Numbers 24:9-19

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,
13 'Even if Balak would give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I couldn't disobey the LORD's command no matter how good or bad the request might seem to me. I must say only what the LORD says.'
14 Even though I'm going back to my people, I'll give you some advice. I'll tell you what these people will do to your people in the days to come."
15 Then Balaam delivered this message: "This is the message of Balaam, son of Beor. This is the message of the man whose eyesight is clear.
16 This is the message of the one who hears the words of God, receives knowledge from the Most High, has a vision from the Almighty, and falls [into a trance] with his eyes open:
17 I see someone who is not here now. I look at someone who is not nearby. A star will come from Jacob. A scepter will rise from Israel. He will crush the heads of the Moabites and destroy all the people of Sheth.
18 Edom will be conquered, and Seir, his enemy, will be conquered. So Israel will become wealthy.
19 He will rule from Jacob and destroy whoever is left in their cities."

Numbers 24:9-19 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.

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