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.
Read it in contextBalaam's Final Oracles
Start reading at Numbers 24:1 (Numbers 24:1 to Numbers 24:25).
This unit encompasses Balaam's fourth and final set of prophecies concerning Israel and surrounding nations, delivered after Balak's repeated attempts to have Israel cursed. The passage begins with Balaam setting his face toward the wilderness and the Spirit of God coming upon him, and concludes with Balaam and Balak departing.
24:1And 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.
24:2And 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.
24:3And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
24:4He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
24:5How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!
24:6As 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.
24:7He 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.
24:8God 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.
24:9He 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.
24:10And 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.
24:11Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.
24:12And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
24:13If 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?
24:14And 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.
24:15And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
24:16He 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:
24:17I 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.
24:18And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
24:19Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.
24:20And 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.
24:21And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
24:22Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
24:23And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
24:24And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.
24:25And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Moses is the traditional author. He is explicitly credited with writing Israel's journeys at the LORD's command. Biblical references: Numbers 33:2. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Numbers 22:1–24:25): Balak king of Moab summons Balaam concerning Israel. Balaam's oracles are delivered before Balak and his officials while Israel is encamped below; Israel is often the subject rather than the immediate hearer. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel during the wilderness journey, including the generation preparing to enter Canaan, with the record preserved for later Israel. Biblical references: Numbers 1:1; Numbers 26:63; Numbers 36:13. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is Balaam's final prophecies, specifically foretelling the rise of a powerful ruler from Israel who will conquer its enemies and establish dominion.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His sovereign plan to bless Israel and establish a powerful, kingly ruler from them, who will ultimately defeat their adversaries and exercise dominion.
What is the literary style? The literary style is a prophetic oracle or parable, delivered in poetic language.
When
When was it written? Approximately 1440 to 1400 B.C.
When does the event take place? The prophecy is delivered around 1440 to 1400 B.C., but it speaks of future events, specifically what Israel "shall do to thy people in the latter days" (Numbers 24:14), indicating a fulfillment beyond Balaam's immediate time.
Where
Where did it happen? The prophecies were delivered in the plains of Moab, as Balaam "set his face toward the wilderness" (Numbers 24:1) which is adjacent to Moab.
Where was the author located? Moses was located in the wilderness and plains of Moab when he wrote the book of Numbers.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Balaam's Final Oracles (Numbers 24:1 to Numbers 24:25).
Start reading at Numbers 24:1. This unit encompasses Balaam's fourth and final set of prophecies concerning Israel and surrounding nations, delivered after Balak's repeated attempts to have Israel cursed. The passage begins with Balaam setting his face toward the wilderness and the Spirit of God coming upon him, and concludes with Balaam and Balak departing.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This prophecy is the culmination of Balaam's oracles, where despite Balak's repeated attempts to curse Israel, God consistently turns the curses into blessings. It highlights God's unchangeable purpose for Israel and foreshadows their future strength and kingship as they prepare to enter the promised land. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? The "Star out of Jacob" and "Sceptre shall rise out of Israel" are widely understood as messianic prophecies, pointing to Jesus Christ. He is the King who comes from the lineage of Jacob/Israel, whose dominion is universal and eternal. The wise men followed a star to find Him (Matthew 2:2-9), and He is called the "bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:16). His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever (Luke 1:32-33, Hebrews 1:8). interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage reminds believers that God's plans and promises are immutable, even when faced with significant opposition. It encourages trust in God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His King, Jesus Christ, over all evil and adversaries. We can be confident that God will fulfill His word. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Time covered by Numbers
About 38 years
Second year after the exodusBeginning · Numbers 1:1
Israel is counted at Sinai
The opening census is dated to the first day of the second month in the second year after leaving Egypt.
Fortieth year after the exodusClosing wilderness period
Israel prepares to enter the land
Aaron’s death is dated to the fortieth year. The closing instructions are given on the plains of Moab before Israel crosses the Jordan.
The dated narrative moves from the second year toward the end of the fortieth year, an interval of roughly 38 years.
View historical notes and sources
This is an approximate span of the narrative, not an exact count of days and not the date when the book was written. Numbers 33:38 dates Aaron’s death; Numbers 36:13 identifies the closing setting. Deuteronomy 1:3 places Moses’ subsequent address in the fortieth year.
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Numbers 24
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Numbers follows Israel in the wilderness and toward the plains of Moab. The narrative moves from one numbered generation to another, combining events with commands for Israel. Distinguish the date of a narrated event from a proposed date of composition. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Deaths and conflicts accompany the approach to Moab. Balaam's oracles are followed by Israel's sin at Peor, keeping blessing and responsibility together.
Connection to the wholeDeaths and conflicts accompany the approach to Moab. Balaam's oracles are followed by Israel's sin at Peor, keeping blessing and responsibility together.
Connection to the wholeDeaths and conflicts accompany the approach to Moab. Balaam's oracles are followed by Israel's sin at Peor, keeping blessing and responsibility together.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Deaths and conflicts accompany the approach to Moab. Balaam's oracles are followed by Israel's sin at Peor, keeping blessing and responsibility together.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Numbers
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Numbers follows Israel in the wilderness and toward the plains of Moab. The narrative moves from one numbered generation to another, combining events with commands for Israel. Distinguish the date of a narrated event from a proposed date of composition.
Connection to the wholeDeaths and conflicts accompany the approach to Moab. Balaam's oracles are followed by Israel's sin at Peor, keeping blessing and responsibility together.