Balaam’s Final Prophecy: God’s Blessing on Israel (Numbers 24)

After Balaam’s earlier attempts to curse Israel failed, King Balak took him to a different high place, hoping this new vantage point would inspire a curse. But Balaam, speaking only the words God gave him, delivered a powerful prophecy full of blessing and hope for Israel.

Balaam began by praising God’s protection over Israel and foretold a future king:

“I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near.
A star will come out of Jacob;
a scepter will rise out of Israel.
He will crush the foreheads of Moab,
the skulls of all the people of Sheth.”
— Numbers 24:17 (NIV)

This prophecy spoke of a coming ruler from Israel who would be mighty and victorious, a hopeful message beyond King Balak’s immediate concerns.

Balaam also described Israel as a powerful lion, fierce and feared by its enemies:

“Like a lion they crouch and lie down,
like a lioness—who dares to rouse them?
‘May those who bless you be blessed
and those who curse you be cursed!’”
— Numbers 24:9 (NIV)

Balak realized he could not sway Balaam to curse Israel. Despite Balaam’s personal motives, God’s blessing over Israel was unshakable.

Before leaving, Balaam warned Balak not to provoke Israel to anger, or he would face destruction among the nations (Numbers 24:20).

Key Verse:

Numbers 24:17
"I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near—
a star will come out of Jacob;
a scepter will rise out of Israel."

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