Numbers 24

Numbers 24:14

Advertise thee] Balaam called a South-sayer, Josh. XIII. 22. and a Prophet, 2 Pet. II. 16. gives this advertisement to Balak, which seems to have a relation to that which follows in the residue of that Chapter. Yet besides he gives counsel to Balak, or at least after to the Midianites to draw the Israelites into sinne, Num. XXXI. 16. which coming so to passe, He himself in his return, is slaine by the sword amongst the Midianites, Num. XXXI. 8. in that Expedition, wherein Joshuah, though not named, may seeme to be the General, and Phineas chief of the Priests, sounding Trumpets in that warre, wherein 12000.

Israelites, not having one man slaine, did yet slay five Kings of Midian, (or Dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the Countrey; as it is, Josh. XIII. 21.) and all the males of that populous Nation (save such as escaped by flight, whose posterities in the dayes of Gideon came to prevaile against Israel, Judg. VI. 1, 2.) And they took a mighty prey and booty; whereout, after Purifications of themselves, and the Prey, there was paid a tribute and portion to the Priests, and a portion to the Levites; and a voluntary Oblation after made by the Captaines to the Lord, Num. XXXI.