Numbers 24:20-25

20 Then in his vision Balaam saw the Amalekites and uttered this prophecy: "Amalek was the most powerful nation of all, But at the end it will perish forever."

21 In his vision he saw the Kenites, and uttered this prophecy: "The place where you live is secure, Safe as a nest set high on a cliff,

22 But you Kenites will be destroyed When Assyria takes you captive."

23 Balaam uttered this prophecy: "Who are these people gathering in the north?

24 Invaders will sail from Cyprus; They will conquer Assyria and Eber, But they, in turn, will perish forever."

25 Then Balaam got ready and went back home, and Balak 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]. [Verse 22 in Hebrew is unclear.]
• [b]. [Probable text] Who . . . north; [Hebrew unclear.]