Num 24:6-7 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 24:6-7: 24:6-7 The Lord’s favor is emphasized by the comparison of Israel’s situation with groves and gardens that have access to abundant water. Their growing population already reflected God’s blessing (24:7 ), as mentioned in 23:10 . This would also become clear in the second registration (ch 26 ).

a24:6-7►

b24:7►

c23:10►

d26►

e24:7b-9►

f24:15-24►

g1 Sam 15:7-9►

h32-33►

iNum 14:45►

jExod 17:8-16►

kNum 24:8-9►

lGen 12:3►

m27:29►

‏ Numbers 24:6-7

Summary for Num 24:6-7: 24:6-7 ^a The Lord’s favor is emphasized by the comparison of Israel’s situation with groves and gardens that have access to abundant water. Their growing population already reflected God’s blessing (24:7 ^b), as mentioned in 23:10 ^c. This would also become clear in the second registration (ch 26 ^d).
Summary for Num 24:7-9: 24:7b-9 ^e God’s blessing would enable the Israelites to overcome their enemies (see 24:15-24 ^f).

• Agag was an Amalekite king defeated by Saul (1 Sam 15:7-9 ^g, 32-33 ^h). The Amalekites, a desert people, were traditional enemies of the Hebrews (cp. Num 14:45 ⁱ; Exod 17:8-16 ^j), and it is likely that Agag was the traditional designation for their king. Since God brought Israel out of Egypt, he fought on their behalf, like a warrior and like a wild animal (ox and lion; Num 24:8-9 ^k).

• Blessed ... cursed: See Gen 12:3 ^l; 27:29 ^m.