Numbers 24:9

KJV

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

He couched {H3766}, he lay down {H7901} as a lion {H738}, and as a great lion {H3833}: who shall stir him up {H6965}? Blessed {H1288} is he that blesseth {H1288} thee, and cursed {H779} is he that curseth {H779} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When they lie down they crouch like a lion, or like a lioness - who dares to rouse it? Blessed be all who bless you! Cursed be all who curse you!"

Berean Standard Bible

He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”

American Standard Version

He couched, he lay down as a lion, And as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? Blessed be every one that blesseth thee, And cursed be every one that curseth thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 24:9 encapsulates Balaam's fourth divine oracle, a powerful declaration of God's unwavering protection and blessing upon Israel. Despite being hired by Balak to curse the Israelites, Balaam is supernaturally compelled to pronounce a blessing, portraying Israel as a formidable, sovereign lion at rest, whose security is divinely guaranteed. The verse concludes with a foundational principle affirming that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse them will be cursed, underscoring the inviolable nature of God's covenant with His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 24:9 is situated within the series of four oracles delivered by Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner from Mesopotamia, at the behest of Balak, king of Moab. Balak's desperate attempts to secure a curse against the advancing Israelites, who posed a perceived threat to his kingdom, are repeatedly thwarted by Yahweh's direct intervention. Each time Balaam intends to curse, he is supernaturally compelled to utter a blessing, much to Balak's frustration. This particular oracle, the fourth, builds upon the previous three by emphasizing Israel's unique divine favor, their secure dwelling, and their future triumph. It marks a climax in Balaam's prophetic utterances, solidifying the theme of God's unassailable sovereignty over human and demonic intentions, transforming intended curses into profound blessings and prophetic insights into Israel's formidable destiny. The immediate context shows Balak's growing anger and Balaam's final, unsolicited prophecies about future messianic figures and the ultimate fate of various nations, further cementing God's overarching plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 24 unfold as Israel is encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land, following their forty years of wilderness wandering. Balak, as king of Moab, represents the indigenous peoples of Canaan and its periphery who viewed Israel's approach with fear and hostility. In the ancient Near East, divination and the use of professional seers like Balaam were common practices, believed to influence outcomes through curses or blessings. Kings often employed such figures for military or political advantage. The imagery of the lion was a widespread symbol of strength, royalty, and formidable power in the ancient world, often associated with kings and deities. By depicting Israel as a lion, Balaam employs a culturally resonant metaphor that would have been immediately understood by Balak and his contemporaries as signifying supreme, unchallengeable authority and security. This context highlights the clash between human attempts to manipulate spiritual forces and the absolute, unyielding sovereignty of the God of Israel, who controls even the words of a foreign prophet.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 24:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Protection and Security** of Israel. The imagery of Israel "couching" and "laying down as a lion" conveys an unassailable strength and peace, implying that any attempt to disturb or harm them would be met with overwhelming, even disastrous, force. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, a theme echoed throughout Israel's wilderness journey where God consistently provides and protects (e.g., [Numbers 9:15-23](/numbers/9-15 "Numbers 9:15-23 - The Cloud Guiding Israel")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Irrevocable Nature of God's Blessing**. Despite Balak's persistent efforts to elicit a curse, God's blessing on Israel is fixed and cannot be undone by human or demonic machinations. Balaam, a prophet known for his spiritual insight, could not bypass God's will, affirming the permanence of the divine covenant and God's faithfulness to His promises (e.g., [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")). Finally, the latter part of the verse, "Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee," reiterates a foundational principle first made to [Abraham in Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Promise to Abraham"). This establishes a universal law of divine retribution and reward tied directly to one's posture towards God's chosen people and His purposes, demonstrating God's justice and His active involvement in human affairs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Couched (רָבַץ, _ravats_):** This Hebrew verb signifies lying down, resting, or crouching, often used to describe animals, particularly predatory ones like lions, in a state of repose or readiness. When applied to Israel, it conveys a sense of secure, unthreatened rest, implying that their position of strength is so absolute that they can afford to "couch" without fear. It suggests a settled, powerful presence, not one of weakness or vulnerability.
* **Lion (לָבִיא, _lavi'_ / אַרְיֵה, _'aryeh_):** The text uses two distinct Hebrew words for lion, "lion" (_lavi'_) and "great lion" (_'aryeh_), intensifying the imagery. The lion is a potent symbol across the ancient Near East, representing royalty, strength, courage, and sovereignty. In biblical tradition, it is notably associated with the tribe of Judah (e.g., [Genesis 49:9](/genesis/49-9 "Genesis 49:9 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")), foreshadowing the Davidic monarchy and ultimately the Messiah. The double use emphasizes Israel's unparalleled might and regal status, conferred by God.
* **Stir him up (יְקִימֶנּוּ, _y'qimenū_):** This verb means to raise up, awaken, or arouse. In the context of a sleeping lion, it carries a strong connotation of danger and folly. The rhetorical question, "who shall stir him up?", implies that any attempt to disturb this powerful, resting entity would be met with disastrous consequences. It highlights Israel's invincibility under divine protection, warning potential adversaries of the futility and peril of opposing God's chosen nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion:"** This opening clause vividly portrays Israel's state of secure power. The repetition and intensification ("lion, and as a great lion") underscore their formidable strength and regal authority. This is not a lion preparing to attack, but one at rest, confident in its supremacy, implying that Israel's security is so absolute it does not need to constantly exert its power; its mere presence is enough to deter. It speaks to a divinely ordained peace and an unassailable position.
* **"who shall stir him up?"** This is a rhetorical question that powerfully emphasizes Israel's invincibility. The implied answer is "no one" or "no one safely." It serves as a stark warning to those who would dare to oppose God's people, suggesting that such an act would be an act of supreme folly, akin to disturbing a sleeping, mighty predator. This question highlights the divine protection that renders Israel untouchable by human or demonic forces.
* **"Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee."** This concluding declaration reiterates a foundational covenant promise initially given to Abraham ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). It establishes a universal principle of divine justice and reciprocity, making the treatment of Israel a direct reflection of one's posture towards God Himself. Those who align with God's purposes for Israel will receive divine favor, while those who oppose them will incur divine judgment. This statement underscores the profound spiritual implications of one's relationship with God's chosen people.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 24:9 is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing **Metaphor** and **Rhetorical Question**. The central **Metaphor** of Israel as a "lion" and "great lion" is highly effective, immediately conveying strength, sovereignty, and regal authority. This animal imagery, common in ancient Near Eastern literature, elevates Israel's status to that of an unchallengeable power, not by their own might, but by divine endowment. The use of two distinct terms for lion (_lavi'_ and _'aryeh_) intensifies this metaphor, creating a sense of escalating power. Following this, the **Rhetorical Question**, "who shall stir him up?", serves to emphasize the invincibility of the divinely protected nation. It is a challenge that expects no answer, highlighting the futility and danger of opposing Israel. Finally, the concluding statement, "Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee," employs a clear form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two opposing ideas are juxtaposed to underscore a moral or theological truth. This structure makes the divine principle clear, memorable, and impactful, reinforcing the absolute nature of God's blessings and curses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 24:9 stands as a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and the immutable nature of God's promises. It vividly illustrates that God's plan for His people cannot be thwarted by human machinations or spiritual opposition. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is compelled by the Spirit of God to speak truth, demonstrating that even those outside the covenant are subject to God's ultimate control. The imagery of the lion speaks to God's conferral of strength and regal authority upon Israel, positioning them as a formidable, unassailable entity under His watch. This divine protection extends beyond mere physical security to encompass the spiritual and covenantal well-being of the nation. The principle of blessing those who bless Israel and cursing those who curse them is not merely a historical promise but a timeless theological truth, revealing God's active involvement in human affairs and His commitment to upholding His covenant. It underscores the profound spiritual consequences of one's alignment with or opposition to God's purposes.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abraham")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God's Unchanging Word")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Blessings for Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 24:9 offers profound assurance and practical guidance for believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even when adversaries plot against His people or when life's challenges seem overwhelming. Just as God protected Israel from Balaam's curses, He continues to be our faithful protector and provider. Our security is not based on our strength or circumstances, but on God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His children. This verse encourages us to rest in His power, knowing that if He is for us, no one can successfully stand against us. It also serves as a potent reminder of the principle that aligning ourselves with God's will and His people brings blessing, while opposing them invites divine judgment. This should motivate us to pray for, support, and stand with those who are persecuted for their faith, and to uphold God's righteous causes in the world, trusting that our actions, whether for good or ill, have eternal consequences. Our confidence should be in the "great Lion" who watches over us, allowing us to "couch" in peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's sovereign protection, like the "lion at rest"?**
* **How does the principle of "blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee" apply to your interactions with others and your support for God's purposes in the world today?**
* **What "curses" or adversities have you faced, and how can remembering God's power to turn curses into blessings strengthen your faith?**

### FAQ
**Why is Israel depicted as a lion in this verse?**

Answer: The depiction of Israel as a "lion" and "great lion" is a powerful **metaphor** used to symbolize strength, sovereignty, and regal authority. In the ancient Near East, the lion was a common emblem for kings and powerful nations. For Israel, this imagery signifies their formidable and unassailable position, not due to their own inherent might, but because of God's divine protection and blessing. It foreshadows the future rise of the Davidic monarchy and is specifically associated with the tribe of Judah, from which the Messiah would come ([Genesis 49:9](/genesis/49-9 "Genesis 49:9 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")). The lion "couching" or "lying down" further emphasizes a state of secure rest, implying that Israel is so strong and divinely protected that it can afford to be at peace, yet remains formidable to anyone who would dare to disturb it.

**What is the significance of the rhetorical question, "who shall stir him up?"**

Answer: This rhetorical question serves to emphasize Israel's invincibility under God's protection. The implied answer is "no one" or "no one safely." It's a challenge and a warning to any potential adversaries, including Balak, that attempting to harm or disturb God's chosen people would be an act of extreme folly and would result in disastrous consequences. Just as disturbing a sleeping great lion would be perilous, so too is opposing a nation guarded by the Almighty. It highlights the futility of human or demonic efforts to thwart God's divine plan and underscores the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh over all creation and human affairs. This divine protection is a recurring theme, seen in instances like God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt ([Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13-14 - The Lord Will Fight for You")) and His continued faithfulness throughout their history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 24:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The imagery of Israel as a majestic, unassailable "lion" powerfully foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who is explicitly identified as the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah") in the New Testament. Just as Balaam's prophecy declared Israel's secure and formidable position under God's protection, Christ embodies the ultimate divine strength and sovereignty. He is the one whom no one can "stir up" or ultimately defeat, having triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Furthermore, the principle "Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee" finds its most perfect application in relation to Christ. Those who receive Him and believe in His name are blessed with eternal life and become children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Receiving Christ")), while those who reject Him face eternal condemnation ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). Our security and blessing are no longer derived from our ethnic lineage but from our union with Christ, the true Lion of God, in whom we find an unshakeable peace and an eternal rest, confident that no one can snatch us out of His hand ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - Security in Christ")).

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

Genesis 12:3

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

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.

Genesis 49:9

Judah [is] a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?

Numbers 23:24

Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat [of] the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

Matthew 25:45

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me.

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

Psalms 122:6

¶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.