Numbers 24

Numbers 24:1

He would not again, in his magical and superstitious manner, consult God, but resolved to curse them without asking God’s leave. Ver. 3, 4. Balaam, whose power to curse was so much relied on, whose will was so much inclined to it, and whose knowledge and manifestations of God are so remarkable, must and will confirm it, that Israel shall be blessed

Numbers 24:6-8

These predictions not only respect the glorious state of the Jews under Joshua, David, Solomon, Asa, Jehoshaphat, &c.; but also represent the extent, flourishing state, remarkable increase, and marvellous power, of the spiritual kingdom of Christ

Numbers 24:17-19

These predictions had their accomplishment in the victories and conquests of the Hebrews over the Moabites or Edomites, and neighbouring nations, in the days of Ehud, Gideon, and Jephthah; Judg. iii. vii. xi. David, 2 Sam v. viii. x. Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. xx. 2 Kings iii. Uzziah, 2 Chron. xxvi.; and after the Chaldean captivity, in the time of Hyrcanus and Alexander Jannens; and perhaps may have a further literal accomplishment when the Jews take possession of Canaan. They may also relate to the conquests of the heathen nations to Jesus Christ under the New Testament

Numbers 24:20

The Amalekites were once one of the principal nations around Canaan, and were the first who attacked the Israelites; and therefore gradually destroyed by them in the days of Gideon, Saul, David, Hezekiah, and Esther

Numbers 24:21

Perhaps these Kenites were not the posterity of Jethro, but rather an Arabian tribe, who were neighbours to the Amalekites, and were at last carried captives by the Assyrians, about the time of Hezekiah or Manasseh

Numbers 24:24

This was fulfilled when first the Greeks, and afterwards the Romans, invaded Asia, subdued Assyria, Canaan, and the places about; and when their respective empires were, not long after, brought to ruin; the Greeks about one hundred years before Christ, and the Romans about A. D. 476; and will be more fully accomplished in the ruin of the Popish and Turkish empires

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIV.—Wretched indeed are those who are, by their conscience, excluded from the carnal enjoyments of this world, and notwithstanding live in those lusts which will exclude them from heaven: for great light may abound in the head when there is nothing but naughtiness in the heart. Often sinners are proud of those gifts which God bestows upon them for the benefit of his people: and their knowledge, being cursed, is an effectual hinderance of true wisdom. But numerous and large are the blessings which God bestows upon his chosen people! they may be an eye-sore to Satan and his agents; yet God lays an effectual restraint upon their most inveterate enemies; and he will at last convince his opposers of the emptiness and folly of all their devilish devices for thwarting his purposes or annoying his people. What infinite knowledge is there in God! he perfectly discerns every circumstance of nations and persons, ages unnumbered, before there is the smallest appearance thereof. He sees all changes to the end, all the destruction and havock which sin will make in the world of one nation after another. But blessed be the Lord, who hath raised up an Horn of salvation in the house of his servant Jacob;—a Star to enlighten the Gentiles, and be the glory of his people Israel; a Captain of salvation, to go forth conquering and to conquer. But let me not dismiss this eastern sorcerer Balaam, with his high pretences to religion, his glorious speeches, and his noted intimacy with God, without seriously inquiring, What am I—what have I—what do I—what desire I—more than He? 4