Numbers 24: Balaam's Blessings and a Glimpse of the Messiah
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!
As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
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.
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.
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.
And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour.
And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak?
And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
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.
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.
And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.
And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.
And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.
Numbers 24 recounts a pivotal moment in the journey of Israel, where the prophet Balaam, hired by King Balak of Moab to curse Israel, instead delivers a series of powerful blessings and prophecies. This chapter is a testament to God's sovereign control and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people, even in the face of opposition. It also contains a remarkable prophecy about the coming Messiah.
Balaam's Transformed Vision (24:1-4)
In a departure from his previous rituals, Balaam simply looked out over the vast encampment of Israel, organized according to God's precise instructions (24:1; see Numbers 1). As he gazed upon the nation, tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him (24:2). Balaam then described the Lord's profound influence on him. His eyes were opened to spiritual realities, he heard God's very words, he saw a vision from the Almighty, and he fell into a trance, yet with his eyes uncovered (24:3-4). In this state, Balaam uttered his third oracle, a poetic and powerful tribute to God's hand of blessing upon Israel. This experience underscores the truth that God can use even flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes.
A Vision of Prosperity and Kingdom (24:5-7)
Though he was looking down on Israel's nomadic encampment, Balaam envisioned a land of abundance and prosperity (24:6). He saw Israel as a well-watered garden, flourishing under God's care. Remarkably, he also referred to Israel as a kingdom (24:7), even though their first king, Saul, would not reign for hundreds of years. This prophecy speaks to the inherent destiny of Israel as a nation blessed and favored by God.
The mention of Agag (24:7) is intriguing. While a future king of the Amalekites named Agag would be executed by the prophet Samuel during King Saul's reign (1_Samuel 15), it was common in the ancient Near East for kings to carry the same throne name across generations, similar to the Pharaohs of Egypt or the Abimelechs of Philistia. Therefore, the current king of the Amalekites likely bore the name Agag as well. This reference connects to an earlier prophecy concerning the Amalekites, who attacked Israel after the exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). The Lord promised at that time, "I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). Balaam's prophecy, then, foretold Israel's future dominance over the Amalekite kingdom, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises.
Strength, Victory, and a Warning (24:8-9)
Balaam's oracle emphasized God's strength in bringing Israel out of Egypt and defeating the nations that opposed them (24:8). This was precisely what Balak feared. Balaam concluded with a chilling declaration: "Those who curse you will be cursed, and those who bless you will be blessed" (24:9). By attempting to curse Israel, King Balak had sealed his own fate. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's protection over His people and the consequences of opposing His will.
Balak's Fury and Balaam's Resolve (24:10-14)
Enraged by Balaam's blessings, Balak dismissed him without payment (24:10-11). However, Balaam calmly reiterated his unwavering commitment to speak only what God commanded (24:12-13). Before departing, Balaam delivered one final oracle of blessing for Israel and a word of warning for Balak (24:14). This demonstrates Balaam's forced obedience to God's will, even in the face of personal loss and the king's displeasure.
The Star of Jacob: A Prophecy of the Messiah (24:15-25)
Balaam's final oracle is the most remarkable, containing a prophecy of the coming Messiah. He foretold the rising of "a star...from Jacob and a scepter...from Israel" (24:17), references to Christ, a descendant of Israel and the "morning star" of Revelation 22:16. This Messianic prophecy provides hope and assurance of God's ultimate plan for redemption. He also foresaw Israel's victories over Moab (Balak's people), the Edomites, and the Amalekites (24:17-20). After completing his mission, Balaam returned home, as did Balak (24:25). The attempt to curse Israel had failed utterly. This chapter beautifully illustrates God's power to turn curses into blessings and His ultimate triumph over evil. The prophecies within Numbers 24 offer a glimpse into the future, filled with hope and the promise of a Messiah who will ultimately reign.
And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!
As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
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.
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.
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.
And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour.
And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak?
And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
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.
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.
And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.
And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.
And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.
Numbers 24 recounts a pivotal moment in the journey of Israel, where the prophet Balaam, hired by King Balak of Moab to curse Israel, instead delivers a series of powerful blessings and prophecies. This chapter is a testament to God's sovereign control and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people, even in the face of opposition. It also contains a remarkable prophecy about the coming Messiah.
Balaam's Transformed Vision (24:1-4)
In a departure from his previous rituals, Balaam simply looked out over the vast encampment of Israel, organized according to God's precise instructions (24:1; see Numbers 1). As he gazed upon the nation, tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him (24:2). Balaam then described the Lord's profound influence on him. His eyes were opened to spiritual realities, he heard God's very words, he saw a vision from the Almighty, and he fell into a trance, yet with his eyes uncovered (24:3-4). In this state, Balaam uttered his third oracle, a poetic and powerful tribute to God's hand of blessing upon Israel. This experience underscores the truth that God can use even flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes.
A Vision of Prosperity and Kingdom (24:5-7)
Though he was looking down on Israel's nomadic encampment, Balaam envisioned a land of abundance and prosperity (24:6). He saw Israel as a well-watered garden, flourishing under God's care. Remarkably, he also referred to Israel as a kingdom (24:7), even though their first king, Saul, would not reign for hundreds of years. This prophecy speaks to the inherent destiny of Israel as a nation blessed and favored by God.
The mention of Agag (24:7) is intriguing. While a future king of the Amalekites named Agag would be executed by the prophet Samuel during King Saul's reign (1_Samuel 15), it was common in the ancient Near East for kings to carry the same throne name across generations, similar to the Pharaohs of Egypt or the Abimelechs of Philistia. Therefore, the current king of the Amalekites likely bore the name Agag as well. This reference connects to an earlier prophecy concerning the Amalekites, who attacked Israel after the exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). The Lord promised at that time, "I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). Balaam's prophecy, then, foretold Israel's future dominance over the Amalekite kingdom, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises.
Strength, Victory, and a Warning (24:8-9)
Balaam's oracle emphasized God's strength in bringing Israel out of Egypt and defeating the nations that opposed them (24:8). This was precisely what Balak feared. Balaam concluded with a chilling declaration: "Those who curse you will be cursed, and those who bless you will be blessed" (24:9). By attempting to curse Israel, King Balak had sealed his own fate. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's protection over His people and the consequences of opposing His will.
Balak's Fury and Balaam's Resolve (24:10-14)
Enraged by Balaam's blessings, Balak dismissed him without payment (24:10-11). However, Balaam calmly reiterated his unwavering commitment to speak only what God commanded (24:12-13). Before departing, Balaam delivered one final oracle of blessing for Israel and a word of warning for Balak (24:14). This demonstrates Balaam's forced obedience to God's will, even in the face of personal loss and the king's displeasure.
The Star of Jacob: A Prophecy of the Messiah (24:15-25)
Balaam's final oracle is the most remarkable, containing a prophecy of the coming Messiah. He foretold the rising of "a star...from Jacob and a scepter...from Israel" (24:17), references to Christ, a descendant of Israel and the "morning star" of Revelation 22:16. This Messianic prophecy provides hope and assurance of God's ultimate plan for redemption. He also foresaw Israel's victories over Moab (Balak's people), the Edomites, and the Amalekites (24:17-20). After completing his mission, Balaam returned home, as did Balak (24:25). The attempt to curse Israel had failed utterly. This chapter beautifully illustrates God's power to turn curses into blessings and His ultimate triumph over evil. The prophecies within Numbers 24 offer a glimpse into the future, filled with hope and the promise of a Messiah who will ultimately reign.