Numbers 24
AOSNNumbers 24:1-2
Unlike before, Balaam did not use divination this time (23:3, 15). He already knew that signs and omens could not harm Israel (23:23). So he stopped looking for them.
Instead, the Spirit of God came directly upon Balaam. God himself gave Balaam the message to speak.
Numbers 24:3-9
The third message describes God's plan to bless Israel again.
Numbers 24:5-6
God showed his love for his people by giving them many blessings. These blessings were signs of his care and favor toward Israel.
Numbers 24:6-7
The Lord’s favor is shown by comparing Israel to groves and gardens that have plenty of water. In a dry land, water brings life and growth. This picture shows how God was caring for his people.
Israel’s growing population also showed God’s blessing (24:7; as mentioned in 23:10). This growth would become even clearer in the second census recorded in chapter 26.
Numbers 24:7-9
God's blessing would allow the Israelites defeat their enemies (see 24:15–24).
Agag was an Amalekite king whom King Saul defeated (1 Samuel 15:7–9, 32–33). The Amalekites, a desert people, were traditional enemies of the Hebrews (compare Numbers 14:45; Exodus 17:8–16). Agag was probably a traditional title for their king. Since God brought Israel out of Egypt, he fought for them like a warrior and a wild animal (wild ox and lion; Numbers 24:8–9).
Blessed … cursed: See Genesis 12:3; 27:29.
Numbers 24:10
Balak clapped his hands to show anger and disapproval (see also Job 27:23; Lamentations 2:15).
Numbers 24:14
come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come: Since Balak tried to curse Israel, God would curse him and his people (24:9). The harm Balak wanted to cause Israel will instead happen to Moab.
Numbers 24:15-25
This prophecy gives more specific details than the first three messages. It is based on another vision from God (the Most High, 24:16). It also predicts the appearance of a great leader who will play a major role in these military victories (24:17).
Numbers 24:17
A star symbolized a king (see Isaiah 14:12; Matthew 2:1–10). A scepter symbolized power and majesty (see Genesis 49:10; Psalm 45:6).
Historically, King David fits this description. The Moabites, whose defeat Numbers 24:17 mentions, were among the many peoples he conquered during David's rule (2 Samuel 8:2). Yet, Moab remained a threat to Israel after David's time (see 2 Kings 3:1–27; Isaiah 15–16; Jeremiah 48).
Many interpreters have extended this image beyond David. Christians identify Jesus of Nazareth with a star and a scepter (compare Matthew 2:2; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 2:28; 22:16; compare Hebrews 1:8).
the sons of Sheth: These people were probably the ancient Sutu, a group known from other records.
However, the name may refer to a different people group. It could refer to:
Edom, also called Seir, which David later defeated (Numbers 24:18),
Amalek, one of Israel’s earliest and most lasting enemies (24:20).
Numbers 24:21-22
Assyria would destroy the Kenites, a desert people living in the same areas as the Amalekites and Midianites. Moses married a Kenite (Judges 1:16; 4:11; compare Numbers 10:29–32). The Kenites were mostly friendly with Israel after that time (for example, 1 Samuel 15:6; 27:10; 30:27–30).
Numbers 24:23-24
The message concludes by mentioning the appearance and downfall of invaders from Cyprus. The Hebrew term Kittim probably referred to various Mediterranean groups (compare Genesis 10:4; Jeremiah 2:10; Daniel 11:30).
Numbers 24:23
This verse is similar to 22:12 and summarizes the lesson of the entire event.
Numbers 24:24
Eber has the same spelling as the ancestor of the Hebrews (compare Genesis 10:21–25; 11:10–16). It may refer to a people on the other side of the Euphrates River. This region fits the parallel reference to Assyria (see Joshua 24:3; Isaiah 7:20).
Numbers 24:25
Balaam did not yet go back to Pethor (31:8).
Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.