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Numbers 24

BSB·25 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1And when Balaamבִּלְעָ֗םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → sawוַיַּ֣רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → it pleasedט֞וֹבṭō·wḇ — to be good, to please, to do wellH2895 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → to blessלְבָרֵ֣ךְlə·ḇā·rêḵ — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →, he did notוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → resort to sorcery as on previous occasionsכְּפַֽעַם־kə·p̄a·‘am- — time, occasion, or instance of occurrenceH6471 — Full Word Study →, but he turnedוַיָּ֥שֶׁתway·yā·šeṯ — to set, place, or appointH7896 — Full Word Study → his faceפָּנָֽיו׃pā·nāw — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → towardאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the wildernessהַמִּדְבָּ֖רham·miḏ·bār — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study →. 2When Balaamבִלְעָ֜םḇil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → looked upוַיִּשָּׂ֨אway·yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → and sawוַיַּרְא֙way·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → encampedשֹׁכֵ֖ןšō·ḵên — To dwell, inhabit, or settle in a placeH7931 — Full Word Study → tribe by tribeלִשְׁבָטָ֑יוliš·ḇā·ṭāw — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study →, the Spiritר֥וּחַrū·aḥ — Spirit, breath, wind, or inner dispositionH7307 — Full Word Study → of Godאֱלֹהִֽים׃’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → cameוַתְּהִ֥יwat·tə·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → upon himעָלָ֖יו‘ā·lāw — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, 3and he lifted upוַיִּשָּׂ֥אway·yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → an oracleמְשָׁל֖וֹmə·šā·lōw — Proverb; a wise saying or parableH4912 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּאמַ֑רway·yō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →: “This is the prophecy of Balaamבִּלְעָם֙bil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → sonבְּנ֣וֹbə·nōw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Beorבְעֹ֔רḇə·‘ōr — Father of BalaamH1160 — Full Word Study →, the prophecyוּנְאֻ֥םū·nə·’um — A solemn declaration; utterance of GodH5002 — Full Word Study → of a manהַגֶּ֖בֶרhag·ge·ḇer — Man, mighty man, strong manH1397 — Full Word Study → whose eyesהָעָֽיִן׃hā·‘ā·yin — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → are openשְׁתֻ֥םšə·ṯum — to open; be openH8365 — Full Word Study →, 4the prophecyנְאֻ֕םnə·’um — A solemn declaration; utterance of GodH5002 — Full Word Study → of one who hearsשֹׁמֵ֖עַšō·mê·a‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → the wordsאִמְרֵי־’im·rê- — Word, speech, saying, utteranceH561 — Full Word Study → of Godאֵ֑ל’êl — God, Mighty OneH410 — Full Word Study →, whoאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → seesיֶֽחֱזֶ֔הye·ḥĕ·zeh — to see, behold, perceive, or prophesyH2372 — Full Word Study → a visionמַחֲזֵ֤הma·ḥă·zêh — Vision; a divine revelation or sightH4236 — Full Word Study → from the Almightyשַׁדַּי֙šad·day — The AlmightyH7706 — Full Word Study →, who bows downנֹפֵ֖לnō·p̄êl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → with eyesעֵינָֽיִם׃‘ê·nā·yim — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → wide openוּגְל֥וּיū·ḡə·lui — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study →: 5Howמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → lovely areטֹּ֥בוּṭō·ḇū — to be good, to please, to do wellH2895 — Full Word Study → your tentsאֹהָלֶ֖יךָ’ō·hā·le·ḵā — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study →, O Jacobיַעֲקֹ֑בya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study →, your dwellingsמִשְׁכְּנֹתֶ֖יךָmiš·kə·nō·ṯe·ḵā — Tabernacle, dwelling place, sanctuaryH4908 — Full Word Study →, O Israelיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →! 6They spread outנִטָּ֔יוּniṭ·ṭā·yū — to stretch out, extend, incline, bendH5186 — Full Word Study → like palm grovesכִּנְחָלִ֣יםkin·ḥā·lîm — A stream or winter torrent; a narrow valleyH5158 — Full Word Study →, like gardensכְּגַנֹּ֖תkə·ḡan·nōṯ — Garden; enclosed cultivated plot of landH1593 — Full Word Study → besideעֲלֵ֣י‘ă·lê — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → a streamנָהָ֑רnā·hār — River, StreamH5104 — Full Word Study →, like aloesכַּאֲהָלִים֙ka·’ă·hā·lîm — Fragrant aloe wood; aromatic timber used in worship and burialH174 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → has plantedנָטַ֣עnā·ṭa‘ — to plant, establish, or fix firmlyH5193 — Full Word Study →, like cedarsכַּאֲרָזִ֖יםka·’ă·rā·zîm — cedar tree; cedar woodH730 — Full Word Study → besideעֲלֵי־‘ă·lê- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the watersמָֽיִם׃mā·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study →. 7Waterמַ֙יִם֙ma·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → will flowיִֽזַּל־yiz·zal- — To flow, stream, or pour outH5140 — Full Word Study → from his bucketsמִדָּ֣לְיָ֔וmid·dā·lə·yāw — A bucket or container for drawing waterH1805 — Full Word Study →, and his seedוְזַרְע֖וֹwə·zar·‘ōw — Seed; offspring; descendant; progenyH2233 — Full Word Study → will have abundantרַבִּ֑יםrab·bîm — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study → waterבְּמַ֣יִםbə·ma·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study →. His kingמַלְכּ֔וֹmal·kōw — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → will be greaterוְיָרֹ֤םwə·yā·rōm — To raise, lift up, exalt; to be highH7311 — Full Word Study → than Agagמֵֽאֲגַג֙mê·’ă·ḡaḡ — King of AmalekH90 — Full Word Study →, and his kingdomמַלְכֻתֽוֹ׃mal·ḵu·ṯōw — kingdom, royal rule, sovereigntyH4438 — Full Word Study → will be exaltedוְתִנַּשֵּׂ֖אwə·ṯin·naś·śê — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study →. 8Godאֵ֚ל’êl — God, Mighty OneH410 — Full Word Study → brought himמוֹצִיא֣וֹmō·w·ṣî·’ōw — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → out of Egyptמִמִּצְרַ֔יִםmim·miṣ·ra·yim — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study → with strengthכְּתוֹעֲפֹ֥תkə·ṯō·w·‘ă·p̄ōṯ — abundance, plenty, peak of flourishingH8443 — Full Word Study → like a wild oxרְאֵ֖םrə·’êm — Wild ox; aurochsH7214 — Full Word Study →, to devourיֹאכַ֞לyō·ḵal — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → hostileצָרָ֗יוṣā·rāw — Narrow, tight, or distress; an adversary or enemyH6862 — Full Word Study → nationsגּוֹיִ֣םgō·w·yim — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study → and crushיְגָרֵ֖םyə·ḡā·rêm — to gnaw, devour, or break bonesH1633 — Full Word Study → their bonesוְעַצְמֹתֵיהֶ֛םwə·‘aṣ·mō·ṯê·hem — bone; body; substance; strengthH6106 — Full Word Study →, to pierce themיִמְחָֽץ׃yim·ḥāṣ — To strike through, wound, or pierceH4272 — Full Word Study → with arrowsוְחִצָּ֥יוwə·ḥiṣ·ṣāw — Arrow; projectile weapon or shaftH2671 — Full Word Study →. 9He crouchesכָּרַ֨עkā·ra‘ — to bow down, kneel, or fall to the groundH3766 — Full Word Study →, he lies downשָׁכַ֧בšā·ḵaḇ — to lie down, recline, sleepH7901 — Full Word Study → like a lionכַּאֲרִ֛יka·’ă·rî — A lion; fierce predatorH738 — Full Word Study →; like a lionessוּכְלָבִ֖יאū·ḵə·lā·ḇî — Lion; symbol of strength and ferocityH3833 — Full Word Study →, whoמִ֣יmî — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → dares to rouse himיְקִימֶ֑נּוּyə·qî·men·nū — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study →? Blessed areבָר֔וּךְḇā·rūḵ — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study → those who bless youמְבָרֲכֶ֣יךָmə·ḇā·ră·ḵe·ḵā — to bless, kneel, praiseH1288 — Full Word Study → and cursed areאָרֽוּר׃’ā·rūr — to curse bitterly; to execrateH779 — Full Word Study → those who curse youוְאֹרְרֶ֖יךָwə·’ō·rə·re·ḵā — to curse bitterly; to execrateH779 — Full Word Study →.” 10Then Balak’sבָּלָק֙bā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → angerאַ֤ף’ap̄ — Anger, wrath, face, or noseH639 — Full Word Study → burnedוַיִּֽחַר־way·yi·ḥar- — to burn with anger, become incensedH2734 — Full Word Study → againstאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Balaamבִּלְעָ֔םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study →, and he struck his handsכַּפָּ֑יוkap·pāw — Palm of the hand; hollow of anything; power or controlH3709 — Full Word Study → togetherוַיִּסְפֹּ֖קway·yis·pōq — to clap hands; to strike; to sufficeH5606 — Full Word Study → and saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Balaamבִּלְעָ֗םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study →, “I summoned youקְרָאתִ֔יךָqə·rā·ṯî·ḵā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → to curseלָקֹ֤בlā·qōḇ — to curse, revile, or speak evil againstH6895 — Full Word Study → my enemiesאֹֽיְבַי֙’ō·yə·ḇay — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study →, but beholdוְהִנֵּה֙wə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study →, you have persisted in blessing them theseזֶ֖הzeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → threeשָׁלֹ֥שׁšā·lōš — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → timesפְּעָמִֽים׃pə·‘ā·mîm — time, occasion, or instance of occurrenceH6471 — Full Word Study →. 11Therefore, flee at onceוְעַתָּ֖הwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → your homeמְקוֹמֶ֑ךָmə·qō·w·me·ḵā — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study →! I saidאָמַ֙רְתִּי֙’ā·mar·tî — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → I would richly reward you, but insteadוְהִנֵּ֛הwə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → has deniedמְנָעֲךָ֥mə·nā·‘ă·ḵā — to withhold, restrain, or refuse to giveH4513 — Full Word Study → your rewardמִכָּבֽוֹד׃mik·kā·ḇō·wḏ — weightiness, honor, splendor, gloryH3519 — Full Word Study →.” 12Balaamבִּלְעָ֖םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → answeredוַיֹּ֥אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → Balakבָּלָ֑קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study →, “Did I notהֲלֹ֗אhă·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → alreadyגַּ֧םgam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → tellדִּבַּ֥רְתִּיdib·bar·tî — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → the messengersמַלְאָכֶ֛יךָmal·’ā·ḵe·ḵā — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → you sent meשָׁלַ֥חְתָּšā·laḥ·tā — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → 13that even ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → Balakבָלָ֜קḇā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → were to giveיִתֶּן־yit·ten- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → me his houseבֵיתוֹ֮ḇê·ṯōw — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → fullמְלֹ֣אmə·lō — Fullness, abundance, or that which fillsH4393 — Full Word Study → of silverכֶּ֣סֶףke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → and goldוְזָהָב֒wə·zā·hāḇ — Gold; precious metal; wealth and valueH2091 — Full Word Study →, I couldאוּכַ֗ל’ū·ḵal — to be able, have power, endureH3201 — Full Word Study → notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → doלַעֲשׂ֥וֹתla·‘ă·śō·wṯ — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → anything of my own accordמִלִּבִּ֑יmil·lib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study →, goodטוֹבָ֛הṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → orא֥וֹ’ōw — or, whether; also expressing desire or preferenceH176 — Full Word Study → badרָעָ֖הrā·‘āh — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study →, to go beyondלַעֲבֹר֙la·‘ă·ḇōr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → the commandפִּ֣יpî — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study → of the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →? I will speak whateverאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saysאֲדַבֵּֽר׃’ă·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →. 14Nowוְעַתָּ֕הwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → I am going backהוֹלֵ֖ךְhō·w·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to my peopleלְעַמִּ֑יlə·‘am·mî — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, but comeלְכָה֙lə·ḵāh — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →, let me warn youאִיעָ֣צְךָ֔’î·‘ā·ṣə·ḵā — to advise, counsel, or devise a planH3289 — Full Word Study → whatאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּ֛הhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → peopleהָעָ֥םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → will doיַעֲשֶׂ֜הya·‘ă·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → to your peopleלְעַמְּךָ֖lə·‘am·mə·ḵā — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → in the daysהַיָּמִֽים׃hay·yā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → to comeבְּאַחֲרִ֥יתbə·’a·ḥă·rîṯ — End, latter time, final outcomeH319 — Full Word Study →.” 15Then Balaam lifted up an oracleמְשָׁל֖וֹmə·šā·lōw — Proverb; a wise saying or parableH4912 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּאמַ֑רway·yō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “This is the prophecy of Balaamבִּלְעָם֙bil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → sonבְּנ֣וֹbə·nōw — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Beorבְעֹ֔רḇə·‘ōr — Father of BalaamH1160 — Full Word Study →, the prophecyוּנְאֻ֥םū·nə·’um — A solemn declaration; utterance of GodH5002 — Full Word Study → of a manהַגֶּ֖בֶרhag·ge·ḇer — Man, mighty man, strong manH1397 — Full Word Study → whose eyesהָעָֽיִן׃hā·‘ā·yin — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → are openשְׁתֻ֥םšə·ṯum — to open; be openH8365 — Full Word Study →, 16the prophecyנְאֻ֗םnə·’um — A solemn declaration; utterance of GodH5002 — Full Word Study → of one who hearsשֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙šō·mê·a‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → the wordsאִמְרֵי־’im·rê- — Word, speech, saying, utteranceH561 — Full Word Study → of Godאֵ֔ל’êl — God, Mighty OneH410 — Full Word Study →, who has knowledgeוְיֹדֵ֖עַwə·yō·ḏê·a‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → from the Most Highעֶלְי֑וֹן‘el·yō·wn — Most High, elevated, supremeH5945 — Full Word Study →, who seesיֶֽחֱזֶ֔הye·ḥĕ·zeh — to see, behold, perceive, or prophesyH2372 — Full Word Study → a visionמַחֲזֵ֤הma·ḥă·zêh — Vision; a divine revelation or sightH4236 — Full Word Study → from the Almightyשַׁדַּי֙šad·day — The AlmightyH7706 — Full Word Study →, who bows downנֹפֵ֖לnō·p̄êl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → with eyesעֵינָֽיִם׃‘ê·nā·yim — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → wide openוּגְל֥וּיū·ḡə·lui — HeglamH1540 — Full Word Study →: 17I see himאֶרְאֶ֙נּוּ֙’er·’en·nū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study →, but notוְלֹ֣אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → nowעַתָּ֔ה‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study →; I behold himאֲשׁוּרֶ֖נּוּ’ă·šū·ren·nū — To see, observe, or watchH7789 — Full Word Study →, but notוְלֹ֣אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → nearקָר֑וֹבqā·rō·wḇ — Near; close in space, time, or relationshipH7138 — Full Word Study →. A starכּוֹכָ֜בkō·w·ḵāḇ — Star; heavenly bodyH3556 — Full Word Study → will come forthדָּרַ֨ךְdā·raḵ — to tread, walk, or trample; to guide or leadH1869 — Full Word Study → from Jacobמִֽיַּעֲקֹ֗בmî·ya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study →, and a scepterשֵׁ֙בֶט֙šê·ḇeṭ — tribe; staff; scepter; rodH7626 — Full Word Study → will ariseוְקָ֥םwə·qām — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → from Israelמִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֔לmî·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. He will crushוּמָחַץ֙ū·mā·ḥaṣ — To strike through, wound, or pierceH4272 — Full Word Study → the skullsפַּאֲתֵ֣יpa·’ă·ṯê — corner, edge, side, or extremity of somethingH6285 — Full Word Study → of Moabמוֹאָ֔בmō·w·’āḇ — From his fatherH4124 — Full Word Study → and strike downוְקַרְקַ֖רwə·qar·qar — To dig, break down, or build a wallH6979 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the sonsבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Shethשֵׁ֔ת׃šēṯ — Appointed, PlacedH8351 — Full Word Study →. 18Edomאֱד֜וֹם’ĕ·ḏō·wm — Red, EdomH123 — Full Word Study → will becomeוְהָיָ֨הwə·hā·yāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a possessionיְרֵשָׁ֗הyə·rê·šāh — Inheritance; possession; property held by rightH3424 — Full Word Study →, as willוְהָיָ֧הwə·hā·yāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → Seirשֵׂעִ֖ירśê·‘îr — Seir, a mountain and region of EdomH8165 — Full Word Study →, his enemyאֹיְבָ֑יו’ō·yə·ḇāw — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study →; but Israelוְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖לwə·yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → will performעֹ֥שֶׂה‘ō·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → with valorחָֽיִל׃ḥā·yil — Army, force, or wealthH2428 — Full Word Study →. 19A ruler will comeוְיֵ֖רְדְּwə·yê·rəd — To rule, reign, or exercise dominion overH7287 — Full Word Study → from Jacobמִֽיַּעֲקֹ֑בmî·ya·‘ă·qōḇ — He grasps the heelH3290 — Full Word Study → and destroyוְהֶֽאֱבִ֥ידwə·he·’ĕ·ḇîḏ — To perish, be destroyed, or lostH6 — Full Word Study → the survivorsשָׂרִ֖ידśā·rîḏ — Survivor; remnant; one left aliveH8300 — Full Word Study → of the cityמֵעִֽיר׃mê·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →.” 20Then Balaam sawוַיַּרְא֙way·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → Amalekעֲמָלֵ֔ק‘ă·mā·lêq — Amalek the EnemyH6002 — Full Word Study → and lifted upוַיִּשָּׂ֥אway·yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → an oracleמְשָׁל֖וֹmə·šā·lōw — Proverb; a wise saying or parableH4912 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּאמַ֑רway·yō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →: “Amalekעֲמָלֵ֔ק‘ă·mā·lêq — Amalek the EnemyH6002 — Full Word Study → was firstרֵאשִׁ֤יתrê·šîṯ — Beginning, first, principal, chiefH7225 — Full Word Study → among the nationsגּוֹיִם֙gō·w·yim — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study →, but his endוְאַחֲרִית֖וֹwə·’a·ḥă·rî·ṯōw — End, latter time, final outcomeH319 — Full Word Study → is destruction.” 21Next he sawוַיַּרְא֙way·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → the Kenitesהַקֵּינִ֔יhaq·qê·nî — Member of Kenite tribeH7017 — Full Word Study → and lifted upוַיִּשָּׂ֥אway·yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → an oracleמְשָׁל֖וֹmə·šā·lōw — Proverb; a wise saying or parableH4912 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּאמַ֑רway·yō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →: “Your dwelling placeמֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָmō·wō·šā·ḇe·ḵā — Seat, dwelling place, settlementH4186 — Full Word Study → is secureאֵיתָן֙’ê·ṯān — Permanent, enduring, mighty, or steadfastH386 — Full Word Study →, and your nestקִנֶּֽךָ׃qin·ne·ḵā — A nest; a place of refuge or habitationH7064 — Full Word Study → is setוְשִׂ֥יםwə·śîm — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → in a cliffבַּסֶּ֖לַעbas·se·la‘ — Rock; cliff; stone fortressH5553 — Full Word Study →. 22Yetכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → Kainקָ֑יִןqā·yin — Cain, the firstborn son of Adam; also the KenitesH7014 — Full Word Study → will beיִהְיֶ֖הyih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → destroyedלְבָ֣עֵֽרlə·ḇā·‘êr — to burn, consume, or act brutishlyH1197 — Full Word Study → whenעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → Asshurאַשּׁ֥וּר’aš·šūr — Assyria, ancient empireH804 — Full Word Study → takes you captiveתִּשְׁבֶּֽךָּ׃tiš·be·kā — To take captive; to seize and carry awayH7617 — Full Word Study →.” 23Once more Balaam lifted up an oracleמְשָׁל֖וֹmə·šā·lōw — Proverb; a wise saying or parableH4912 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּאמַ֑רway·yō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →: “Ahא֕וֹי’ō·w — Woe; an exclamation of grief, lamentation, or warningH188 — Full Word Study →, whoמִ֥יmî — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → can liveיִחְיֶ֖הyiḥ·yeh — To live, to preserve alive, to give lifeH2421 — Full Word Study → unless Godאֵֽל׃’êl — God, Mighty OneH410 — Full Word Study → has ordained itמִשֻּׂמ֥וֹmiś·śu·mōw — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study →? 24Shipsוְצִים֙wə·ṣîm — ship, seagoing vesselH6716 — Full Word Study → will come from the coasts of Cyprusכִּתִּ֔יםkit·tîm — Cyprus or maritime peoplesH3794 — Full Word Study →; they will subdueוְעִנּ֥וּwə·‘in·nū — To afflict, humble, or oppress; to treat harshlyH6031 — Full Word Study → Asshurאַשּׁ֖וּר’aš·šūr — Assyria, ancient empireH804 — Full Word Study → and Eberעֵ֑בֶר‘ê·ḇer — EberH5677 — Full Word Study →, but theyה֖וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → tooוְגַם־wə·ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → will perishאֹבֵֽד׃’ō·ḇêḏ — to perish, be lost, or ruinedH8 — Full Word Study → foreverעֲדֵ֥י‘ă·ḏê — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study →.” 25Then Balaamבִּלְעָ֔םbil·‘ām — Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner and prophetH1109 — Full Word Study → aroseוַיָּ֣קָםway·yā·qām — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and returnedוַיָּ֣שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → to his homelandלִמְקֹמ֑וֹlim·qō·mōw — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study →, and Balakבָּלָ֖קbā·lāq — Devastator or wasterH1111 — Full Word Study → alsoוְגַם־wə·ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → wentהָלַ֥ךְhā·laḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → on his wayלְדַרְכּֽוֹ׃פlə·ḏar·kōw — way, path, journey, conductH1870 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Numbers 24
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Numbers 24 records the final and most dramatic prophecies of Balaam, the foreign diviner hired by King Balak to curse Israel. In a striking reversal, the Spirit of God compels Balaam to pronounce four powerful blessings over Israel instead of curses. This chapter contains some of the Old Testament's most remarkable Messianic prophecy, including the famous prediction of a Star and Sceptre rising from Jacob (verse 17)—understood by faithful Christians as pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ. The passage demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over human intention and His unshakeable commitment to bless His covenant people.

Verses 1-5: The Fourth Vision Begins

Balaam recognizes that the LORD is pleased to bless Israel (verse 1), so he abandons his usual practice of seeking enchantments and divinations. Instead, he positions himself to see Israel spread out in their camp. The Spirit of God comes upon him, and he begins to speak in parables. In verses 3-4, Balaam describes himself with remarkable self-awareness: he is "the man whose eyes are open" who "heard the words of God" and "saw the vision of the Almighty." This is not arrogance but honest recognition that he is under divine control. His eloquent description of Israel's tents in verse 5—"How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob"—reflects genuine admiration for God's people, their order, beauty, and blessing.

Application: We serve a God who cannot be manipulated. Money, status, and human schemes cannot override His purposes. He opens eyes to see His truth.

Verses 6-9: The Fourth Blessing—Israel's Future Greatness

Balaam continues his prophetic blessing, comparing Israel's spread to fertile valleys and gardens watered by rivers. The imagery is one of abundance and divine care. Verse 7 contains military and royal language: Israel's king will be exalted above all others (specifically "higher than Agag," a royal title). Verses 8-9 use powerful animal imagery—the unicorn (a symbol of strength) and the lion (supreme power)—to describe Israel's might. The blessing culminates in the principle of verse 9: "Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee." This echoes the Abrahamic covenant and establishes a spiritual law: those who oppose God's people will face judgment, while those who support them will experience blessing.

Application: God's covenant promises are immovable. He honors those who honor His people and judges those who oppose Him.

Verses 10-14: Balak's Anger and Balaam's Defense

Balak is enraged (verse 10)—he hired Balaam to curse, not to bless Israel three times over. In his frustration, he accuses Balaam of withholding the honor and payment promised (verse 11). Balaam responds with clarity: he reiterates what he told Balak's messengers from the beginning (verses 12-13). He cannot and will not go beyond God's commandment. His mouth is not his own to use for hire; it belongs to the LORD. Yet before departing, Balaam offers to tell Balak what will happen to Moab "in the latter days" (verse 14).

Application: True faithfulness sometimes costs us earthly rewards. Balaam knew the right course but struggled with temptation; his final obedience here reminds us that we cannot serve two masters.

Verses 15-19: The Messianic Prophecy

In his final oracle, Balaam again emphasizes his inspired state (verses 15-16) and then delivers the most profound prophecy: "There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel" (verse 17). Christian tradition recognizes this as a prediction of the Messiah—a Star speaking to His identity and glory, and a Sceptre speaking to His kingdom and rule. Verses 17-19 describe the Messiah's dominion over Israel's enemies (Moab, Edom, Seir) and His ultimate authority. This prophecy, given by a pagan diviner, stands as remarkable testimony to God's control over human speech and His eternal plan of redemption.

Verses 20-24: Judgments on Israel's Enemies

Balaam pronounces shorter oracles against Amalek (verse 20), the Kenites (verses 21-22), and distant powers (verse 24). Each faces judgment or ruin. These prophecies reinforce that God will defend His people and judge their adversaries.

Application for Today

Numbers 24 teaches us that God's will cannot be thwarted by human ambition or greed. He blesses His covenant people and judges their enemies. More profoundly, Balaam's Star prophecy points us to Jesus, our true King and Redeemer, whose kingdom is eternal and unshakeable. As believers, we stand on the side of blessing—blessed because we are in Christ.

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