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.

Behold, the people {H5971} shall rise up {H6965} as a great lion {H3833}, and lift up {H5375} himself as a young lion {H738}: he shall not lie down {H7901} until he eat {H398} of the prey {H2964}, and drink {H8354} the blood {H1818} of the slain {H2491}.

"Here is a people rising up like a lioness; like a lion he rears himself up -he will not lie down till he eats up the prey and drinks the blood of the slain."

Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.”

Behold, the people riseth up as a lioness, And as a lion doth he lift himself up: He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, And drink the blood of the slain.

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 23:24 (KJV)

This verse is part of the third oracle delivered by Balaam concerning the people of Israel, spoken despite King Balak's attempts to hire him to curse them. God repeatedly intervened, turning Balaam's intended curses into blessings.

Context

Balak, the king of Moab, was terrified of the large Israelite population encamped near his borders after their exodus from Egypt. He hired the prophet-for-hire, Balaam, to curse Israel, believing this would enable him to defeat them. However, God put His own words in Balaam's mouth. In the first two oracles (Numbers 23:7-10 and Numbers 23:18-24), Balaam declared God's blessing and the unique nature of Israel. This third oracle continues this theme, vividly portraying Israel's power and destiny under divine protection.

Key Themes

  • Israel's Strength and Power: The central image is that of a lion, a symbol of strength, royalty, and ferocity. Comparing Israel to both a "great lion" and a "young lion" emphasizes their robust and growing power.
  • Divine Protection and Blessing: Despite Balak's efforts, God's blessing on Israel was immutable (Numbers 23:19). This divine favor is the source of their strength and invincibility.
  • Unstoppable Conquest: The phrase "he shall not lie down until he eat [of] the prey, and drink the blood of the slain" paints a picture of a relentless, victorious people who will fully subdue their enemies and possess their land. This speaks to the future conquest of Canaan promised by God.
  • God's Sovereignty: This passage powerfully illustrates God's ability to turn the plans of men on their head, ensuring His purposes for His chosen people are fulfilled. What was meant as a curse became a declaration of their fearsome, God-given might.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "great lion" and "young lion." The Hebrew uses different terms: ΧœΦΈΧ‘Φ΄Χ™Χ (lavi') for the "great lion" and ΧœΦ·Χ™Φ΄Χ©Χ (layish) for the "young lion." Both terms denote different stages or types of lions, emphasizing the comprehensive strength and vitality of the Israelite nation, from mature power to youthful vigor. The imagery is potent, representing a force that cannot be easily overcome.

Reflection and Application

While this prophecy directly concerned ancient Israel and their physical conquest, it contains enduring principles about God's faithfulness and the strength He grants His people. Just as God protected Israel and enabled them to overcome formidable foes, believers today can find assurance in God's power to sustain and empower them. Spiritually, we are called to be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10), equipped to stand against spiritual adversaries. This verse reminds us that when God is for us, no one can successfully stand against us (Romans 8:31). The victory is assured through God's power working within us.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 49:9 (6 votes)

    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?

  • Genesis 49:27 (4 votes)

    Benjamin shall ravin [as] a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

  • Zechariah 12:6 (3 votes)

    In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.

  • Numbers 24:17 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Numbers 24:8 (3 votes)

    God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce [them] through with his arrows.

  • Numbers 24:9 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 5:5 (3 votes)

    And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.