Numbers 24:20

Numbers 24:20 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.
• New International Version (NIV)Then Balaam saw Amalek and spoke his message: “Amalek was first among the nations, but their end will be utter destruction.”
• English Standard Version (ESV)Then he looked on Amalek and took up his discourse and said, "Amalek was the first among the nations, but its end is utter destruction."
• New King James Version (NKJV)Then he looked on Amalek, and he took up his oracle and said: “Amalek was first among the nations, But shall be last until he perishes.”

Context of Numbers 24:20

18Edom shall be [taken as] a possession, [Mount] Seir, Israel’s enemies, also will be a possession, While Israel performs valiantly. 19One from [the descendants of] Jacob shall have dominion And will destroy the remnant from the city.” Balaam looked at Amalek and took up his [fifth] discourse (oracle) and said: “Amalek was the first of the [neighboring] nations [to oppose the Israelites after they left Egypt], But his end shall be destruction.” 21And Balaam looked at the Kenites and took up his [sixth] discourse (oracle) and said: “Strong is your dwelling place, And you set your nest in the cliff. 22Nevertheless the Kenites will be consumed. How long will Asshur (Assyria) keep you (Israel) captive?”

Numbers 24:20 word by word

וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת־עֲמָלֵ֔ק וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר רֵאשִׁ֤ית גּוֹיִם֙ עֲמָלֵ֔ק וְאַחֲרִית֖וֹ עֲדֵ֥י אֹבֵֽד׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• And when he lookedרָאָהrâ'âh · to see: seeH7200
• on Amalekעֲמָלֵק‛ămâlêq · AmalekH6002
• he took upנָשָׂאnâώâ' nâsâh · to lift: loudH5375
• his parableמָשָׁלmâshâl · proverbH4912
• and saidאָמַר'âmar · to sayH559
• the firstרֵאשִׁיתrê'shîyth · first: beginningH7225
• of the nationsגּוֹיgôy gôy · nationH1471
• but his latterאַחֲרִית'achărîyth · endH319
• that he perishאֹבֵד'ôbêd · destructionH8
• for everעַד‛ad · perpetuityH5703

Cross-references for Numbers 24:20

• Genesis 15:19[the land of] the Kenites and the Kenizzites and the Kadmonites
• Judges 1:16The sons of [Jethro] the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up from the City of Palms (Jericho) with the sons of Judah, to the wilderness of Judah which is in the Negev (South country) near Arad; and they went and lived with the people.
• Job 29:18Then I said, ‘I shall die in my nest, And I shall multiply my days as the sand.

Commentaries on Numbers 24:20

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 20Amalek was the first of the nations - The most ancient and most powerful of all the nations or states then within the view of Balaam; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever, or his posterity אחריתו acharitho, shall be destroyed, or shall utterly fail. This oracle began to be fulfilled by Saul, 1 Samuel 15:7, 1 Samuel 15:8, who overthrew the Amalekites, and took their king, Agag, prisoner. Afterwards they were nearly destroyed by David, 1…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 20When he looked - i. e., in spirit, as he saw the Star Numbers 24:17. Amalek was the first of the nations - Rather, is pre-eminent among the neighboring nations: compare the same expression in Amos 6:1. Hence, the force of the words Numbers 24:7 “higher than Agag,” i. e., than the king of this powerful nation (compare Numbers 14:45; Exodus 17:8). This rank, due to the warlike prowess of the tribe, Balaam contrasts with its approaching downfall and…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 15-25Verses 15-25 Under the powerful influence of the Spirit of prophecy, Balaam foretold the future prosperity and extensive dominion of Israel. Balaam boasts that his eyes are open. The prophets were in old times called seers. He had heard the words of God, which many do who neither heed them, nor hear God in them. He knew the knowledge of the Most High. A man may be full of the knowledge of God, yet utterly destitute of the grace of God. He calls God the…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 15-25This 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).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2020. Amalek ... his latter end shall be that he perish for ever--Their territory was seen at the remote extremity of the desert. (See on Ex 17:13; also 1Sa 15:1-35).Read the comment

Topics related to Numbers 24:20

• Amalekites

In the dictionaries

• Amalek
• Amalek; Amalekite
• Advertise
• Coast
• Rephidim
• Rise
• Tabernacle
• Abel-Shittim
• Balaam
• Balak

Commentaries on Numbers 24

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings