Numbers 24
BSB1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness. 2 When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him, 3 and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, 4 the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: 5 How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel! 6 They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters. 7 Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted. 8 God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. 9 He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you." 10 Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. 11 Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward." 12 Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me 13 that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I will speak whatever the LORD says. 14 Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come." 15 Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, 16 the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: 17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. 18 Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor. 19 A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city." 20 Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction." 21 Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff. 22 Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive." 23 Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it? 24 Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever." 25 Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.
Study Notes — Numbers 24
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Numbers 24
- Themes from Numbers 24
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Numbers 24
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Numbers 24, Balaam is taken to three different locations by Balak to curse the Israelites, but each time he pronounces a blessing instead. The first blessing, in Numbers 24:5-9, speaks of the Israelites' prosperity and military victories. The second blessing, in Numbers 24:15-19, foretells the coming of a king who will crush the enemies of Israel. The third blessing, in Numbers 24:20-24, predicts the destruction of the Amalekites and other enemies of Israel. Throughout the chapter, Balaam's prophecies demonstrate God's commitment to blessing and protecting His people.
Context for the Chapter
Numbers 24 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Numbers, which tells the story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's commitment to blessing and protecting His people, even in the face of opposition from their enemies. The chapter also points forward to the ultimate redemption of God's people through Jesus Christ, which is a central theme of the entire Bible.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the ultimate redemption that He has in store for us. As we face opposition and challenges in our own lives, we can take comfort in the fact that God is in control and that He will ultimately bless and protect us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the prophecies of Balaam, who was hired to curse the Israelites but instead pronounced blessings upon them. The prophecies point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate redemption of God's people. As we read this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the blessings that He has in store for us, as seen in Numbers 24:5-9.
Voices from the Church
“The prophecies of Balaam are a remarkable demonstration of God's sovereignty over all things, including the actions of non-believers.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand the circumstances of our lives.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Balaam's Prophecies (Numbers 24:1-4) — The chapter introduces Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet who is hired by the Moabite king Balak to curse the Israelites.
- The First Prophecy (Numbers 24:5-9) — Balaam pronounces a blessing upon the Israelites, speaking of their prosperity and military victories.
- The Second Prophecy (Numbers 24:15-19) — Balaam foretells the coming of a king who will crush the enemies of Israel.
- The Third Prophecy (Numbers 24:20-24) — Balaam predicts the destruction of the Amalekites and other enemies of Israel.
- Conclusion (Numbers 24:25) — The chapter concludes with Balaam returning to his home, and Balak returning to his people.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all things, including the actions of non-Israelite prophets like Balaam.
- Blessings of God
- The chapter highlights the blessings that God has in store for His people, including prosperity, military victories, and ultimate redemption.
- Prophecy
- The prophecies of Balaam demonstrate the importance of prophecy in the Old Testament narrative, as they point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate redemption of God's people.
- Redemption
- The chapter points forward to the ultimate redemption of God's people through Jesus Christ, which is a central theme of the entire Bible.
Lessons from Numbers 24
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand the circumstances of our lives.
- Look Forward to Ultimate Redemption — The chapter points forward to the ultimate redemption of God's people through Jesus Christ, which is a central theme of the entire Bible.
- Blessings of God — The chapter highlights the blessings that God has in store for His people, including prosperity, military victories, and ultimate redemption.
- Importance of Prophecy — The prophecies of Balaam demonstrate the importance of prophecy in the Old Testament narrative, as they point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate redemption of God's people.
- God's Commitment to His People — The chapter demonstrates God's commitment to blessing and protecting His people, even in the face of opposition from their enemies.
Themes from Numbers 24
- Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all things, including the actions of non-Israelite prophets like Balaam.
- Blessings of God — The chapter highlights the blessings that God has in store for His people, including prosperity, military victories, and ultimate redemption.
- Prophecy — The prophecies of Balaam demonstrate the importance of prophecy in the Old Testament narrative, as they point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate redemption of God's people.
- Redemption — The chapter points forward to the ultimate redemption of God's people through Jesus Christ, which is a central theme of the entire Bible.
- God's Commitment to His People — The chapter demonstrates God's commitment to blessing and protecting His people, even in the face of opposition from their enemies.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter reveal about God's sovereignty over all things?
- How do the prophecies of Balaam point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ?
- What are some ways that God blesses His people, according to the chapter?
- How can we apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives, as we face opposition and challenges?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Balaam's Prophecies (Numbers 24:1-4)
| 24:1 | Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, so he did not go as before to meet with omens, but set his face toward the wilderness. |
| 24:2 | And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him, |
2. The First Prophecy (Numbers 24:5-9)
| 24:5 | How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel! |
| 24:6 | Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the Lord has planted, like cedars beside the waters. |
3. The Second Prophecy (Numbers 24:15-19)
| 24:15 | And he took up his discourse and said, "The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, |
| 24:16 | the oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: |
4. The Third Prophecy (Numbers 24:20-24)
| 24:20 | And when he saw Amalek, he took up his discourse and said, "Amalek was the first among the nations, but its end is to be destruction." |
| 24:21 | And he saw the Kenite, and he took up his discourse and said, "Enduring is your dwelling place, and your nest is set in the rock. |
5. Conclusion (Numbers 24:25)
| 24:25 | Then Balaam rose and went back to his place. And Balak also went his way. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the prophecies of Balaam?
The prophecies of Balaam are significant because they demonstrate God's sovereignty over all things and point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate redemption of God's people, as seen in Numbers 24:17.
How do the prophecies of Balaam relate to the rest of the Bible?
The prophecies of Balaam are part of the larger narrative of the Bible, which tells the story of God's plan of redemption for His people. They point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate redemption of God's people, as seen in John 1:1.
What can we learn from the chapter about trusting in God's sovereignty?
The chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand the circumstances of our lives. We can see this in Numbers 24:1, where Balaam sets his face toward the wilderness and trusts in God's sovereignty.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 24:17 → Genesis 49:10 | The prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17 is similar to the prophecy of Jacob in Genesis 49:10, which speaks of the coming of a king who will rule over the nations. |
| 2 | Numbers 24:5-9 → Psalm 1:3 | The description of the Israelites' prosperity in Numbers 24:5-9 is similar to the description of the blessed man in Psalm 1:3, who is like a tree planted by streams of water. |
| 3 | Numbers 24:20-24 → Deuteronomy 25:17-19 | The prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:20-24, which speaks of the destruction of the Amalekites, is fulfilled in Deuteronomy 25:17-19, which tells the story of the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites. |
| 4 | Numbers 24:15-19 → Isaiah 11:1-5 | The prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:15-19, which speaks of the coming of a king who will rule over the nations, is similar to the prophecy of Isaiah in Isaiah 11:1-5, which speaks of the coming of a king who will rule over the nations with justice and righteousness. |
| 5 | Numbers 24:1-4 → Matthew 2:1-12 | The story of Balaam in Numbers 24:1-4 is similar to the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12, who came to worship Jesus and were guided by a star. |
| 6 | Numbers 24:5-9 → Revelation 7:9-10 | The description of the Israelites' prosperity in Numbers 24:5-9 is similar to the description of the multitude of people from every nation in Revelation 7:9-10, who are standing before the throne and worshiping God. |
| 7 | Numbers 24:17 → John 1:1 | The prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17, which speaks of the coming of a king who will rule over the nations, is fulfilled in John 1:1, which tells the story of the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the king of kings and the lord of lords. |
| 8 | Numbers 24:20-24 → 1 Corinthians 10:11 | The prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:20-24, which speaks of the destruction of the Amalekites, is referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:11, which tells the story of the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites and warns against the dangers of idolatry and immorality. |
| 9 | Numbers 24:15-19 → Hebrews 1:1-3 | The prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:15-19, which speaks of the coming of a king who will rule over the nations, is fulfilled in Hebrews 1:1-3, which tells the story of the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the king of kings and the lord of lords. |
| 10 | Numbers 24:1-4 → Acts 2:1-47 | The story of Balaam in Numbers 24:1-4 is similar to the story of the apostles in Acts 2:1-47, who were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other languages, and who proclaimed the gospel to the nations. |
Sermons on Numbers 24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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We Have Seen His Star by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the wise men who followed a star to find Jesus. He emphasizes that this was not just a casual visit, but a matter of life and dea |
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(Genesis) Genesis 49:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17, which refers to a star. The preacher connects this prophecy to the coming of Christ, who is describ |
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Dynamic Daniel by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being careful about what we watch and listen to, as it can have a negative impact on our hearts and minds. He warns agains |
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Backslidings of Balaam by Charles Banna | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of falling into covetousness and pride, using the example of Balaam who was led astray by these sins. It highlights the importance of fleeing fro |
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Righteous Prayer in an Unrighteous Time by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life and engaging in fervent prayer in the midst of unrighteous times. Drawing from James chapter 5, the message calls f |
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God Gives Us a Heads Up by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of God giving us a heads up about His plans, focusing on the need for practical application of spiritual principles in our daily lives. It hig |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 21 Psalm 84 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 84, emphasizing the deep longing for God's presence and the joy found in worshiping Him. He explains the significance of the tabernacles and the journ |
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Visible Churches Warned by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle warns visible churches about the importance of genuine faith and the dangers of complacency in religious practices. He emphasizes that the letters to the seven churches i |
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All Satan's Apples Have Worms by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the consequences of following Satan's deceitful promises, using the story of the prodigal son to illustrate how all of the Devil's apples have worms. He |
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A Faithful Ministry by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on his five years of ministry, emphasizing that faithful ministers preach Christ Jesus the Lord rather than themselves. He stresses the importance o |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 24
In Numbers 24, we see the prophecies of Balaam, who was hired by the Moabite king Balak to curse the Israelites. However, God intervened and caused Balaam to pronounce blessings upon the Israelites instead. This chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all things, including the actions of non-Israelite prophets like Balaam. The prophecies of Balaam point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate redemption of God's people. As we read this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the blessings that He has in store for us, as seen in Numbers 24:5-9. The chapter also highlights the importance of prophecy in the Old Testament narrative, as it points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate redemption of God's people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Sovereignty of God
Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is on display as He intervenes in the actions of Balaam and Balak. This demonstrates that God is in control of all things, even when it seems like His enemies are prevailing.
The Blessings of God
The chapter highlights the blessings that God has in store for His people, including prosperity, military victories, and ultimate redemption.
The Role of Prophecy
The prophecies of Balaam demonstrate the importance of prophecy in the Old Testament narrative, as they point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate redemption of God's people.