Numbers 24:7

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed [shall be] in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

He shall pour {H5140} the water {H4325} out {H5140} of his buckets {H1805}, and his seed {H2233} shall be in many {H7227} waters {H4325}, and his king {H4428} shall be higher {H7311} than Agag {H90}, and his kingdom {H4438} shall be exalted {H5375}.

"Water will flow from their branches, their seed will have water aplenty. Their king will be higher than Agag and his kingdom lifted high.

Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.

Water shall flow from his buckets, And his seed shall be in many waters, And his king shall be higher than Agag, And his kingdom shall be exalted.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 24:7 is part of the fourth oracle delivered by Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel. Despite Balak's persistent efforts, God sovereignly intervened, causing Balaam to utter only blessings and prophecies concerning Israel's future greatness. This particular verse continues the theme of Israel's divine favor and future ascendancy, directly contradicting Balak's intentions. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, transforming a curse into a powerful declaration of blessing and dominion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Abundance and Prosperity: The imagery of "pouring water out of his buckets" and "his seed in many waters" signifies immense fertility, prosperity, and influence. Water is a vital resource in the ancient Near East, symbolizing life, growth, and abundance. This suggests Israel's future flourishing and widespread impact.
  • Sovereignty Over Enemies: The declaration that "his king shall be higher than Agag" is a powerful statement of Israel's future military and political supremacy. Agag was likely a contemporary king of the Amalekites, a perennial enemy of Israel (see Exodus 17:16). This prophecy foretells a decisive victory over formidable foes, symbolizing triumph over all opposition. Later, King Saul would famously confront an Agag, though his incomplete obedience led to consequences (1 Samuel 15:8-9).
  • Exaltation of Israel's Kingdom: The phrase "and his kingdom shall be exalted" reinforces the vision of Israel rising to a position of prominence and glory among nations. This prophecy points toward the establishment of a powerful monarchy in Israel, culminating in the reign of David and, ultimately, the eternal reign of the Messiah, the true King of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "water out of his buckets" (often translated as "his wells" or "his springs") and "seed in many waters" emphasizes a natural, overflowing abundance. It's an agricultural metaphor for a rich, thriving populace and widespread influence, suggesting a nation that is self-sustaining and expansive.
  • Agag: While a specific king, Agag also serves as a symbolic representation of Israel's most bitter enemies. The prophecy's claim that Israel's king would be "higher than Agag" signifies not just victory over one foe, but absolute superiority over all hostile powers, a theme consistent with messianic expectations of a conquering king.

Practical Application

Numbers 24:7 reminds believers of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when surrounded by opposition. Just as God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, He can work all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This verse offers a powerful assurance of divine provision and ultimate victory. It points forward to the reign of Christ, the ultimate King, whose kingdom is exalted above all others and who has triumphed over every enemy (Colossians 2:15). We can trust in God's plan for our lives and for His church, knowing that His blessings and purposes will ultimately prevail.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 14:2

    And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

  • 2 Samuel 5:12

    And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.

  • Revelation 17:1

    ¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

  • Jeremiah 51:13

    O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, [and] the measure of thy covetousness.

  • Philippians 2:10

    That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;

  • Philippians 2:11

    And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

  • Revelation 19:16

    And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.