Numbers 24

In this chapter, Balaam continues his series of prophecies about Israel. Even though he was hired by King Balak to curse the Israelites, he could only speak blessings because God directed his words. Balaam, under divine influence, delivers a series of messages foretelling the strength, prosperity, and future victories of Israel, while also foreseeing the downfall of Israel’s enemies.

Numbers 24:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
2 And Balaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him.
3 Then he took up his oracle and said: “The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened;”

Balaam realizes that it pleases God to bless Israel, so he no longer resorts to using sorcery to find out God’s will. Instead, he focuses directly on Israel and, under the influence of the Spirit of God, begins to prophesy. Balaam describes himself as a man whose spiritual eyes have been opened by God, which prepares the reader for the divine message he is about to deliver.

Numbers 24:4 (NKJV)
4 The utterance of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open:

Balaam emphasizes that he is speaking with authority from God, receiving visions and messages directly from the Almighty. His posture of falling down with open eyes suggests a profound reverence for God’s revelation and underscores that his prophecy is inspired by divine vision, not human will.

Numbers 24:5-7 (NKJV)
5 “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O Israel!
6 Like valleys that stretch out, like gardens by the riverside, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters.
7 He shall pour water from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters. His king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.”

Balaam admires the beauty and prosperity of Israel. He compares them to lush valleys and gardens, symbolizing abundance and vitality. The imagery of water and trees planted by God speaks to their blessing and divine favor. He also foretells the rise of a mighty king in Israel, who will be exalted above other rulers, specifically mentioning Agag, representing Israel’s future dominance over its enemies.

Numbers 24:8-9 (NKJV)
8 “God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox; He shall consume the nations, His enemies; He shall break their bones and pierce them with His arrows.
9 ‘He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?’ Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.”

Balaam recounts Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and portrays them as strong and unstoppable, like a wild ox. Israel’s enemies will be consumed, their power broken by God’s might. The image of a lion represents Israel’s invincibility—no one can challenge or defeat them. The final declaration echoes the promise to Abraham that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse them will be cursed.

Numbers 24:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Then Balak’s anger was aroused against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and look, you have bountifully blessed them these three times!
11 Now therefore, flee to your place. I said I would greatly honor you, but in fact, the Lord has kept you back from honor.”

Balak is furious with Balaam because, instead of cursing Israel as requested, Balaam has blessed them repeatedly. Balak dismisses him, sarcastically blaming the Lord for preventing Balaam from receiving the promised reward. This response highlights Balak’s misunderstanding of God’s power and sovereignty.

Numbers 24:12-13 (NKJV)
12 So Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not also speak to your messengers whom you sent to me, saying,
13 ‘If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord, to do good or bad of my own will. What the Lord says, that I must speak’?”

Balaam reminds Balak that he had already warned him that he could only speak what God revealed to him, regardless of any reward or bribe. Balaam reaffirms his obedience to God’s word, showing that even with the promise of great wealth, he remains bound by what the Lord commands him to say.

Numbers 24:14 (NKJV)
14 “And now, indeed, I am going to my people. Come, I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the latter days.”

Before leaving, Balaam offers a final prophecy about what will happen to Balak’s people, the Moabites, in the future. This statement introduces a significant and more long-term message regarding Israel’s future victories over their enemies.

Numbers 24:15-17 (NKJV)
15 So he took up his oracle and said: “The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, and the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened;
16 The utterance of him who hears the words of God, and has the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open:
17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult.”

Balaam delivers a prophetic vision of the distant future. He sees a “Star” and a “Scepter” rising from Jacob, both symbols of a future ruler who will bring judgment to Israel’s enemies, including Moab. Many understand this as a Messianic prophecy, foretelling the coming of a powerful leader from Israel who will defeat those who oppose God’s people.

Numbers 24:18-19 (NKJV)
18 “And Edom shall be a possession; Seir also, his enemies, shall be a possession, While Israel does valiantly.
19 Out of Jacob One shall have dominion, and destroy the remains of the city.”

Balaam continues his prophecy, indicating that Edom and Seir, enemies of Israel, will be conquered and become Israel’s possessions. Israel will act with great courage and success in the future. The prophecy ends with the promise of a ruler from Jacob who will exercise dominion and bring destruction to opposing forces.

Numbers 24:20-22 (NKJV)
20 Then he looked on Amalek, and he took up his oracle and said: “Amalek was first among the nations, but shall be last until he perishes.”
21 Then he looked on the Kenites, and he took up his oracle and said: “Firm is your dwelling place, and your nest is set in the rock.
22 Nevertheless Kain shall be burned. How long until Asshur carries you away captive?”

Balaam delivers short prophecies regarding Amalek and the Kenites. Amalek, once powerful, will eventually be destroyed. The Kenites, though secure for a time, will also face destruction, likely through the actions of the Assyrians (Asshur). These prophecies emphasize that even nations that seem strong will ultimately face judgment.

Numbers 24:23-24 (NKJV)
23 Then he took up his oracle and said: “Alas! Who shall live when God does this?
24 But ships shall come from the coasts of Cyprus, and they shall afflict Asshur and afflict Eber, and so shall Amalek, until he perishes.”

Balaam concludes with a prophecy about distant events involving future invaders from the coastlands, likely referencing Mediterranean powers such as Greece or Cyprus. These invaders will bring affliction to Asshur and Eber, symbolizing future turmoil for many nations. Even Amalek will ultimately perish as a result of these future events.

Numbers 24:25 (NKJV)
25 So Balaam rose and departed and returned to his place; Balak also went his way.

After delivering his final series of prophecies, Balaam departs, having completed his task. Balak, too, leaves, frustrated and without the outcome he had hoped for. This verse closes the account of their interaction, with Balaam remaining faithful to God’s revelation despite Balak’s efforts to manipulate him.