Numbers 24 explained: Balaam Blesses Israel a Third Time

Balaam faces the camp (vv. 1-4)

Balaam gives up the divination he had used before and simply looks out at Israel's tribes camped in order, and God's Spirit comes on him. He presents himself as a man who hears God, though one Hebrew word is unclear and may mean his eye is 'clear' or 'closed'.

Tents like riverside gardens (vv. 5-9)

In dry country, water and tall trees meant life, so Israel's camp is pictured as a thriving garden whose king will outrank Agag, a ruler of the powerful Amalekites. The wild ox, the lion and the blunt images of crushing enemies stress unstoppable strength, and the closing line echoes God's promise to Abraham about blessing and curse.

Balak's fury (vv. 10-14)

Striking his hands together was a sign of rage and dismissal, and Balak, king of Moab, cancels Balaam's promised reward. Balaam answers that he said from the start he could speak only what the LORD gave him, then offers one last message about the future.

A star from Jacob (vv. 15-19)

A star and a scepter, the rod a king holds, picture a distant future ruler who will defeat Moab and Edom, often linked with King David's later victories. Jewish and Christian readers both heard a promised ruler here, and Christians read the star as pointing to Jesus.

Neighbors' fates (vv. 20-24)

Balaam foresees ruin for Amalek, for the Kenites in their rocky 'nest', and for Ashur, probably Assyria, at the hands of ships from Kittim, meaning Cyprus or lands across the Mediterranean. These lines are brief and obscure, and scholars are unsure which peoples and events are meant.

Going separate ways (v. 25)

Balaam and Balak part without the curse ever being spoken. A later chapter reports that Balaam was killed among the Midianites.

Key verse: Numbers 24:17

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the star prophecy directly predicts Jesus or first describes King David and was only later understood as pointing beyond him.

Something to think about

Balak paid for someone to speak against a people he feared. Why do you think people so often look for a voice that will confirm their fears about others?