Numbers 24

Numbers 24:1

And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek enchantments.

Notwithstanding all the fair pretences of Balaam, he had, together with his former consultations of God, used all kinds of sorcery to hurt Israel; but since he saw, that none of his wicked plots would succeed, he surceased to practise his enchantments upon them, any more.

Numbers 24:2

And the spirit of God came upon him.

God, who knows how to use evil instruments well, and is wont indifferently to bestow these kinds of gifts, caused the Spirit of Prophecy to come upon Balaam.

Numbers 24:3

The man whose eyes are open hath said.

The man whose eyes, however formerly shut, yet now are, by the Spirit of Prophecy, so opened, as becomes God’s seer.

Numbers 24:4

Falling into a trance, but having his eyes open.

Falling into a trance, so as all his outward senses were shut up; yet the eyes of his mind were opened, to behold the visions of God.

Numbers 24:6

As the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.

As the most sweet and flourishing trees, which the Lord himself hath planted, in a most fruitful soil.

Numbers 24:7

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag.

He shall have a plentiful and rich progeny; his issue shall spread abroad over fruitful regions; and the kings, that shall come of his loins, shall be more mighty than the most flourishing kings of the Amalekites.

Numbers 24:9

He couched, he lay down as a lion, &c. who shall stir him up?

He shall rest in fulness of courage, strength, and victory, so as no enemy shall dare to provoke him.

Numbers 24:17

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

I do, by the Spirit of Prophecy, desery afar off the state and glory of the people of Israel: there shall arise out of Jacob a glorious king, bright as the morning star, which shall not only rule over Israel, but shall powerfully subdue all the enemies of his Church round about.

Numbers 24:19

Him that remaineth in the city.

That sheltereth himself in any of the cities of Edom.

Numbers 24:21

And he looked on the Kenites, &c. Strong is thy dwelling place, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.

Ye Kenites, the posterity of Jethro, may please yourselves in your security, for that ye are settled in strong and well fortified places; and, according as your name signifieth, have built your nest high and impregnably.

Numbers 24:22

Nevertheless the Kenites shall be wasted, until Ashur shall carry thee away captive.

But your hopes shall, at the last, fail you; for when the Assyrians shall prevail against Israel, then shall they also root you out of your land, and carry you away captive with your neighbours.

Numbers 24:23

Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!

What grievous and intolerable calamity there shall be, when God shall bring this judgment!

Numbers 24:24

And ships shall come from the coasts of Chittim, and shall afflict Ashur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.

And ships shall come from the coasts of Greece and Italy, and shall afflict both the Assyrians and the Hebrews; but when they have done, these rods, that scourged others, shall themselves be burnt; and feel that destruction, which they brought upon others.

Numbers 24:25

And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place.

And Balaam rose up, and, being frustrated of his wicked plots in cursing Israel, addressed himself towards his return, but, in the way, was overtaken with the just revenge of God.