Numbers Chapter 24 Bible Study: Balaam’s Prophecies and the Unstoppable Blessing of God

Numbers chapter 24 contains the final three oracles of Balaam son of Beor, a foreign prophet hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the nation of Israel. This chapter marks a pivotal moment in the narrative. Unlike his previous attempts in chapters 22 and 23, where he sought omens and enchantments, Balaam now submits entirely to the Spirit of God. The result is a series of stunning prophecies that not only bless Israel but also foretell its future glory and the coming of a great ruler, a “Star” from Jacob. This study delves into the rich theological tapestry of Balaam’s final words, exploring God’s sovereignty, the certainty of His covenant promises, and the foreshadowing of the Messiah.

Balaam’s Submission and the First Oracle (Numbers 24:1-9)

The chapter opens with a significant shift in Balaam’s methodology. Verse 1 states, “he did not go as at other times to meet with omens, but he set his face toward the wilderness.” Previously, Balaam had tried to manipulate the divine will through sorcery and divination, the tools of his trade. Now, he abandons these practices. This wasn’t a full-hearted conversion but a recognition of the futility of resisting Yahweh. He realizes that God’s purpose for Israel is unchangeable, and no ritual or incantation can alter it. He simply turns his face toward the Israelite camp and waits for God’s word. The Spirit of God then comes upon him (v. 2). This is a powerful statement. The Holy Spirit is not limited to empowering only the righteous or the covenant people. Here, God uses a compromised, foreign prophet for His divine purpose, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including those outside the covenant with Israel. Balaam becomes a mere vessel for a divine message he cannot control. His first oracle (vv. 3-9) is introduced with the formal declaration, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened.” The phrase “whose eye is opened” can be interpreted as one who now sees with spiritual clarity, a truth revealed by God himself. He describes himself as one “who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, but having his eyes uncovered.” This trance-like state underscores that the words are not his own; they are a direct revelation. The content of the prophecy is a beautiful poetic description of Israel’s prosperity and security.

  • “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel!” (v. 5): Balaam sees the orderly arrangement of the Israelite camp not as a military threat but as a divinely blessed community. He compares them to lush, well-watered gardens, flourishing trees planted by the LORD, like “aloes” and “cedars beside the waters.” This imagery evokes the Garden of Eden and points to God’s life-giving presence and provision (Psalm 1:3).
  • “Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters” (v. 7): This is a metaphor for abundance, prosperity, and posterity. The nation will be fruitful and their influence will spread widely.
  • “His king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted” (v. 7): This is a remarkable and specific prediction. Agag was likely a dynastic title for the kings of the Amalekites, a formidable and persistent enemy of Israel (Exodus 17:8-16). To say Israel’s king would be “higher than Agag” was to prophesy Israel’s ultimate victory over its most powerful foes. This finds a historical fulfillment when King Saul defeats Agag, the king of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:8), though Saul’s disobedience in that very event marred the victory. The ultimate fulfillment points to a greater King. The oracle concludes by reiterating the theme of God’s power on Israel’s behalf: “God brings him out of Egypt and is for him like the horns of a wild ox” (v. 8). Israel’s strength is not its own; it is derived from God, who delivered them from bondage. The prophecy ends with the same powerful formula found in God’s promise to Abraham: “Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you” (v. 9; Genesis 12:3). Balaam is forced to pronounce the very principle that makes his mission for Balak impossible. To curse Israel is to bring a curse upon oneself.

Balak’s Anger and Balaam’s Second Oracle (Numbers 24:10-14)

King Balak’s reaction is one of explosive fury. He “struck his hands together,” a sign of extreme anger and frustration. He had hired Balaam at great expense to curse Israel, but instead, the prophet has blessed them three times. Balak revokes his offer of payment and dismisses Balaam in disgrace, telling him, “the LORD has kept you back from honor.” Balak correctly identifies the source of his frustration—Yahweh—but fails to grasp the implication: that he is fighting against God Himself. Before departing, Balaam reminds Balak that he had warned him from the beginning that he could only speak what the LORD commanded, even for a “house full of silver and gold” (vv. 12-13; cf. Numbers 22:18). He asserts his integrity as a prophet, bound by the word of his God. Then, he offers one final, unsolicited set of prophecies, telling Balak what “this people will do to your people in the latter days” (v. 14). This phrase, “in the latter days,” signals a shift from the immediate future to the more distant, eschatological future.

The Famous “Star of Jacob” Prophecy (Numbers 24:15-19)

This fourth and final oracle is the most famous and theologically significant of them all. It is a direct prophecy of a future ruler who will arise from Israel and conquer its enemies.

  • “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near” (v. 17): Balaam is given a vision that transcends his own time. He sees a future reality that is certain but distant.
  • “a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (v. 17): This is the core of the prophecy. The “star” and “scepter” are ancient symbols of kingship and royalty. Balaam foresees the coming of a great king from the lineage of Jacob (Israel). This has both a near and a far fulfillment. Many scholars see an initial fulfillment in King David, who subdued the Moabites and Edomites as the prophecy describes (2 Samuel 8:2, 14).
  • “it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth” (v. 17): The scepter will bring judgment and conquest upon Israel’s enemies, specifically Moab (Balak’s kingdom) and the “sons of Sheth,” which may be a poetic term for all of humanity or a specific neighboring tribe.
  • “Edom shall be a possession; Seir also, his enemies, shall be a possession” (v. 18): The prophecy extends the ruler’s dominion to Edom, another neighboring enemy nation. The most profound fulfillment of this prophecy, however, is Messianic. The “Star of Jacob” has been interpreted by both Jewish and Christian traditions as a reference to the coming Messiah. The Magi from the East who came seeking the newborn king of the Jews were guided by a star (Matthew 2:1-2), a direct echo of Balaam’s prophecy. Jesus is the ultimate “scepter” from Israel, the King of Kings whose kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:32-33). He is the “bright morning star” (Revelation 22:16). Balaam, the pagan diviner, becomes an unwitting prophet of the coming Christ.

Prophecies Against Other Nations (Numbers 24:20-25)

Balaam’s prophetic sight then pans across the other nations in the region, pronouncing brief oracles of judgment upon them. These serve to reinforce the central theme: while Israel is divinely blessed and destined for exaltation, the nations that set themselves against God and His people will ultimately face ruin.

  • Amalek: “Amalek was the first of the nations, but its end shall be utter destruction” (v. 20). The Amalekites were the “first” to attack Israel after the exodus (Exodus 17). Their persistent opposition to God’s people sealed their doom, which was eventually carried out under Saul and David (1 Samuel 15, 30).
  • The Kenites: Balaam sees the Kenites, a tribe related to Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, who were generally friendly to Israel. He notes their secure dwelling in the rocks but predicts their eventual exile: “Nevertheless, Kain shall be burned when Asshur takes you away captive” (v. 22). This likely refers to the Assyrian exile, which swept away not only the northern kingdom of Israel but also many surrounding peoples.
  • An Unknown Power: The final oracle is cryptic: “Alas, who shall live when God does this? But ships shall come from Kittim and shall afflict Asshur and Eber; and he too shall come to utter destruction” (vv. 23-24). “Kittim” often refers to Cyprus or, more broadly, to western maritime powers. This has been interpreted in various ways, perhaps referring to the invasion of the “Sea Peoples” in ancient times, or the later conquests by Greece (Alexander the Great) and Rome, which overcame the great eastern empires of Assyria (“Asshur”) and the Semitic peoples (“Eber”). It speaks to the rise and fall of world empires, reminding all that only God’s kingdom is eternal. After delivering these world-spanning prophecies, Balaam and Balak part ways. The grand plan to curse Israel has ended in a spectacular failure for Balak and a series of powerful, unsolicited blessings for Israel. The chapter concludes abruptly, with Balaam returning “to his place” and Balak also going “his way.”

Theological Significance and Practical Lessons

Numbers 24 is a chapter rich with theological implications and practical applications for believers today.

  • God’s Unstoppable Sovereignty: The central theme is the absolute sovereignty of God. Balak, a powerful king, and Balaam, a renowned diviner, are completely powerless to thwart God’s purpose. God’s plan to bless Israel is not dependent on Israel’s worthiness or the goodwill of other nations. It is rooted in His own character and covenant promise. Lesson: We can rest in the knowledge that God’s plans for His people cannot be derailed by human opposition or scheming. When we are aligned with God’s will, no curse can stand against us (Romans 8:31).
  • The Power of God’s Word: Balaam, against his own financial interests and personal desires, is compelled to speak the words God gives him. The divine word has an inherent power that accomplishes its purpose. This foreshadows the concept of the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, who perfectly accomplished the Father’s will. Lesson: We should have immense respect for the Word of God (the Bible). It is not merely a collection of ancient stories but is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), and God uses it to achieve His sovereign purposes in the world and in our lives.
  • Blessing and Cursing: The principle from Genesis 12:3 is powerfully reinforced: God blesses those who bless His people and curses those who curse them. Balak’s attempts to curse Israel only brought frustration upon himself. Lesson: Our attitude toward God’s people (the Church) and God’s purposes in the world matters. To align against God’s work is to place oneself in a position of spiritual peril.
  • The Messianic Hope: The “Star of Jacob” prophecy is a beacon of hope shining from the Old Testament. It shows that God’s plan of salvation through a coming King was woven into the fabric of Israel’s history from the very beginning. Even a pagan prophet was used to announce His coming. Lesson: Our faith is not based on myths but on prophecies and fulfillments that span centuries. Jesus is the promised King who has come to crush the head of our ultimate enemy, Satan, and to establish an eternal kingdom. He is the “star” that guides us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.