37: Balaam’s fourth oracle: A Star will march forth out of Jacob (Num 24:10 – 25)

After three times of failures, Balak stopped hiring Balaam to curse Israel. However, Balaam kept saying blessings for Israel.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read Numbers 24:10-25

Find the expressions that allude that this oracle talks about the future of Israel. (verses 16 – 17)

 

What will happen to Israel? (17-19)

 

What are the three nations mentioned to be destroyed in the far future? (20 – 24)

 

Answers and meditation

Knowledge, vision, not now, not close at hand

Knowing the knowledge of the Most High and seeing from the vision of the Almighty imply that Balaam knew the future plan of God.

 

A king from Israel will conquer the nations.

The triumphant kingdom will be first and partially fulfilled by David and completely by Jesus Christ.

 

Amalek, Kenites, Kittim

 

In chapters 22-24, Moab tried to curse Israel. But they failed, and only God’s blessing and the future victory of Israel were confirmed. Whenever Satan tries to attack us, the Lord’s love and promise will be confirmed more. The hardship purifies our faith. Fire makes the gold shine more.


The failure of the Mosaic leadership (chapter 20) is followed by the victory of the Israelites (chapter 21). The narrative confirms that the Lord is with His people regardless of human failure. Then, in chapters 22-24, it was a Gentile prophet, not Moses or Aaron, who prophesized the coming of a future king, implicitly the Messiah. 

Moses' failure made God's grace be revealed more. And the Gentile prophet Balaam was hired for God's work. Israel's failure made God's salvation come through grace; thus, it has become available for all nations.

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