◄ Numbers 23:10 ►
Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!"
Study Bible
Who can count the dust of Jacob
This phrase begins with a rhetorical question that emphasizes the vastness and innumerability of the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. The imagery of "dust" is significant, as it recalls God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 13:16, where He promised to make Abraham's offspring as numerous as the dust of the earth. The Hebrew word for "dust" (עָפָר, 'afar) conveys a sense of something that is beyond human ability to quantify, symbolizing the abundant blessings and growth of the nation of Israel. This reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, underscoring the idea that Israel's destiny is divinely ordained and protected.

or number even a fourth of Israel?
Continuing the theme of innumerability, this phrase further emphasizes the vastness of Israel by suggesting that even a fraction of the nation is beyond counting. The use of "a fourth" (רֹבַע, rova) serves to highlight the exponential growth and strength of the people. Historically, this reflects the period of Israel's expansion and prosperity as they journeyed through the wilderness under God's guidance. The rhetorical nature of the question underscores the futility of human attempts to measure or limit what God has blessed abundantly.

Let me die the death of the upright
Here, the speaker expresses a desire to die a death that is honorable and righteous, akin to that of the "upright" (יָשָׁר, yashar). In the Hebrew context, the term "upright" refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and maintain integrity and righteousness. This reflects a longing for a life that is pleasing to God, culminating in a death that is peaceful and blessed. The speaker's wish to die such a death indicates a recognition of the moral and spiritual superiority of the people of Israel, who are set apart by their covenant relationship with God.

and let my end be like theirs!
The phrase "let my end be like theirs" conveys a deep admiration for the destiny of the Israelites. The "end" (אַחֲרִית, acharit) refers to the final outcome or destiny, which for the Israelites is one of hope and divine favor. This reflects the biblical theme of the righteous being rewarded and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The speaker's desire to share in this blessed end signifies an acknowledgment of the unique and privileged position of Israel as God's chosen people, whose future is secure in His hands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Instead, he ends up blessing them under God's influence.

2. Balak
The king of Moab who feared the Israelites due to their large numbers and sought to weaken them through a curse.

3. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who were journeying to the Promised Land. They are described metaphorically as "dust" due to their vast numbers.

4. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, whose king, Balak, felt threatened by the Israelites' presence.

5. The Plains of Moab
The location where Balaam delivered his oracles, including the blessing found in Numbers 23:10.
Teaching Points
The Sovereignty of God
Despite human intentions, God's will prevails. Balaam was hired to curse Israel, but God turned the curse into a blessing. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our lives.

The Value of Righteousness
Balaam's desire to die the death of the righteous highlights the eternal value of living a life pleasing to God. We should strive for righteousness, knowing it leads to a blessed end.

The Fulfillment of God's Promises
The metaphor of Israel as "dust" reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us as well.

The Importance of Perspective
Balaam's perspective shifted from cursing to blessing when he saw Israel from God's viewpoint. We should seek God's perspective in our situations to align our actions with His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Balaam's experience in Numbers 23:10 demonstrate the sovereignty of God over human plans?

2. In what ways can we apply Balaam's desire to "die the death of the righteous" to our daily lives?

3. How does the metaphor of Israel as "dust" connect to God's promises to Abraham, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

4. What can we learn from Balaam's change in perspective about viewing our circumstances through God's eyes?

5. How do the themes in Numbers 23:10 relate to the New Testament teachings on righteousness and faith, such as those found in Hebrews 11?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 13:16
God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth, which parallels Balaam's description of Israel.

Psalm 37:37
This verse speaks of the peace and future of the righteous, echoing Balaam's desire to die the death of the righteous.

Hebrews 11:13-16
The faith of the patriarchs who died without receiving the promises but saw them from afar, similar to Balaam's wish for a righteous end.
Sermons
A Christian's Last EndNumbers 23:10
A Glorious DeathNumbers 23:10
An Unfulfilled DesireAlexander MaclarenNumbers 23:10
BalaamPreacher's AnalystNumbers 23:10
Balaam's Lights and ShadowsJ. M. Hoppin, D. D.Numbers 23:10
Balaam's Vain WishH. Bonar, D. D.Numbers 23:10
Balaam's WishSibbes, RichardNumbers 23:10
Confidence At DeathKeenig's Life of Dr. Simpson.Numbers 23:10
Courage in View of DeathLast words of Ward Beeeher's last sermonNumbers 23:10
Death of Christian and InfidelNumbers 23:10
Desiring the Death of the RighteousR. Allen, B. A.Numbers 23:10
Frances Ridley Havergal's DeathT. De Witt Talmage.Numbers 23:10
Habitual Preparation to be Made for DeathH. W. Beecher.Numbers 23:10
How Good a Thing it is to Die the Death of the RighteousMorgan Dix, D. D.Numbers 23:10
Let Me Die the Death of the RighteousD. Young Numbers 23:10
Mere Desire UselessBp. Harvey Goodwin.Numbers 23:10
Piety Makes a Soft Death-PillowNumbers 23:10
Selfishness, as Shown in Balaam's CharacterF. W. Robertson, M. A.Numbers 23:10
The Christian's Final BlessednessW. H. Marriott.Numbers 23:10
The Convictions of BalaamE. Bickersteth, M. A.Numbers 23:10
The Death of the RighteousHomilistNumbers 23:10
The Death of the RighteousA. P. Peabody.Numbers 23:10
The Death of the Righteous DesiredEssex RemembrancerNumbers 23:10
The End Attained by EffortPreacher's MonthlyNumbers 23:10
The End of the Righteous DesiredSpurgeon, Charles HaddonNumbers 23:10
The Happiest End of LifeHom. MonthlyNumbers 23:10
The Prayer of BalaamMorgan Dix, D. D.Numbers 23:10
Upon the Character of BalaamBy. Butler.Numbers 23:10
An Appeal in Behalf of the Society for Promoting Christianity Among the JewsJ. W. Cunningham, M. A.Numbers 23:5-12
Balaam's Eulogy on IsraelHenry, MatthewNumbers 23:5-12
Balaam's First ParableW. Jones.Numbers 23:5-12
Balaam's Vision and PrayerW. V. Young.Numbers 23:5-12
Israel Dwelling AloneH. Hutton, M. A.Numbers 23:5-12
The Distinctive Character of God's PeopleJ. J. Eastmead.Numbers 23:5-12
The True Israel Dwelling AloneW. Taylor.Numbers 23:5-12
The Vision from the RocksH. Bonar, D. D.Numbers 23:5-12
Balaam - the First ParableJ. Waite Numbers 23:7-10
People
Aram, Balaam, Balak, Jacob, Moses, Zippor
Places
Aram, Bamoth-baal, Egypt, Moab, Peor, Pisgah
Topics
Able, Count, Counted, Death, Die, Dust, Fourth, Jacob, Measure, Numbered, Ones, Righteous, Soul, Stock, Theirs, Thousands, Upright
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 23:10

     9022   death, believers

Numbers 23:3-12

     1421   oracles

Library
An Unfulfilled Desire
'... Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!'--NUM. xxiii. 10. '... Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.'--NUM. xiii. 8. Ponder these two pictures. Take the first scene. A prophet, who knows God and His will, is standing on the mountain top, and as he looks down over the valley beneath him, with its acacia-trees and swift river, there spread the tents of Israel. He sees them, and knows that they are 'a people whom the Lord hath blessed.' Brought there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final Development of Hellenism in Its Relation to Rabbinism and the Gospel According to St. John.
It is strange how little we know of the personal history of the greatest of uninspired Jewish writers of old, though he occupied so prominent a position in his time. [173] Philo was born in Alexandria, about the year 20 before Christ. He was a descendant of Aaron, and belonged to one of the wealthiest and most influential families among the Jewish merchant-princes of Egypt. His brother was the political head of that community in Alexandria, and he himself on one occasion represented his co-religionists, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Balaam's Wish Num 23:10
 …
John Newton—Olney Hymns

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
THE last question of the Baptist, spoken in public, had been: Art Thou the Coming One, or look we for another?' It had, in part, been answered, as the murmur had passed through the ranks: This One is truly the Prophet, the Coming One!' So, then, they had no longer to wait, nor to look for another! And this Prophet' was Israel's long expected Messiah. What this would imply to the people, in the intensity and longing of the great hope which, for centuries, nay, far beyond the time of Ezra, had swayed …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6 We are now come to the fourth step of blessedness: Blessed are they that hunger'. The words fall into two parts: a duty implied; a promise annexed. A duty implied: Blessed are they that hunger'. Spiritual hunger is a blessed hunger. What is meant by hunger? Hunger is put for desire (Isaiah 26:9). Spiritual hunger is the rational appetite whereby the soul pants after that which it apprehends most suitable and proportional …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How those are to be Admonished who Abstain not from the Sins which they Bewail, and those Who, Abstaining from Them, Bewail them Not.
(Admonition 31.) Differently to be admonished are those who lament their transgressions, and yet forsake them not, and those who forsake them, and yet lament them not. For those who lament their transgressions and yet forsake them not are to be admonished to learn to consider anxiously that they cleanse themselves in vain by their weeping, if they wickedly defile themselves in their living, seeing that the end for which they wash themselves in tears is that, when clean, they may return to filth. …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan
In this my relation of the merciful working of God upon my soul, it will not be amiss, if in the first place, I do in a few words give you a hint of my pedigree, and manner of bringing up; that thereby the goodness and bounty of God towards me, may be the more advanced and magnified before the sons of men. 2. For my descent then, it was, as is well known by many, of a low and inconsiderable generation; my father's house being of that rank that is meanest, and most despised of all the families in …
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Of the Decrees of God.
Eph. i. 11.--"Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."--Job xxiii. 13. "He is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." Having spoken something before of God, in his nature and being and properties, we come, in the next place, to consider his glorious majesty, as he stands in some nearer relation to his creatures, the work of his hands. For we must conceive the first rise of all things in the world to be in this self-being, the first conception …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Unchangeableness of God
The next attribute is God's unchangeableness. I am Jehovah, I change not.' Mal 3:3. I. God is unchangeable in his nature. II. In his decree. I. Unchangeable in his nature. 1. There is no eclipse of his brightness. 2. No period put to his being. [1] No eclipse of his brightness. His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psa 102:27. All created things are full of vicissitudes. Princes and emperors are subject to …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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