Numbers 24

Numbers 24:1-9

In this chapter we are told, 1. The final blessing Balaam pronounced ever Israel, vers. 1—9. 2. His disposition by Balak, vers. 10—13. 3. The predictions Balaam left behind him concerning Israel, and some of the neighbour-nations, vers. 14—25.

1. AND when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 2. And Balaam lift up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents, according to their tribes: and the Spirit of God came upon him. 3. ¶ And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man who chose eyes are open, hath said: 4. He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty; failing into a frame, but having his eyes open; 5. How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! 6. As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river side as the trees of light-aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar-trees, beside the waters. 7. He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his bed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. 8. ¶ God brought him forth out of Egypt, he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arques. 9. ¶ He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? 10. Blessed is he that blessed thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

Convinced now how vain were his inchantments, he retires no more to ask counsel, but set his face towards the camp of Israel, and the spirit of prophecy comes upon him. 1. He prefaces his parable with a boat of the visions he was favoured with, and the disinclineds of his views of the events he predicted. Poor subject of boasting I whilst his heart remained unchanged, his knowledge rendered him but the more guilty. Note, (1.) ‘To not light in the understanding, but grace in the heart, which is the truly valuable blessing. (2.) The knowledge which makes us proud, is the most effectual bar to the wisdom which maketh wise unto salvation. 2. He admires the beauty of Israel’s host, and their regularity and order; spacious as the valleys, pleasing to look upon as a blooming garden, fragrant as the smell of aloes, and strong as the cedar. The church of God, in this valley of humiliation, is inclosed like a garden from the world around it, watered with the rivers of divine love, adorned with graces more fragrant than spices: and every believer is a tree of right-mudden planted of God, more flourishing and incorruptible than the cedar of Libanus. 3. He foretells the plesery, honour, and conquest which God would give them from heaven: his rain shall water their furrows; their king shall relight the glory of the most renowned monarchs, and their people, strong as the unicorn, shall push their enemies the Canadians, as they have done the Egyptians, till they have destroyed them, and dwell in peaceful security; none daring to disturb them in their possessions, any more than to rouse the flumbering lion. Note, Great is the glory of God’s spiritual Israel; every believer shall be a king upon his throne, and receive a kingdom not only higher than Agag’s, but also eternal in the heavens. 4. He concludes with a blessing on their friends, and a curse on their enemies. Note, God regards what is done to his servants as done to himself, whether they be injuries or kindnesses, he will recompense them accordingly.

10. ¶ And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he’s more his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and behold, thou hast altogether blessed thou shalt three times. 11. Therefore now see thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour, but to the LORD hath kept thee back from honour. 12. And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers, which thou sentest unto me, saying, 13. ‘If Balak would give me

Babes’ Child 1.10. Chap. 1. Chap. 1.