Numbers

Numbers 24:1-14

We see that Balaam’s normal method was to seek the Lord using sorcery.  This is seeking omens in the surroundings.  He learned that God desired to bless Israel and opened himself to the will of God and His message.  God used him to delivery another message when the Spirit of God came upon him. 

The oracle notes that Balaam’s eyes were opened to understand Israel in the eyes of God.  He would hear the word and see the vision of God.  The word almighty is shadday – all-powerful.  The sight of the thousands of tents is the beauty of Jacob.  They were like plants in a garden by the river, thriving and abundant. 

Agag will be the king of the Amalekites in the days of Saul.  He will be conquered, but they will go on to plague Israel in the future.  Haman of the book of Esther is an Agagite.  

Israel is presented like a wild ox coming out of Egypt.  It would consume the nations and crush its enemies.  Then the vision is that of a lion.  Who will awaken the lion?  Then the promise of God first given to Abraham (Gen 12:3) is repeated.  Those blessing them would be blessed while those cursing Israel would be cursed.  Its as if to ask, “Balak, do you really want to keep attempting a curse?” 

Balak was angry.  He informed Balaam that the Lord prevented him from getting paid.  He advised him to go home.  Balaam declared that he could only speak what the Lord desired, but he wanted to - at least at the beginning.  He came to realize his will could not alter the Lord’s will.

Numbers 24:15-25

On the way out, Balaam advised Balak on the future of his people in the latter days.  His oracle acknowledges that his eyes and ears were opened to the Lord.  At the vision, he falls down with eyes wide open. 

The star and scepter display a royal king that is to come.  This appears to be a messianic foreshadowing.  The ‘royal scepter’ is a word that means a tool for punishment.  This tool will batter the brow of Moab.  The sons of tumult seem to be the non-Israelite offspring of Abraham.  Edom is associated with Esau and is marked for possession by this king.  Seir, associated with Edom is the area SE of Dead Sea down to Gulf of Aqaba. 

Amalek was a clan of Edomites that settled in Negev south of Canaan.  The Amalekites appear as a model of the flesh.  Thy were first among nations – probably in their challenge of Israel.  They were a perpetual enemy of Israel and therefore would be last until they perish.  The curse of the flesh will disappear forever in that day. 

The Kenites were friendly toward Israel at this time.  They were in the Kadesh region.  Moses’ father-in-law was Jethro, a priest of Midian – a Kenite.  Asshur is thought to be a clan of the Kenites that would take them captive. 

Cyprus is the word Kittim.  It is thought to be a reference to the ‘sea people’ – those migrating to the area by sea.  This would include the Philistines.  They would be at conflict with Asshur, Eber and Amalek.

See Joshua 13:22 for the end of Balaam.

© 2023 Doug Ford, Calvary Chapel Sweetwater