Numbers Chapter 24 — Balaam’s Final Prophecies
Balaam delivers his final blessings over Israel despite King Balak's anger, prophesying about the future rise of a ruler from Jacob.
1When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he didn’t go, as at the other times, to use divination, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
2Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on him.
3He took up his parable, and said,
4he says, who hears the words of God,
5How goodly are your tents, Jacob,
6As valleys they are spread out,
7Water shall flow from his buckets.
8God brings him out of Egypt.
9He couched, he lay down as a lion,
10Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times.
11Therefore, flee to your place, now! I thought to promote you to great honor; but, behold, the LORD has kept you back from honor.”
12Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers whom you sent to me, saying,
13‘If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond the LORD’s word, to do either good or bad from my own mind. I will say what the LORD says’?
14Now, behold, I go to my people. Come, I will inform you what this people shall do to your people in the latter days.”
15He took up his parable, and said,
16he says, who hears the words of God,
17I see him, but not now.
18Edom shall be a possession.
19Out of Jacob shall one have dominion,
20He looked at Amalek, and took up his parable, and said,
21He looked at the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said,
22Nevertheless Kain shall be wasted,
23He took up his parable, and said,
24But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim.
25Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place; and Balak also went his way.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Numbers 24:5
“How goodly are your tents, Jacob, and your dwellings, Israel!”
This verse is a famous poetic appreciation of the order and beauty of the Israelite camp as seen by Balaam.
Numbers 24:13
“If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond the LORD’s word, to do either good or bad from my own mind. I will say what the LORD says.”
This demonstrates Balaam's acknowledgment that he is bound by God's commands regardless of earthly incentives.
Numbers 24:17
“I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel.”
This prophecy refers to a future ruler who will emerge from the nation of Israel to achieve victory over their enemies.
Chapter Summary
In Numbers Chapter 24, Balaam abandons his usual divination and sets his face toward the wilderness, seeing Israel camped by their tribes. The Spirit of God comes upon him, leading him to deliver a beautiful oracle praising Israel's strength, prosperity, and military might. This third blessing enrages King Balak, who dismisses Balaam without the promised reward. Balaam reminds the king that he can only speak what God commands, regardless of wealth. Before leaving, Balaam delivers a final set of prophecies regarding the 'latter days,' foretelling a 'Star out of Jacob' and a 'Scepter out of Israel' that will overcome Moab and Edom. He also speaks of the eventual decline of Amalek and the Kenites. The chapter concludes with Balaam and Balak parting ways and returning to their respective places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Balak had hired Balaam specifically to curse the Israelites so they could be defeated. Instead, Balaam blessed them three times, leading Balak to strike his hands together in fury and refuse to pay the promised reward.
In the context of Balaam's prophecy, the 'Star out of Jacob' and 'Scepter out of Israel' refer to a future leader or king who would arise from the Israelites to defeat neighboring nations like Moab and Edom.
Unlike previous times, Balaam did not seek omens or use divination. Instead, he simply looked toward the wilderness and the Spirit of God came upon him, allowing him to speak his parables directly under divine inspiration.
Study Note
The Hebrew word 'mashal' (translated here as 'parable') refers to a poetic oracle or a rhythmic, formal prophetic utterance used by Balaam.
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