Num 24:23-24 | KingComments | STEP | The fourth prophecy is exclusively about the future. Through the four times repeated word “discourse” ( ), this fourth prophecy is divided into four parts. The first discourse is about Moab and Edom ( ), the second about the arch-enemy Amalek ( ), the third about the Kenites ( ) and the fourth about the destruction of the great world powers ( ). Balaam speaks of himself as the man who hears the words of God, who knows the knowledge of the Most High and who sees the vision of the Almighty. He has heard and seen much of God. This can also be seen in the different names with which he mentions God. Unfortunately, it did not bring him a step closer to that God, the God of Israel. The cause is that all his knowledge about God has had no effect on his conscience. Here Balaam uses a new name of God: the Most High. This is the name of God in the millennial realm (cf. ). He then is revealed above all nations, all enemies are subdued, and His people have received all that He promised. In His omnipotence He carried His people through all the difficulties of the wilderness and brought them into the blessing of the kingdom of peace. The coming of the Messiah is connected with the above ( ). Balaam sees Him, “but not now”, that is to say, as not yet present; he beholds Him, “but not near”, that is, in the distance, not the near future. In Numbers 23 Balaam also said that he sees and beholds him ( ). There he means the people. Here he says it again, but now he means a Person. The star mentioned here by Balaam will later lead the magi from the east to the Messiah ( ). It says here that it is a star that comes from Jacob, not a star that comes to Jacob from heaven. It indicates that the Messiah comes forth from that people. Thus also the Redeemer comes from Zion, not to Zion ( ). The scepter rises from Israel ( ). For us, the church, He is the “bright morning star” ( ), Who arises in our hearts ( ; ). What will soon be a reality for Israel – that the day will come with the coming of the Messiah ( ) – is already a reality for us. We are “sons of day” ( ). We already have part in the blessings that will soon be part of all creation. Christ reigns already in our lives, soon He will reign over all creation. The “forehead of Moab”, literally the “corners of Moab”, means the boundaries of Moab. Moab and Edom ( ) will not be able to resist the power of Israel, which they derive from their Messiah ( ). The weak Jacob will become the mighty Israel. All enemies will be presented with the bill of their attitude toward Israel. “Amalek” is the worst, the main enemy ( ). That enemy is a picture of the power of the flesh. But he will be destroyed. The Kenite ( ) were part of Amalek ( ). They thought they could escape destruction because they dwelt high in the cliff. But like “Cain” they should be consumed. Cain represents man who has his permanent residence in the world and builds cities to make life there as pleasant and safe as possible. “Asshur” is used to keep Cain captive. Life is only possible in connection with God. For those who are outside of Him applies: “Who can live?” With these words, Balaam begins his last discourse in , as if he had understood through the previous discourses that what God says is going to happen. As certain as the blessing is for Israel, so too is the judgment for the enemies. No one is capable of turning the blessing, no one is capable of turning the judgment or escaping it. So Asshur will in turn be subject to those of Kittim ( ). Some interpreters assume that with those of Kittim are not only meant the inhabitants of the island of Cyprus, but all powers on the western side of the Mediterranean, including Rome ( ; ).

‏ Numbers 24:23-24

Fourth Discourse

The fourth prophecy is exclusively about the future. Through the four times repeated word “discourse” (Num 24:15 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23), this fourth prophecy is divided into four parts. The first discourse is about Moab and Edom (Num 24:17-19), the second about the arch-enemy Amalek (Num 24:20), the third about the Kenites (Num 24:21-22) and the fourth about the destruction of the great world powers (Num 24:23-24).

Balaam speaks of himself as the man who hears the words of God, who knows the knowledge of the Most High and who sees the vision of the Almighty. He has heard and seen much of God. This can also be seen in the different names with which he mentions God. Unfortunately, it did not bring him a step closer to that God, the God of Israel. The cause is that all his knowledge about God has had no effect on his conscience.

Here Balaam uses a new name of God: the Most High. This is the name of God in the millennial realm (cf. Gen 14:18-20). He then is revealed above all nations, all enemies are subdued, and His people have received all that He promised. In His omnipotence He carried His people through all the difficulties of the wilderness and brought them into the blessing of the kingdom of peace.

The coming of the Messiah is connected with the above (Num 24:17b). Balaam sees Him, “but not now”, that is to say, as not yet present; he beholds Him, “but not near”, that is, in the distance, not the near future. In Numbers 23 Balaam also said that he sees and beholds him (Num 23:9). There he means the people. Here he says it again, but now he means a Person.

The star mentioned here by Balaam will later lead the magi from the east to the Messiah (Mt 2:1-11). It says here that it is a star that comes from Jacob, not a star that comes to Jacob from heaven. It indicates that the Messiah comes forth from that people. Thus also the Redeemer comes from Zion, not to Zion (Rom 11:26). The scepter rises from Israel (Gen 49:10). For us, the church, He is the “bright morning star” (Rev 22:16), Who arises in our hearts (2Pet 1:19; Rev 2:28).

What will soon be a reality for Israel – that the day will come with the coming of the Messiah (2Sam 23:3-4) – is already a reality for us. We are “sons of day” (1Thes 5:5). We already have part in the blessings that will soon be part of all creation. Christ reigns already in our lives, soon He will reign over all creation.

The “forehead of Moab”, literally the “corners of Moab”, means the boundaries of Moab. Moab and Edom (Num 24:18) will not be able to resist the power of Israel, which they derive from their Messiah (Num 24:19). The weak Jacob will become the mighty Israel. All enemies will be presented with the bill of their attitude toward Israel.

“Amalek” is the worst, the main enemy (Num 24:20). That enemy is a picture of the power of the flesh. But he will be destroyed. The Kenite (Num 24:21) were part of Amalek (1Sam 15:6). They thought they could escape destruction because they dwelt high in the cliff. But like “Cain” they should be consumed. Cain represents man who has his permanent residence in the world and builds cities to make life there as pleasant and safe as possible. “Asshur” is used to keep Cain captive.

Life is only possible in connection with God. For those who are outside of Him applies: “Who can live?” With these words, Balaam begins his last discourse in Num 24:23, as if he had understood through the previous discourses that what God says is going to happen.

As certain as the blessing is for Israel, so too is the judgment for the enemies. No one is capable of turning the blessing, no one is capable of turning the judgment or escaping it. So Asshur will in turn be subject to those of Kittim (Num 24:24). Some interpreters assume that with those of Kittim are not only meant the inhabitants of the island of Cyprus, but all powers on the western side of the Mediterranean, including Rome (Jer 2:10; Dan 11:30).