Numbers 23:10
Numbers 23:10 in Multiple Translations
Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!”
Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!
Who can count the dust of Jacob, Or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, And let my last end be like his!
Who is able to take the measure of the dust of Jacob or the number of the thousands of Israel? May my death be the death of the upright and my last end like his!
Who can count Jacob's descendants? They are so many they're like dust! Who can count even a quarter of the Israelites? I would like to die as a good person dies! Let the end of my life be like their end!”
Who can tell the dust of Iaakob, and the nomber of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last ende be like his.
Who hath counted the dust of Jacob, And the number of the fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of upright ones, And let my last end be like his!'
Who can count the dust of Jacob, or count the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous! Let my last end be like his!”
Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!
Who can count the dust of Jacob, and know the number of the stock of Israel? Let my soul die the death of the just, and my last end be like to them.
◄Who can count the descendants of Jacob; they are as numerous as particles of <dust/dirt>?/No one can count the descendants of Jacob; they are as numerous as particles of <dust/dirt>!► [RHQ] ◄Who can count even a quarter of the Israeli people?/No one can count even a quarter of the Israeli people!► [RHQ] I wish/hope that I will die like righteous people die; I hope that I will die peacefully like they will die.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 23:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ֤י
מָנָה֙
עֲפַ֣ר
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
וּ/מִסְפָּ֖ר
אֶת
רֹ֣בַע
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
תָּמֹ֤ת
נַפְשִׁ/י֙
מ֣וֹת
יְשָׁרִ֔ים
וּ/תְהִ֥י
אַחֲרִיתִ֖/י
כָּמֹֽ/הוּ
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
מָנָה֙
mânâh
H4487
to count
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עֲפַ֣ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וּ/מִסְפָּ֖ר
miçpâr
H4557
number
Conj | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֹ֣בַע
rôbaʻ
H7255
fourth
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
תָּמֹ֤ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Juss-3fs
נַפְשִׁ/י֙
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
מ֣וֹת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
יְשָׁרִ֔ים
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
וּ/תְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3fs
אַחֲרִיתִ֖/י
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
N-fs | Suff
כָּמֹֽ/הוּ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:10
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
מָנָה֙
mânâh
H4487
"to count"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To count or number something means to weigh it out or assign a value to it. In the Bible, this term is used to describe the act of counting or numbering people, animals, or things. For example, in the book of Numbers, the Israelites are counted and numbered before entering the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) to count, reckon, number, assign, tell, appoint, prepare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count, number 1a2) reckon, assign, appoint 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be counted, be numbered 1b2) to be reckoned, be assigned 1c) (Piel) to appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) appointed (participle) Aramaic equivalent: me.nah (מְנָה "to reckon/appoint" H4483)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell. See also: Genesis 13:16; Psalms 61:8; Psalms 90:12.
עֲפַ֣ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וּ/מִסְפָּ֖ר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֹ֣בַע
rôbaʻ
H7255
"fourth"
N-ms
This word means a quarter or a fourth part of something, like a quarter of a day or a fourth of a group. It is used to describe division or measurement, often in a literal sense.
Definition: fourth part
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fourth participle See also: Numbers 23:10; 2 Kings 6:25.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
תָּמֹ֤ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Juss-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
נַפְשִׁ/י֙
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מ֣וֹת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
יְשָׁרִ֔ים
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
וּ/תְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אַחֲרִיתִ֖/י
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
כָּמֹֽ/הוּ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep | Suff
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:10
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
- Sermons on Numbers 23:10
Context — Balaam’s First Oracle
8How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?
9For I see them from atop the rocky cliffs, and I watch them from the hills. Behold, a people dwelling apart, not reckoning themselves among the nations.
10Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!”
11Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!” 12But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:37 | Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace. |
| 2 | Genesis 13:16 | I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. |
| 3 | Psalms 116:15 | Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. |
| 4 | Revelation 14:13 | And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, “Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.” |
| 5 | 2 Timothy 4:6–8 | For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 5:1 | Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. |
| 7 | Isaiah 57:1–2 | The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are swept away, while no one considers that the righteous are guided from the presence of evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. |
| 8 | Numbers 2:31 | The total number of men in the camp of Dan is 157,600; they shall set out last, under their standards.” |
| 9 | Numbers 2:24 | The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Ephraim is 108,100; they shall set out third. |
| 10 | Numbers 2:9 | The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Judah is 186,400; they shall set out first. |
Numbers 23:10 Summary
In Numbers 23:10, Balaam is saying that the Israelites are so numerous, it's impossible to count them, just like God promised Abraham in Genesis 13:16. He's also expressing his desire to have a good death, like the righteous Israelites, showing he knows they are special to God. This verse teaches us that living a righteous life is important, as seen in Psalm 37:37, and that God's people are set apart for His purposes. By following God's will, we can be part of His plan and have a hopeful future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Balaam saying 'Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel?'
Balaam is acknowledging the vast number of Israelites, emphasizing God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 13:16 and Genesis 28:14 that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth.
What does Balaam mean by 'Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!'?
Balaam is expressing his desire to have a righteous death, similar to the Israelites, indicating his recognition of their special status before God, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6 and Psalm 37:37.
Is Balaam truly seeking to follow God's will in this statement?
While Balaam's words may seem sincere, his actions and motivations are complex, as seen in Numbers 22:18 and Numbers 24:1, where he is still attempting to curse Israel for personal gain, despite God's clear instructions.
What can we learn from Balaam's declaration about the importance of righteousness?
Balaam's statement highlights the value of living a righteous life, as emphasized in Proverbs 10:2 and Psalm 37:37, where the righteous are blessed and have a hopeful future.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Balaam, acknowledge the majesty and power of God's people in my own life and community?
- What does it mean to 'die the death of the righteous' in my own spiritual journey, and how can I pursue a life of righteousness?
- In what ways can I, like Israel, be set apart as a people of God, and what are the implications of this calling?
- How can I balance my desire for personal gain with the need to follow God's will, as seen in Balaam's struggles?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:10
Who can count, the dust of Jacob,.... The people of Israel, their posterity so called, not because of their original, the dust of the earth, but because of their numbers, being as numerous as the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:10
Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! Who can count the dust of Jacob ... ? [ `ªpar (H6083)] - dry dust.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
The dust of Jacob, i.e. the numberless people of Jacob or Israel, who, according to God’ s promise; 28:14, are now become as the dust of the earth. Of the fourth part of Israel, i.e. of one of the camps of Israel; for they were divided into four camps, Numbers 2, which Balaam from this height could easily discover; much less can any man number all their host. Of the righteous, i.e. of his righteous and holy people, the Israelites, called Jehesurun, , which word signifies upright or righteous. The sense is, they are not only happy above other nations in this life, as I have said, and therefore in vain should I curse them, but they have this peculiar privilege, that they are happy after death; their happiness begins where the happiness of other people ends; and therefore I heartily wish that my soul may have its portion with theirs when I die. But it was a vain wish; for as he would not live as God’ s people did, so he died by the sword, as others of God’ s enemies did, . My last end, i.e. my death, as the word is used. Or, my posterity, as this Hebrew word signifies, . And as the covenant and blessing of God given to Abraham did reach to his posterity, so this might not be unknown to Balaam, which might give him occasion for this wish. Or, my reward, as the word is taken, 24:20. But the first sense seems the most true, because it agrees best with the usage of Scripture to repeat the same thing in other words, and this includes the third sense, to wit, the reward, which is here supposed to follow death; and for posterity, it doth not appear that he had any, or, if he had, that he was so very solicitous for them; or that he knew the tenor of God’ s covenant with Abraham and his posterity.
Nay, he rather seems to have had some hope of ruining Abraham’ s posterity, which he attempted both here and afterwards.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
Numbers 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth [part] of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!Ver. 10. Let me die the death.] But he was so far from living the life of the righteous, that he gave pestilent counsel against the lives of God’ s Israel: and though here, in a fit of compunction, he seem a friend, yet he was afterward slain by the sword of Israel, whose happiness he admireth, and desires to share in. Carnales non curant quaerere, quem tamen desiderant invenire; cupientes consequi, sed non et sequi, Carnal men care not to seek that which they would gladly find, &c. Some faint desires, and short-winded wishes, may be sometimes found in them, but the mischief is, they would break God’ s chain, sunder happiness from holiness, salvation from sanctification, the end from the means; they would dance with the devil all day, and then sup with Christ at night; live all their lives long in Delilah’ s lap, and then go to Abraham’ s bosom when they die. The Papists have a saying that a man would desire to live in Italy, a place of great pleasure, but to die in Spain, because there the Catholic religion, as they call it, is so sincerely professed. And a heathen being asked, whether he would rather be Socrates, a painful philosopher, or Croesus, a wealthy king; answered, that for this life he would be Croesus, but for the life to come Socrates. Thus all men wish well to heaven’ s happiness; but bad men find no more comfort of it, than a man doth of the sun when it shines not in his own horizon. Balaam might here be compared to a stranger, that travelling a far country, seeth the state and magnificence of the court, and is admitted into the presence chamber, which greatly doth affect him, though himself have no part or interest in the king. Bern.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
(10) Who can count the dust of Jacob?—These words point back to the promise made to Abraham: “And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth,” &c. (Genesis 13:16). And the number of the fourth part of Israel.—The Israelites were divided into four great encampments (Numbers 2). It is probable that Balaam could only see one of these encampments from Bamoth-Baal (Numbers 22:41); but see below on Numbers 23:13. The death of the righteous.—The Hebrew word yesharim (upright, or righteous) is applied to Israel because God, who is just and right (Deuteronomy 32:4). had chosen His people to be a Jeshurun (Deuteronomy 32:15; Deuteronomy 33:5; Deuteronomy 33:26)—a holy and peculiar people, following after righteousness and judgment. The end of Balaam (Numbers 31:8) presented a strange contrast to his prayer, and showed that even the prayer of the wicked is abomination in the sight of the Lord. (See Proverbs 28:9.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
Verse 10. Let me die the death of the righteous] Probably Balaam had some presentiment that he should be taken off by a premature death, and therefore he lodges this petition against it. The death of the righteous in those times implied being gathered to one's fathers in a good old age, having seen his children, and children's children; and to this, probably, the latter part of this petition applies: And let my last end be like his, (ותהי אחריתי כמהו uthehi acharithi chamohu, And let my POSTERITY be like his.) It has been generally supposed that Balaam is here praying for a happy death, such as true Christians die who die in the Lord; and in this way his words are generally applied; but I am satisfied this is not their meaning. The prayer, however, understood in the common way, is a good one, and may be offered to God profitably. A righteous man is one who is saved from his sins, who is justified and sanctified through the blood of the covenant, and who lives, not only an innocent, but also a holy and useful life. He who would die well should live well; for a bad death must be the issue of a bad life.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:10
10. Or number the fourth part of Israel] involves a necessary emendation, the Heb. text (represented in R.V. marg.) being scarcely translateable. For ‘the fourth part’ (ψֹ ?αַ ?ς) some would read ‘the myriads’ (ψִ ?αְ ?αֹ ?ϊ), or perhaps, as LXX. suggests, ‘the multitude of the people of Israel’ (ψֹ ?αςַ ?νιΨ). Let me die] lit. may my soul, or my life, die. the death of the upright ones] The plural adjective refers to Israel who are ideally considered as a nation of upright men. The singular pronoun at the end of the verse refers to the nation as a single whole. There is no reference in the final words to a future life; it is a poetical parallel to the preceding clause. Balaam prays that the close of his life may be the peaceful end enjoyed by good men.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:10
The fourth part of Israel - i. e., each one of the four camps, into which the host of Israel was divided (see Num. 2), seemed to swarm with innumerable multitudes. Possibly Balaam could only see one camp.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:10
10. The dust of Jacob — Posterity so multiplied as to be countless as the dust. The hyperbole was a common rhetorical figure with Oriental writers, especially in indicating a great number. Genesis 13:16, note; Exodus 32:12.
Sermons on Numbers 23:10
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Alas for Us, if Though Wert All, and Nought Beyond, O Earth by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the deep and indescribable joy experienced by the heavenly family. He contemplates the significance of the star of Jacob and how all other |
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A Voice From Heaven by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians resisting the temptations and allurements of the world. He encourages believers to have the patience and endura |
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The Glorious Death of the Righteous by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging our incapability to understand the word of God and find the path on our own. He surrenders his life as a vessel to speak on beha |
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Blessings From Bones by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the blessings that can come from the bones of a man of God, using the story of Elisha's death and the miraculous revival of a dead man who touched Elisha's b |
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Numbers 23:10 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the profound desire for a righteous death, as expressed by Balaam in Numbers 23:10. He emphasizes that everyone naturally wishes for a good end, desiring to be |
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The Dregs of Old Age! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks warns against the folly of postponing repentance until old age, emphasizing that many believe they can live sinfully and still die as saints. He highlights the danger |
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On the Death of Mr. Whitefield by John Wesley | John Wesley preaches a heartfelt sermon on the death of George Whitefield, reflecting on Whitefield's life, character, and the impact of his ministry. He emphasizes the importance |