Numbers 24:2-12

2 looked up, and saw Israel's camp grouped by tribes. The Spirit of God entered him,

3 and he delivered this message: "This is the message of Balaam, son of Beor. This is the message of the man whose eyesight is clear.

4 This is the message of the one who hears the words of God, has a vision from the Almighty, and falls [into a trance] with his eyes open:

5 How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, and the places where you live, Israel.

6 Your tents spread out like rivers, like gardens by a river, like aloes planted by the LORD, like cedars by the water.

7 Water will flow from their buckets, and their crops will have plenty of water. Their king will be greater than Agag, and their kingdom will be considered the best.

8 The God who brought them out of Egypt has the strength of a wild bull. He will devour nations that are his enemies, crush their bones, and pierce them with arrows.

9 His people lie down [and] rest like a lion. They are like a lioness. Who dares to disturb them? Those who bless you will be blessed! Those who curse you will be cursed!"

10 Balak became angry with Balaam. He clapped his hands and said, "I summoned you to curse my enemies, and now you have blessed them three times.

11 Get out of here! Go home! I said I'd reward you richly, but the LORD has made you lose your reward."

12 Balaam answered Balak, "I told the messengers you sent me,

Numbers 24:2-12 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.