Numbers 24:18
New International Version
Edom will be conquered; Seir, his enemy, will be conquered, but Israel will grow strong.

New Living Translation
Edom will be taken over, and Seir, its enemy, will be conquered, while Israel marches on in triumph.

English Standard Version
Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly.

Berean Standard Bible
Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.

King James Bible
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

New King James Version
“And Edom shall be a possession; Seir also, his enemies, shall be a possession, While Israel does valiantly.

New American Standard Bible
“And Edom shall be a possession, Seir, its enemies, also will be a possession, While Israel performs valiantly.

NASB 1995
“Edom shall be a possession, Seir, its enemies, also will be a possession, While Israel performs valiantly.

NASB 1977
“And Edom shall be a possession, Seir, its enemies, also shall be a possession, While Israel performs valiantly.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir, its enemies, also will be a possession, While Israel performs valiantly.

Amplified Bible
“Edom shall be [taken as] a possession, [Mount] Seir, Israel’s enemies, also will be a possession, While Israel performs valiantly.

Christian Standard Bible
Edom will become a possession; Seir will become a possession of its enemies, but Israel will be triumphant.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Edom will become a possession; Seir will become a possession of its enemies, but Israel will be triumphant.

American Standard Version
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession, who were his enemies; While Israel doeth valiantly.

Contemporary English Version
Israel will conquer Edom and capture the land of that enemy nation.

English Revised Version
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession, which were his enemies; While Israel doeth valiantly.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Edom will be conquered, and Seir, his enemy, will be conquered. So Israel will become wealthy.

Good News Translation
He will conquer his enemies in Edom And make their land his property, While Israel continues victorious.

International Standard Version
Edom will be a conquered nation and Seir will be Israel's defeated foe, while Israel performs valiantly.

Majority Standard Bible
Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.

NET Bible
Edom will be a possession, Seir, his enemies, will also be a possession; but Israel will act valiantly.

New Heart English Bible
Edom shall be a possession. Seir, his enemies, also shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

World English Bible
Edom shall be a possession. Seir, his enemy, also shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Edom has been a possession, "" And Seir has been a possession [for] his enemies, "" And Israel is doing valiantly;

Young's Literal Translation
And Edom hath been a possession, And Seir hath been a possession, for its enemies, And Israel is doing valiantly;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Edom was an inheritance, and the inheritance of Seir was his enemies; and Israel did in strength.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he shall possess Idumea: the inheritance of Seir shall come to their enemies, but Israel shall do manfully

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he shall possess Idumea; the inheritance of Seir shall fall to their enemies. Yet truly, Israel shall act with strength.

New American Bible
Edom will be dispossessed, and no survivor is left in Seir. Israel will act boldly,

New Revised Standard Version
Edom will become a possession, Seir a possession of its enemies, while Israel does valiantly.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Edom shall be his possession; Seir, also the possession of his enemies, shall be his; and Israel shall gain strength.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Adum shall be his inheritance and Seir the inheritance of his enemies will be his, and Israel will possess the power.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also, even his enemies, shall be a possession; While Israel doeth valiantly.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Edom shall be an inheritance, and Esau his enemy shall be an inheritance of Israel, and Israel wrought valiantly.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Balaam's Fourth Oracle
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 Moab and 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 Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”…

Cross References
Obadiah 1:19
Those from the Negev will possess the mountains of Esau; those from the foothills will possess the land of the Philistines. They will occupy the fields of Ephraim and Samaria, and Benjamin will possess Gilead.

Isaiah 11:14
They will swoop down on the slopes of the Philistines to the west; together they will plunder the sons of the east. They will lay their hands on Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them.

Amos 9:12
that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name,” declares the LORD, who will do this.

Psalm 60:8
Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”

Psalm 108:9
Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”

Jeremiah 49:7-22
Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed? / Turn and run! Lie low, O dwellers of Dedan, for I will bring disaster on Esau at the time I punish him. / If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings? Were thieves to come in the night, would they not steal only what they wanted? ...

Ezekiel 25:12-14
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. / I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’

Isaiah 34:5-6
When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.

Isaiah 63:1
Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.”

Joel 3:19
Egypt will become desolate, and Edom a desert wasteland, because of the violence done to the people of Judah, in whose land they shed innocent blood.

Malachi 1:4
Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever.

Isaiah 21:11-12
This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?” / The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.”

Isaiah 34:1-17
Come near, O nations, to listen; pay attention, O peoples. Let the earth hear, and all that fills it, the world and all that springs from it. / The LORD is angry with all the nations and furious with all their armies. He will devote them to destruction; He will give them over to slaughter. / Their slain will be left unburied, and the stench of their corpses will rise; the mountains will flow with their blood. ...

Isaiah 63:1-6
Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ...

Matthew 2:6
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’”


Treasury of Scripture

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

Of Jacob

Genesis 49:10
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Psalm 2:1-12
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? …

Psalm 72:10,11
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts…

shall destroy

Psalm 21:7-10
For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved…

Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Luke 19:12,27
He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return…

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Conquered Dispossessed End Enemies Enemy Heritage Israel Last Performs Possession Seir Se'ir Strong Valiantly
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Conquered Dispossessed End Enemies Enemy Heritage Israel Last Performs Possession Seir Se'ir Strong Valiantly
Numbers 24
1. Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel
10. Balak, in anger, dismisses him
15. He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations














Edom will become a possession
In this phrase, the prophecy speaks of Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom was often in conflict with Israel, and this prophecy foretells its subjugation. The Hebrew root for "possession" is "yarash," which implies taking control or inheriting. This suggests a divine orchestration where Israel, as God's chosen people, will ultimately triumph over its adversaries. The historical context reveals that Edom was indeed subdued by Israel during the reigns of David and Solomon, fulfilling this prophecy. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His faithfulness to His promises.

Seir will be conquered
Seir, another name for the region inhabited by the Edomites, is mentioned here. The Hebrew word for "conquered" is "yarash," similar to "possession," indicating a complete takeover. This reflects the biblical theme of God's justice and the eventual downfall of those who oppose His people. The historical conquest of Seir by Israel is a testament to God's power and His ability to fulfill His word. It also serves as a metaphor for spiritual victory over sin and opposition in the life of a believer.

but Israel will perform with valor
The phrase highlights Israel's role in this divine plan. The Hebrew word for "valor" is "chayil," which denotes strength, efficiency, and capability. This suggests that Israel's success is not merely due to military might but is empowered by God's strength. The historical victories of Israel, despite often being outnumbered or outmatched, underscore this divine empowerment. For believers, this is an inspirational reminder that true strength and success come from reliance on God, who equips His people to perform valiantly in the face of challenges.

(18) And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also . . . --Better, And Edom shall be a possession, and Seir shall be a possession, for his enemies (i.e., the enemies of Israel, or, rather, of the Ruler who was to rise out of Israel). The Hebrew word (oyebaiv) which is rendered "his enemies" appears to stand in apposition to Edom and Seir, as the word zaraiv (his enemies, or adversaries) in Numbers 24:8 to "the nations." Edom was the name of the people, Seir of the country. (See Genesis 32:3.) The prophecy received its primary accomplishment in the time of David (2Samuel 8:14), but the ultimate accomplishment is to be found in the person and work of Christ (Isaiah 63:1-4).

And Israel shall do valiantly.--Or, shall acquire power or wealth. (Comp. Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Ruth 4:11.) . . .

Verse 18. - Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies. Seir (Genesis 32:3), or Mount Seir (Genesis 36:8), was the old name, still retained as an alternative, of Edom. It is uncertain whether the rendering "for his (i.e., Edom's) enemies" is correct. The Hebrew is simply אֹיְבָיו, which may stand in apposition to Edom and Seir, "his enemies," i.e., the enemies of Israel. So the Septuagint, Ησαῦ ὁ ἐχθρὸς αὐτοῦ. Shall do valiantly, or, "shall be prosperous" (cf. Deuteronomy 8:17; Ruth 4:11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Edom
אֱד֜וֹם (’ĕ·ḏō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123: The name of a condiment

will become
וְהָיָ֨ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a possession,
יְרֵשָׁ֗ה (yə·rê·šāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3424: Possession

Seir
שֵׂעִ֖יר (śê·‘îr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8165: Seir -- a mountain range in Edom, also its inhabitants, also a mountain in Judah

will be
וְהָיָ֧ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

owned
יְרֵשָׁ֛ה (yə·rê·šāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3424: Possession

by his enemies,
אֹיְבָ֑יו (’ō·yə·ḇāw)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

but Israel
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (wə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

will perform
עֹ֥שֶׂה (‘ō·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

with valor.
חָֽיִל׃ (ḥā·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength


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OT Law: Numbers 24:18 Edom shall be a possession (Nu Num.)
Numbers 24:17
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