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Numbers 23:9
Verse
Context
Balaam’s First Oracle
8How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what 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!”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
From the top of the rocks I see him - That is, from the high places of Baal where he went, Num 22:41, that he might the more advantageously see the whole camp of Israel. The people shall dwell alone - They shall ever be preserved as a distinct nation. This prophecy has been literally fulfilled through a period of 3300 years to the present day. This is truly astonishing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
from the top--literally, "a bare place" on the rocks, to which Balak had taken him, for it was deemed necessary to see the people who were to be devoted to destruction. But that commanding prospect could contribute nothing to the accomplishment of the king's object, for the destiny of Israel was to be a distinct, peculiar people, separated from the rest of the nations in government, religion, customs, and divine protection (Deu 33:28). So that although I might be able to gratify your wishes against other people, I can do nothing against them (Exo 19:5; Lev 20:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him,.... That is, Israel in their camps; Balaam being at this time on the top of a rock, or on an high hill, from whence he had a view of Israel, encamped in the plains of Moab below him: lo, the people shall dwell alone; this certainly respects their dwelling in the land of Canaan, where they dwelt a separate people from all others, distinguished by their language, religion, laws, customs, and manner of living, being different both in their clothing, and in their food, from other people; nor had they dealings, nor did they company with those of other nations; see Est 3:8 "or shall dwell safely" (z), or securely, not so much because of the situation of their country, but because of the protection of the Almighty; see Deu 33:28. and shall not be reckoned among the nations; as belonging to them, shall not be made of any account by them, but be despised and reproached for their religion chiefly; nor reckon themselves of them, nor mix with them; so the Targum of Jerusalem,"they shall not be mixed;''or, as Jonathan,"they shall not be led in the laws of the people;''and though they are now scattered among the people and nations of the world, yet they are not mixed with them, nor reckoned to be a part of them; nor do they reckon themselves to be of them, but are a separate distinct people from them. Thus Israel, or the people of God in a spiritual sense, dwell alone; not solitarily, or without company, in every sense, for they have the company of Father, Son, and Spirit, of angels and saints; but they dwell in God, in Christ, in the house of God, and with one another, separately and distinctly from the world: they are a separate people in the love of God; in the choice of them in Christ; in the covenant of grace made with them in him; in redemption by him; in his intercession for them; in effectual calling; as they will be in the resurrection morn, and in heaven to all eternity: and they shall dwell safely, God being around them; Christ the rock and fortress of them; the Spirit in them being greater than he that is in the world; angels their guardians, and they in a strong city, whose walls and bulwarks are salvation: nor are they reckoned among the nations; they are chosen, redeemed, and called out of them, and are not accounted of by them any other than the refuse and offscouring of all things; nor do they reckon themselves to be of the world, but as pilgrims and strangers in it. Baal Hatturim refers this prophecy to the days of the Messiah; see Jer 23:5. (z) "confidenter", Pagninus; "securus", Vatablus.
Numbers 23:9
Balaam’s First Oracle
8How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what 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!”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Remnant Meeting 2013) Testimonies by Pam, Brenda, Alan Message
By Brian Long91554:02RemnantNUM 23:9PSA 4:2MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the prayer meeting over the past five years. They express the struggle of trying to settle down and take root, only to be uprooted by God's guidance. The speaker emphasizes the holiness of God and how He sets apart a holy people for Himself. They also share personal experiences of turning the glory of God into shame and seeking falsehood. The sermon concludes with a reference to Isaiah 6, where Isaiah sees the Lord on His throne and realizes his own unworthiness, but is cleansed and forgiven by God.
Abraham's Seed
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Holy SpiritSpiritual LifeNUM 23:9ACT 2:24ACT 7:2ACT 7:51ROM 9:42CO 1:9GAL 3:7COL 2:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative significance of Pentecost, marking the beginning of a new spiritual era governed by the Holy Spirit. He contrasts the spiritual life that God desires with established religious practices, urging believers to heed the voice of the Spirit rather than conforming to worldly religious norms. Sparks highlights Abraham's role as a model for spiritual lineage, asserting that true children of Abraham are those who are spiritually alive and governed by the Spirit, not merely by natural descent. He stresses that the promise of God is linked to a spiritual seed, exemplified by Isaac, and that believers are called to live in the power of resurrection, which is foundational to their identity in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a community of believers who are distinctively spiritual, marked by a heart circumcised for God, and responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The Vision From the Rocks.
By Horatius Bonar0Pilgrimage of FaithHopeNUM 23:9JHN 6:35ROM 8:182CO 5:1GAL 5:1EPH 1:7PHP 3:20HEB 11:101PE 2:11REV 7:17Horatius Bonar reflects on the vision of Israel from the rocks, emphasizing the contrast between the ruggedness of the present world and the glory of the promised land. He describes the church as a pilgrim band, sustained by God, delivered from bondage, and loved with an infinite love. Bonar encourages believers to look forward to their eternal home, where they will experience peace, joy, and the fullness of God's presence. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our current struggles while keeping our eyes on the hope of salvation and the glorious future that awaits us.
Rev. 14:3. the Church Dwelling Alone
By Horatius Bonar0Identity in ChristSeparationNUM 23:9DEU 33:28PSA 1:1ECC 4:102CO 6:17HEB 7:26JAS 1:27JUD 1:1REV 14:3Horatius Bonar emphasizes the Church's unique position in the world, drawing parallels between Israel's separation and the Church's calling to dwell alone. He explains that the Church is redeemed from the earth and from among men to live a life distinct from worldly influences, relying solely on God for help, riches, wisdom, pleasures, and society. Bonar highlights that true joy and fulfillment come from a relationship with God rather than from the world's offerings. He urges believers to embrace their identity as a separate people, finding strength and security in their divine calling. The message encourages Christians to resist worldly temptations and to dwell in the presence of God.
The General Plan of the Tabernacle
By George Warnock0Identity in ChristGod's PresenceEXO 19:6NUM 23:9NUM 24:5MAL 4:2ROM 10:17PHP 3:121PE 2:9George Warnock emphasizes the significance of the Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people, illustrating how it symbolizes a new beginning and a holy nation set apart. He reflects on the disobedience and discouragement of the Israelites despite God's glory surrounding them, contrasting their covenant with the life-giving covenant available through Christ. Warnock urges believers to embrace their identity as a royal priesthood and to pursue the fullness of God's promises, emphasizing the importance of faith and the Word of God in experiencing His glory. He calls for spiritual awakening, encouraging the congregation to remove barriers of unbelief and to walk in the light of God's truth. Ultimately, he reminds them that true communion with God is available to all who seek Him wholeheartedly.
Government by the Holy Spirit
By T. Austin-Sparks0NUM 23:9ACT 7:51ROM 8:6ROM 8:141CO 2:14GAL 5:16GAL 5:25PHP 2:2T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the significance of the Day of Pentecost, emphasizing the introduction of a new spiritual order by the Holy Spirit, which requires believers to prioritize the voice of the Spirit over the religious norms of the world. He highlights the distinction between a religious system and a life governed by the Spirit, as seen in Stephen's defense and Paul's teachings in Romans and Galatians. The sermon underscores the call for believers to become a spiritual seed of Abraham, marked by a distinctiveness that sets them apart from the world, and the importance of being led by the Spirit to maintain spiritual power and influence.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
From the top of the rocks I see him - That is, from the high places of Baal where he went, Num 22:41, that he might the more advantageously see the whole camp of Israel. The people shall dwell alone - They shall ever be preserved as a distinct nation. This prophecy has been literally fulfilled through a period of 3300 years to the present day. This is truly astonishing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
from the top--literally, "a bare place" on the rocks, to which Balak had taken him, for it was deemed necessary to see the people who were to be devoted to destruction. But that commanding prospect could contribute nothing to the accomplishment of the king's object, for the destiny of Israel was to be a distinct, peculiar people, separated from the rest of the nations in government, religion, customs, and divine protection (Deu 33:28). So that although I might be able to gratify your wishes against other people, I can do nothing against them (Exo 19:5; Lev 20:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him,.... That is, Israel in their camps; Balaam being at this time on the top of a rock, or on an high hill, from whence he had a view of Israel, encamped in the plains of Moab below him: lo, the people shall dwell alone; this certainly respects their dwelling in the land of Canaan, where they dwelt a separate people from all others, distinguished by their language, religion, laws, customs, and manner of living, being different both in their clothing, and in their food, from other people; nor had they dealings, nor did they company with those of other nations; see Est 3:8 "or shall dwell safely" (z), or securely, not so much because of the situation of their country, but because of the protection of the Almighty; see Deu 33:28. and shall not be reckoned among the nations; as belonging to them, shall not be made of any account by them, but be despised and reproached for their religion chiefly; nor reckon themselves of them, nor mix with them; so the Targum of Jerusalem,"they shall not be mixed;''or, as Jonathan,"they shall not be led in the laws of the people;''and though they are now scattered among the people and nations of the world, yet they are not mixed with them, nor reckoned to be a part of them; nor do they reckon themselves to be of them, but are a separate distinct people from them. Thus Israel, or the people of God in a spiritual sense, dwell alone; not solitarily, or without company, in every sense, for they have the company of Father, Son, and Spirit, of angels and saints; but they dwell in God, in Christ, in the house of God, and with one another, separately and distinctly from the world: they are a separate people in the love of God; in the choice of them in Christ; in the covenant of grace made with them in him; in redemption by him; in his intercession for them; in effectual calling; as they will be in the resurrection morn, and in heaven to all eternity: and they shall dwell safely, God being around them; Christ the rock and fortress of them; the Spirit in them being greater than he that is in the world; angels their guardians, and they in a strong city, whose walls and bulwarks are salvation: nor are they reckoned among the nations; they are chosen, redeemed, and called out of them, and are not accounted of by them any other than the refuse and offscouring of all things; nor do they reckon themselves to be of the world, but as pilgrims and strangers in it. Baal Hatturim refers this prophecy to the days of the Messiah; see Jer 23:5. (z) "confidenter", Pagninus; "securus", Vatablus.