Tyndale Open Study NotesNumbers 24

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

Unhappy with Balaam's blessing, Balak hoped a new location would change the outcome. Although the exact location of Mount Peor is unknown, it was probably near a worship site for Baal of Peor and the Beth-peor (compare 25:3, 5). See Deuteronomy 3:29; 34:6 for where they buried Moses.

Unlike before, Balaam did not use divination this time (23:3, 15). He already knew that signs and omens could not harm Israel (23:23). So he stopped looking for them.

Instead, the Spirit of God came directly upon Balaam. God himself gave Balaam the message to speak.

The third message describes God's plan to bless Israel again.

God showed his love for his people by giving them many blessings. These blessings were signs of his care and favor toward Israel.

The Lord’s favor is shown by comparing Israel to groves and gardens that have plenty of water. In a dry land, water brings life and growth. This picture shows how God was caring for his people.

Israel’s growing population also showed God’s blessing (24:7; as mentioned in 23:10). This growth would become even clearer in the second census recorded in chapter 26.

• God's blessing would allow the Israelites defeat their enemies (see 24:15–24).

• Agag was an Amalekite king whom King Saul defeated (1 Samuel 15:7–9, 32–33). The Amalekites, a desert people, were traditional enemies of the Hebrews (compare Numbers 14:45; Exodus 17:8–16). Agag was probably a traditional title for their king. Since God brought Israel out of Egypt, he fought for them like a warrior and a wild animal (wild ox and lion; Numbers 24:8–9).

• Blessed … cursed: See Genesis 12:3; 27:29.

Balak clapped his hands to show anger and disapproval (see also Job 27:23; Lamentations 2:15).

come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come: Since Balak tried to curse Israel, God would curse him and his people (24:9). The harm Balak wanted to cause Israel will instead happen to Moab.

This 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).

• A star symbolized a king (see Isaiah 14:12; Matthew 2:1–10). A scepter symbolized power and majesty (see Genesis 49:10; Psalm 45:6).

  Historically, King David fits this description. The Moabites, whose defeat Numbers 24:17 mentions, were among the many peoples he conquered during David's rule (2 Samuel 8:2). Yet, Moab remained a threat to Israel after David's time (see 2 Kings 3:1–27; Isaiah 15–16; Jeremiah 48).

  Many interpreters have extended this image beyond David. Christians identify Jesus of Nazareth with a star and a scepter (compare Matthew 2:2; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 2:28; 22:16; compare Hebrews 1:8).

• the sons of Sheth: These people were probably the ancient Sutu, a group known from other records.

  However, the name may refer to a different people group. It could refer to:

  • Edom, also called Seir, which David later defeated (Numbers 24:18),

  • Ir, or Ar, a city of Moab (24:19; compare 21:28), or

  • Amalek, one of Israel’s earliest and most lasting enemies (24:20).

Assyria would destroy the Kenites, a desert people living in the same areas as the Amalekites and Midianites. Moses married a Kenite (Judges 1:16; 4:11; compare Numbers 10:29–32). The Kenites were mostly friendly with Israel after that time (for example, 1 Samuel 15:6; 27:10; 30:27–30).

The message concludes by mentioning the appearance and downfall of invaders from Cyprus. The Hebrew term Kittim probably referred to various Mediterranean groups (compare Genesis 10:4; Jeremiah 2:10; Daniel 11:30).

This verse is similar to 22:12 and summarizes the lesson of the entire event.

Eber has the same spelling as the ancestor of the Hebrews (compare Genesis 10:21–25; 11:10–16). It may refer to a people on the other side of the Euphrates River. This region fits the parallel reference to Assyria (see Joshua 24:3; Isaiah 7:20).

Balaam did not yet go back to Pethor (31:8).