Numbers 24

3 whose eyes are open. Rather, “with the eyes closed”; i.e., the outward sense being superseded by the inward vision.

4 falling into a trance. Rather, “falling, and with opened eyes.” The power of the inspiration made him fall down (see 1 Sam. xix. 24; Dan. x. 8, 9), whilst it opened the inward sight.

7 lign aloes. Probably the exocatoria agallocha, a highly fragrant plant: see Psa. xlv. 8; John xix. 39.—which the Lord hath planted. i.e., indigenous natural productions, not planted by the hand of man: see Psa. civ. 16.

7 higher than Agag. Agag seems to have been the common title of the kings of Amalek: see 1 Sam. xv. 9; Esth. iii. 1, 10; viii. 3.—his kingdom. Though Balaam, in uttering these predictions, may have thought only of the ancient kingdom of Israel, the Holy Spirit doubtless intended them to have a further reference to our Lord, in whom the kingdom of Israel attains its ideal glory.

9. Blessed, etc.** These very words had been addressed by Isaac to Jacob (Gen. xxvii. 29), and had previously been spoken to Abraham by God Himself (Gen. xii. 3).

10 smote his hands together. In horror or rage: see Job xxvii. 23, and Lam. ii. 15.

14 advertise. Or, “inform”; or, “advise,” the latter days. That is, in the distant future, as in Gen. xlix. 1.

17 corners. Rather, “both sides,” i.e. the whole of.

children of Sheth. Or, “sons of tumult” (R.V.). This line is quoted, with slight variations, in Jer. xlviii. 45; and the word “sheth” seems not to be a proper name, but to signify violence or tumult.

18. Edom.** The people. Seiv, the country.

19 him that remaineth. Probably meaning all that are found surviving in every city of Edom: see 1 Kings xi. 15, 16.

20 first. Rather, “chief,” as in 1 Sam. xv. 21: see ver. 7.—perish. Amalek had been devoted to extermination: see refs.

21. Kenites.** See note on xii. 1. The Kenites, except those who, with Hobab, connected themselves with Israel, gradually disappear, being mentioned only in 1 Sam. xv. 6. The Assyrians overran all these countries about the beginning of the Hebrew captivities: see 2 Kings xv. 29.—thy nest. In this word there is a play upon the name Kenite, ken being the Hebrew word for “nest.”

23 who shall live. This prophecy probably contemplated the frequent and desolating wars of the Macedonian, Graeco-Egyptian, and Graeco-Syrian kings, which prepared the way for the Roman conquests.

24. And.** Or, “For,” “Chittim,” which properly designates the Phoenician settlers in Cyprus, and thence is applied to the whole island, here seems to be a general name for the maritime nations of Southern Europe.—Eber. “Eber” means, probably, not the Hebrews alone, but all the nations who traced their descent to Eber (Gen. x. 25).

And he also. That is, probably, this last conqueror from the West shall perish. In this prophetic sketch of the destinies of the country through many ages, the subjugation of Moab and Edom, the extermination of Amalek, the disappearance of the Kenites, the overthrow of the Assyrian and Syrian powers, and, finally, the extirpation of the Western invaders, are depicted with wonderful accuracy; while the prediction respecting Israel indicates the glory and perpetuity of its Divine kingdom.

25 returned to his place. Balaam seems to have set out on his return home. It appears, however, from what follows, that he did not reach Mesopotamia, but that after leaving Balak he went to the Midianites, who had united with the Moabites in bringing him from his own country (see xxii. 4, 7), and was slain with them (xxxi. 8), leaving a name which has become a byword in the world.