Numbers 24:1-9

1 Balaam saw that the Lord wanted to bless Israel, so he did not try to use any magic but looked toward the desert.

2 When Balaam saw the Israelites camped in their tribes, the Spirit of God took control of him,

3 and he gave this message: "This is the message of Balaam son of Beor, the message of a man who sees clearly;

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

5 Your tents are beautiful, people of Jacob! So are your homes, Israel!

6 Your tents spread out like valleys, like gardens beside a river. They are like spices planted by the Lord, like cedar trees growing by the water.

7 Israel's water buckets will always be full, and their crops will have plenty of water. Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be very great.

8 God brought them out of Egypt; they are as strong as a wild ox. They will defeat their enemies and break their enemies' bones; they will shoot them with arrows.

9 Like a lion, they lie waiting to attack; like a lioness, no one would be brave enough to wake them. Anyone who blesses you will be blessed, and anyone who curses you will be cursed."

Numbers 24:1-9 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.