Numbers 24:20-25

Balaam’s Final Three Oracles

20 Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”

21 Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff.

22 Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur ^[a] takes you captive.”

23 Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?

24 Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; ^[b] they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”

25 Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.

Numbers 24:20-25 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Or Assyria; also in verse 24
• [b] Hebrew Kittim