God's Sovereignty
Despite Balak's intentions, God controls the outcome. Balaam declares, How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced? (Numbers 24:8).

The Irrevocable Blessing
Balaam's prophecies affirm God's blessing over Israel, highlighting that God's promises are unchangeable. God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind (Numbers 23:19).

The Vision of the Messiah
Balaam's prophecy includes a messianic vision, I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel (Numbers 24:17), pointing to the future coming of Christ.

God's Protection Over His People
The chapter underscores God's protective hand over Israel, ensuring that no curse can prevail against them.Trust in God's Sovereignty
In times of uncertainty, remember that God is in control and His plans cannot be thwarted.

Hold Fast to God's Promises
Just as God's blessings over Israel were irrevocable, trust that His promises to you are steadfast and sure.

Recognize God's Work in Unexpected Ways
Be open to seeing how God might use unexpected people or circumstances to fulfill His purposes in your life.

Look to Christ as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Reflect on how the Old Testament points to Jesus and find assurance in His role as the promised Savior.1. Balaam
Balaam is a non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is called upon by Balak to curse Israel. Instead, he delivers blessings and prophecies concerning Israel's future. The Hebrew root for his name, "בִּלְעָם" (Bil'am), suggests meanings related to "devourer" or "destroyer of the people."

2. Balak
Balak is the king of Moab who seeks Balaam's help to curse the Israelites because he fears their strength and numbers. His name in Hebrew, "בָּלָק" (Balaq), can mean "devastator" or "waster."

3. Israel
While not a single person, Israel refers to the collective people of the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob, whom God has blessed. In Hebrew, "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el) means "God contends" or "one who struggles with God."

4. Jacob
Jacob is the patriarch of the Israelites, and his name is used in Balaam's prophecy to refer to the nation of Israel. The Hebrew name "יַעֲקֹב" (Ya'akov) means "heel holder" or "supplanter."

5. Agag
Agag is mentioned in Balaam's prophecy as a king whose kingdom will be surpassed by Israel. The name "אֲגַג" (Agag) is of uncertain origin but is associated with Amalekite kings.

6. Amalek
Amalek is mentioned as the first among the nations, but his end will be destruction. Amalek is a descendant of Esau and represents Israel's enemies. The Hebrew "עֲמָלֵק" (Amaleq) may mean "dweller in a valley."

7. Asshur
Asshur is mentioned in the prophecy as a nation that will be conquered by Israel. Asshur is often associated with the Assyrian empire. The Hebrew "אַשּׁוּר" (Ashur) can mean "a step" or "to go straight."

8. Eber
Eber is mentioned in the prophecy, and he is an ancestor of the Hebrews. The name "עֵבֶר" (Eber) means "beyond" or "the other side," often referring to the region beyond the Euphrates River.1. Moab
Moab is the region where Balaam is delivering his oracles. It is located east of the Dead Sea and is the land of the Moabites, descendants of Lot. In the context of Numbers 24, Moab is significant as the place where Balak, the king of Moab, has summoned Balaam to curse the Israelites.

2. Ephrathah
Although not directly mentioned in Numbers 24, Ephrathah is often associated with Bethlehem. In the context of the prophecy, it is indirectly referenced as part of the lineage of Israel, particularly in the blessing over Israel's future king.

3. Edom
Edom is the territory inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. In Numbers 24:18, Edom is mentioned as a place that will be conquered by Israel, symbolizing the triumph of Israel over its enemies.

4. Seir
Seir is a mountainous region associated with Edom. In Numbers 24:18, it is mentioned alongside Edom as a place that will be possessed by Israel, indicating the expansion of Israel's influence.

5. Amalek
Amalek refers to the descendants of Amalek, a group that was often in conflict with Israel. In Numbers 24:20, Amalek is prophesied to be destroyed, highlighting the eventual downfall of Israel's adversaries.

6. Kenites
The Kenites are a group mentioned in Numbers 24:21. They are known for their association with the Midianites and their friendly relations with Israel. The prophecy indicates that their dwelling place will be secure, but they will eventually face destruction.

7. Asshur
Asshur, or Assyria, is mentioned in Numbers 24:22 as a powerful nation. The prophecy suggests that the Kenites will be taken captive by Asshur, indicating the far-reaching influence of this empire.

8. Kittim
Kittim is referenced in Numbers 24:24, often associated with the islands and coastlands of the Mediterranean, possibly Cyprus or regions of Greece. The prophecy speaks of ships coming from Kittim, symbolizing distant nations that will afflict Asshur and Eber.1. Balaam's Third Oracle
Balaam, seeing that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, did not resort to divination as before. Instead, he set his face toward the wilderness and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe. The Spirit of God came upon him, and he delivered a prophecy. (Numbers 24:1-2)

2. The Oracle's Content
Balaam's oracle begins with a declaration of his vision, stating, "The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eyes are open, the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open." (Numbers 24:3-4)

3. Blessing of Israel
Balaam describes the beauty and prosperity of Israel, comparing them to lush gardens and cedars beside the waters. He proclaims, "How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!" (Numbers 24:5-6)

4. Strength and Victory
Balaam prophesies Israel's strength and future victories, saying, "God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. They devour hostile nations and break their bones in pieces; with their arrows they pierce them." (Numbers 24:8)

5. Blessing and Curse
Balaam reiterates the blessing and curse principle, stating, "Blessed is everyone who blesses you, and cursed is everyone who curses you." (Numbers 24:9)

6. Balak's Anger
Balak's anger is kindled against Balaam, and he strikes his hands together, expressing his frustration that Balaam has blessed Israel three times instead of cursing them. (Numbers 24:10)

7. Balaam's Response
Balaam reminds Balak that he had previously told him he could only speak what the LORD put in his mouth, regardless of the reward offered. (Numbers 24:12-13)

8. Balaam's Fourth Oracle
Balaam delivers a fourth oracle, which includes a prophecy about a future ruler from Israel, saying, "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel." (Numbers 24:17)

9. Prophecies Against Other Nations
Balaam continues with prophecies against various nations, including Edom, Seir, Amalek, the Kenites, and others, foretelling their eventual downfall. (Numbers 24:18-24)

10. Balaam's Departure
After delivering his prophecies, Balaam rises and returns to his place, and Balak also goes his way. (Numbers 24:25)Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.

Isaiah 55:11
So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Matthew 2:2
Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him. Praise God for His Sovereignty
Thank God for His control over all situations and His ability to use them for His glory.
Seek Assurance in God's Promises
Pray for faith to trust in God's unchanging promises and His faithfulness.
Ask for Eyes to See God's Work
Request discernment to recognize God's hand in unexpected places and people.
Celebrate the Fulfillment of Prophecy in Christ
Worship Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises and the hope of the nations.

1. How does Numbers 24 challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty?

2. In what ways did Balaam's change in approach before his third oracle reflect his understanding of God's intentions?

3. Reflect on the prophecy of the star and scepter in verse 17. How does this point to the future coming of Jesus?

4. What does this chapter teach us about God's protection over His chosen people?

5. In today's context, how can we apply the lesson of speaking only what God commands, as demonstrated by Balaam?

6. How does King Balak's response to Balaam's prophecies reflect human attempts to oppose God's will?

7. Why do you think God chose to bless Israel despite their previous disobedience?

8. How can you identify with Balaam's predicament of being pressured to go against God's will in your life?

9. How does the certainty of God's blessings, as demonstrated in this chapter, offer you comfort in your current situation?

10. If you were in Balaam's place, how would you handle the pressure from Balak?

11. How can you, like Balaam, align your desires and actions with God's will even when it's not popular or understood by others?

12. What does Balaam's oracles teach us about the power of words and prophecy?

13. How can we remain faithful to God's will when our decisions may cause disappointment or displeasure to others, like in Balaam's situation?

14. What are some present-day scenarios where God's blessings seem to be hidden, and how can this chapter offer hope in such circumstances?

15. How can Balaam's prophecies encourage believers in times of discouragement and despair?

16. How can the supremacy of God's will, as seen in this chapter, influence your decision-making process?

17. How does the description of Israel's prosperity and protection in Balaam's third oracle apply to God's promises to His people today?

18. How does Numbers 24 challenge your understanding of God's long-term plans and promises for His people?

19. What would you do if you were asked to do something against God's will as Balaam was?

20. How can we discern when to stand firm in our obedience to God, even when it may appear foolish to others, as demonstrated by Balaam's actions?