Numbers 24:18
Numbers 24:18 in Multiple Translations
Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession, who were his enemies; While Israel doeth valiantly.
Edom will be his heritage, and he will put an end to the last of the people of Seir.
The country of Edom will be conquered, his enemy Seir will be conquered, and the Israelites will be victorious.
And Edom shalbe possessed, and Seir shall be a possession to their enemies: but Israel shall do valiantly.
And Edom hath been a possession, And Seir hath been a possession, [for] its enemies, And Israel is doing valiantly;
Edom shall be a possession. Seir, his enemy, also shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly.
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
And he shall possess Idumea: the inheritance of Seir shall come to their enemies, but Israel shall do manfully.
The Israelis will occupy Edom, and they will conquer their enemies who live near Seir Mountain. The Israeli people will be victorious/strong.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:18
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 24:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֨ה
אֱד֜וֹם
יְרֵשָׁ֗ה
וְ/הָיָ֧ה
יְרֵשָׁ֛ה
שֵׂעִ֖יר
אֹיְבָ֑י/ו
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
עֹ֥שֶׂה
חָֽיִל
וְ/הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֱד֜וֹם
ʼĔdôm
H123
Edom
N-proper
יְרֵשָׁ֗ה
yᵉrêshâh
H3424
possession
N-fs
וְ/הָיָ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
יְרֵשָׁ֛ה
yᵉrêshâh
H3424
possession
N-fs
שֵׂעִ֖יר
Sêʻîyr
H8165
Seir
N-proper
אֹיְבָ֑י/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Conj | N-proper
עֹ֥שֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
חָֽיִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:18
וְ/הָיָ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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.
אֱד֜וֹם
ʼĔdôm
H123
"Edom"
N-proper
Edom was the twin brother of Jacob and the region where he lived. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and his story is told in Genesis 25. Edom is also another name for Esau.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258); father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54; Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G) § Edom = "red" 1) Edom 2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau 3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: Edom, Edomites, Idumea. See also: Genesis 25:30; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Psalms 60:2.
יְרֵשָׁ֗ה
yᵉrêshâh
H3424
"possession"
N-fs
Possession refers to something owned or occupied, like a piece of property. In the Bible, it describes what belongs to someone or a group of people.
Definition: possession, property
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Numbers 24:18.
וְ/הָיָ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
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.
יְרֵשָׁ֛ה
yᵉrêshâh
H3424
"possession"
N-fs
Possession refers to something owned or occupied, like a piece of property. In the Bible, it describes what belongs to someone or a group of people.
Definition: possession, property
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Numbers 24:18.
שֵׂעִ֖יר
Sêʻîyr
H8165
"Seir"
N-proper
Seir refers to a mountain in Idumaea and its original inhabitants, with the name meaning hairy or shaggy, as seen in Genesis 32:3 and Deuteronomy 2:1.
Definition: § Seir = "hairy" or "shaggy" patriarch of the Horites, the inhabitants of Edom before the descendants of Esau, the Edomites
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Seir. See also: Genesis 14:6; Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 21:11.
אֹיְבָ֑י/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Conj | 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.
עֹ֥שֶׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
חָֽיִל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:18
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
- Sermons on Numbers 24:18
Context — Balaam’s Fourth Oracle
16the 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:
17I 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.
18Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.
19A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.” 20Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 9:12 | that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name,” declares the LORD, who will do this. |
| 2 | Genesis 27:29 | May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 8:14 | He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. |
| 4 | Isaiah 34:5 | When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. |
| 5 | Psalms 60:1 | You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us! |
| 6 | Psalms 60:8–12 | Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Have You not rejected us, O God? Will You no longer march out, O God, with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies. |
| 7 | Isaiah 63:1 | Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” |
| 8 | Genesis 32:3 | Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. |
| 9 | Genesis 27:40 | You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” |
Numbers 24:18 Summary
[This verse is saying that even though Edom and Seir are enemies of Israel, God is going to help Israel be strong and brave, and they will win over their enemies. This is a promise of God's power and protection, similar to what we see in Psalm 23:4, where God is our shepherd and protector. It reminds us that with God on our side, we can face any challenge or enemy, just like Israel did, and trust in His power and promises to bring us victory, as seen in Romans 8:37.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Edom and Seir in Numbers 24:18?
Edom and Seir refer to the descendants of Esau, who was the brother of Jacob, as seen in Genesis 25:30 and Genesis 32:3. They became enemies of Israel, but according to this verse, they will become a possession of Israel.
What does it mean for Israel to 'perform with valor'?
Performing with valor means that Israel will act with courage and strength, trusting in God's power and promises, similar to how David trusted God in 1 Samuel 30:6.
Is this verse a promise of immediate victory for Israel, or a future event?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy that looks forward to the future, as seen in the context of Numbers 24:17, which mentions a star coming forth from Jacob, a reference to Jesus Christ, who will ultimately bring victory and salvation to Israel, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with Israel and His plan to redeem and restore His people, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 36:22-32, which ultimately points to the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's power and promises, just like Israel was called to do in this verse?
- How can I, like Israel, 'perform with valor' in my own life, facing challenges and enemies with courage and faith?
- What are the enemies or challenges in my life that I need to trust God to help me overcome, just like He promised to help Israel overcome Edom and Seir?
- How does this verse encourage me to look forward to the future, knowing that God has a plan to bring victory and salvation to His people?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:18
And Edom shall be a possession,.... Of the children of Israel, which was fulfilled in part when the Edomites became the servants of David, 2 Samuel 8:14 and when they were smitten and spoiled by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:18
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. And Edom shall be a possession. Seir, which is used in the parallelism, corresponds with Edom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
A possession; which was also foretold , and in part fulfilled, , but more fully by Christ, ; who shall subdue and possess all his enemies; here signified by the name of Edom; as Jacob or Israel, his brother, signifies all his church and people. Seir, a part and mountain of Edom, , which may be here mentioned as the strongest part of Edom, to show that not only the rest of Edom, which is more accessible, but even the rocks and best munitions of it, shall be taken. His enemies, the Israelites. Do valiantly, or, gain power, or riches, or victory, all which are comprehended in this phrase.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
Numbers 24:18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.Ver. 18. And Edom shall be a possession.] This was literally fulfilled in David, but spiritually, and especially in Christ, who shall shortly subdue the Romish Edomite.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
(18) And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also . . . —Better, And Edom shall be a possession, and Seir shall be a possession, for his enemies (i.e., the enemies of Israel, or, rather, of the Ruler who was to rise out of Israel). The Hebrew word (oyebaiv) which is rendered “his enemies” appears to stand in apposition to Edom and Seir, as the word zaraiv (his enemies, or adversaries) in Numbers 24:8 to “the nations.” Edom was the name of the people, Seir of the country. (See Genesis 32:3.) The prophecy received its primary accomplishment in the time of David (2 Samuel 8:14), but the ultimate accomplishment is to be found in the person and work of Christ (Isaiah 63:1-4). And Israel shall do valiantly.—Or, shall acquire power or wealth. (Comp. Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Rth 4:11.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
Verse 18. And Edom shall be a possession] That is, to DAVID: as it is said: "And all they of Edom became David's servants;" 2 Samuel 8:14. Seir also shall be a possession] That is, unto the king MESSIAH; as it is said: "And saviours shall come upon Mount Zion to judge the Mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord's;" Obad., Obadiah 1:21. See Ainsworth.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:18
18. which were his enemies] Heb. has simply ‘his enemies,’ attached very awkwardly to the preceding words. Perhaps a word has been lost, and we should read ‘His enemies ——’ in contrast with the next clause: And Israel doeth valiantly.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:18
Seir - The older name of the mountain-land, south of Moab, and east of the Arabah, which the Edomites inhabited Genesis 32:3; Genesis 36:8-9.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:18
18. Edom… a possession — As predicted in Genesis 25:23, and fulfilled in 2 Samuel 8:14.
Sermons on Numbers 24:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
K-461 Jewish Resistance to the Gospel (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a woman who was saved after attending a meeting where he spoke. The woman's son had been impressed by the preacher's conviction an |
|
2000 Advent Week 4 - John Mark by John Piper | In this sermon, John Mark shares a personal story about a mistake he made fifteen years ago. He recounts how the apostle Paul suggested they travel to Cyprus together, but John Mar |
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(Genesis) Genesis 27:18-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible. He emphasizes that God had already blessed Jacob, but Jacob still sought his father's blessing. J |
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(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations |
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Judgment Prepared in the Ungodly Ii by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of complacency and its consequences. He uses the analogy of thieves robbing vineyards to illustrate how God will strip away every |
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The Sword in the Shadow by Allan Halton | Allan Halton emphasizes the danger of spiritual dullness caused by information overload, urging believers to carefully and prayerfully engage with God's Word to avoid becoming dese |
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The Testimony of a Fixed Heart by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the focus is on Psalm 108 and the situation described in it. The speaker highlights the fear and sense of abandonment expressed in the psalm, suggesting that it ref |