Numbers 24:14-24

14 Now I am going back to my own people, but I will tell you what these people will do to your people in the future."

15 Then Balaam gave this message: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of a man who sees clearly;

16 this is the message of a man who hears the words of God. I know well the Most High God. I see a vision from the Almighty, and my eyes are open as I fall before him.

17 I see someone who will come some day, someone who will come, but not soon. A star will come from Jacob; a ruler will rise from Israel. and smash the skulls of the sons of Sheth.

18 Edom will be conquered; his enemy Edom will be conquered, but Israel will grow wealthy.

19 A ruler will come from the descendants of Jacob and will destroy those left in the city."

20 Then Balaam saw Amalek and gave this message: "Amalek was the most important nation, but Amalek will be destroyed at last."

21 Then Balaam saw the Kenites and gave this message: "Your home is safe, like a nest on a cliff.

22 But you Kenites will be burned up; Assyria will keep you captive."

23 Then Balaam gave this message: "No one can live when God does this.

24 Ships will sail from the shores of Cyprus and defeat Assyria and Eber, but they will also be destroyed."

Numbers 24:14-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 24

In this chapter we are told, that Balaam leaving his enchantments, the Spirit of God came on him, and he spake of the happiness of Israel, and prophesied of their future greatness and glory, Nu 24:1-9 which so exasperated Balak, that he ordered him at once to depart from him, Nu 24:10,11. Balaam justified himself in what he said and did, and suggested that before they parted, he had something to say in a prophetic manner, concerning what Israel should do to Moab in "future" times, Nu 24:12-14 and then prophesies concerning the Messiah, and the destruction of Moab, and of some neighbouring nations, and even of some at a greater distance, as the Assyrians and Romans, Nu 24:15-25.