Balaam’s Third Oracle
Unlike previously (23:3, 15), Balaam did not resort...
Unlike previously (23:3, 15), Balaam did not resort to divination this time. He already knew that auguries and omens could not harm Israel (23:23), so he quit looking for them. Instead, Balaam was directly inspired by the Spirit of God.
1And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness. 2When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,
The third oracle contains another description of God’s...
The third oracle contains another description of God’s plan to bless Israel.
3and he lifted up an oracle, saying:
“This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor,the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,4the prophecy of one who hears the words of God,who sees a vision from the Almighty,†who bows down with eyes wide open:
God’s love for his people was reflected in...
God’s love for his people was reflected in the blessings he showered upon them.
The Lord’s favor is emphasized by the comparison...
The Lord’s favor is emphasized by the comparison of Israel’s situation with groves and gardens that have access to abundant water. Their growing population already reflected God’s blessing (24:7), as mentioned in 23:10. This would also become clear in the second registration (ch 26).
God’s blessing would enable the Israelites to overcome...
- God’s blessing would enable the Israelites to overcome their enemies (see 24:15–24).
- Agag was an Amalekite king defeated by Saul (1 Sam 15:7–9, 32–33). The Amalekites, a desert people, were traditional enemies of the Hebrews (cp. Num 14:45; Exod 17:8–16), and it is likely that Agag was the traditional designation for their king. Since God brought Israel out of Egypt, he fought on their behalf, like a warrior and like a wild animal (ox and lion; Num 24:8–9).
- Blessed . . . cursed: See Gen 12:3; 27:29.
Balak Dismisses Balaam
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. 11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”
12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me 13that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says. 14Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”
Balaam’s Fourth Oracle
This prophecy provides more specific details than the...
This prophecy provides more specific details than the first three. Based on another vision from the Almighty (24:16), it lists some of the enemies that Israel would defeat in the future and predicts the emergence of an outstanding leader who would play a major role in these military victories (24:17).
15Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying,
“This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor,the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,16the prophecy of one who hears the words of God,who has knowledge from the Most High,who sees a vision from the Almighty,who bows down with eyes wide open:17I see him, but not now;I behold him, but not near.A star will come forth from Jacob,and a scepter will arise from Israel.He will crush the skulls† of Moaband strike down all the sons of Sheth.18Edom will become a possession,as will Seir, his enemy;but Israel will perform with valor.19A ruler will come from Jacoband destroy the survivors of the city.”Balaam’s Final Three Oracles
20Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying:
“Amalek was first among the nations,but his end is destruction.”
The Kenites, a desert people who occupied some...
The Kenites, a desert people who occupied some of the same regions as the Amalekites and Midianites, would be destroyed by Assyria. Moses married a Kenite (Judg 1:16; 4:11; cp. Num 10:29–32), and the Kenites remained mostly friendly with Israel thereafter (e.g., 1 Sam 15:6; 27:10; 30:27–30).
21Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying:
“Your dwelling place is secure,and your nest is set in a cliff.22Yet Kain will be destroyedwhen Asshur† takes you captive.”
The oracle ends with a word about the...
The oracle ends with a word about the rise and fall of invaders from Cyprus (Hebrew Kittim; this term probably referred to a number of Mediterranean people groups; cp. Gen 10:4; Jer 2:10; Dan 11:30).
23Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying:
“Ah, who can liveunless God has ordained it?24Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus;†they will subdue Asshur and Eber,but they too will perish forever.”25Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.