It calls us to trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately prevail and all opposition will be brought to nothing. For believers, this means living with profound confidence in Christ's present authority and future triumph, engaging in spiritual warfare with the assurance of His victory, and patiently enduring trials, knowing that our King has already secured the ultimate conquest over sin, death, and every enemy. It encourages us to align our lives with His dominion, participating in His redemptive work and eagerly anticipating the full manifestation of His glorious, undisputed reign.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who is "him that remaineth of the city" in this prophecy?
Answer: While the immediate historical context might point to Israel's regional adversaries like the Moabites or Edomites (as partially seen in King David's conquests in 2 Samuel 8), the phrase "him that remaineth of the city" is best understood as a broader, comprehensive reference. It signifies any lingering, unyielding opposition to the divinely appointed ruler and God's people. In its ultimate messianic fulfillment, it encompasses all enemies of God's kingdom, including sin, death, and spiritual adversaries, who will be utterly subdued by the Messiah. It speaks to a complete and final eradication of all challenges to His dominion, leaving no remnant of resistance.
How does this prophecy relate to King David?
Answer: King David's reign saw a significant, though partial, fulfillment of Numbers 24:19. David, a king from Jacob (Israel) and a descendant of Judah, indeed exercised great dominion, conquering surrounding nations like Moab and Edom, and establishing a powerful kingdom. 2 Samuel 8:14 explicitly states, "And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants." This historical fulfillment demonstrates the immediate relevance and initial application of Balaam's prophecy. However, the sweeping language of "destroy him that remaineth" and the broader scope of the "Star" and "Sceptre" imagery point to a greater, ultimate fulfillment beyond any earthly king, foreshadowing the perfect, universal, and eternal dominion of the Messiah.
Why is Balaam, a non-Israelite, delivering this prophecy?
Answer: Balaam's role as a non-Israelite prophet delivering divine oracles about Israel's blessing and a future king powerfully underscores the theme of God's absolute sovereignty. It demonstrates that God is not confined to Israel or its prophets but can use anyone, even those hired to oppose His people, to accomplish His purposes and reveal His plans. Balaam's repeated inability to curse Israel, despite his desire and Balak's intense pressure, highlights God's protective hand over His chosen nation and His ultimate control over all events and human wills. It also serves to validate the prophecy as coming from an external, unbiased source, making its divine origin and undeniable truth even more evident to both Israel and the surrounding nations.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:19 finds its ultimate, most glorious, and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "he that shall have dominion" is none other than the Son of David, the true and eternal King who emerged "out of Jacob" according to the flesh. While King David provided a historical precedent of a mighty ruler from Israel, his dominion was limited, temporary, and imperfect. Jesus, however, possesses all authority in heaven and on earth, as He Himself declared after His resurrection in Matthew 28:18. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, He has already triumphed over the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15). The promise to "destroy him that remaineth of the city" points to Christ's comprehensive victory over sin, death, and all spiritual enemies. He is the one who, through His death, has "destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14). His future return will bring the final and complete subjugation of all remaining opposition, as He will rule the nations with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15) and every knee will ultimately bow to Him, acknowledging His supreme Lordship (Philippians 2:10). Thus, Numbers 24:19 stands as a powerful Old Testament witness to the universal, eternal, and undisputed kingship of Jesus Christ.