Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come." And now behold, I am going to my peopleThis phrase marks a pivotal moment in Balaam's narrative. The Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which is often used to draw attention to something significant. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, acknowledges his departure, indicating a transition from his role as a seer for hire to returning to his own people. This phrase underscores the temporary nature of his mission and the divine orchestration behind his prophecies. Historically, Balaam's acknowledgment of returning to his people signifies the end of his involvement with Israel, highlighting the sovereignty of God in using even those outside His covenant community to fulfill His purposes. Come, let me warn you
The word "warn" in Hebrew is "יָעַץ" (ya'ats), which can also mean to advise or counsel. Balaam, despite his previous attempts to curse Israel, is now compelled to offer counsel. This shift from cursing to advising reflects a divine intervention where God turns intended curses into blessings. Theologically, this demonstrates God's protective hand over Israel and His ability to use any situation for His glory. Balaam's role as a counselor here is ironic, given his initial intentions, yet it serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over human affairs. what this people will do to your people
The phrase "this people" refers to the Israelites, while "your people" refers to the Moabites and their allies. The Hebrew word for "people" is "עַם" (am), which denotes a nation or group bound by common identity. Balaam's prophecy is not just a prediction but a divine revelation of the future interactions between these nations. Historically, this foreshadows the eventual conflicts and the dominance of Israel over its neighbors. Scripturally, it emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding his descendants' impact on other nations. This prophetic insight serves as a warning and a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people. in the days to come
The Hebrew phrase "בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים" (be'acharit hayamim) is often translated as "in the latter days" or "in the end times." This phrase is eschatological, pointing to future events that extend beyond the immediate context. In a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the Messianic age and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. The use of this phrase connects Balaam's prophecy to the broader biblical narrative of God's unfolding plan for humanity, culminating in the establishment of His kingdom. It serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance believers have in God's sovereign plan for the future. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak to curse Israel but ended up blessing them instead, as God directed him. 2. BalakThe king of Moab who feared the Israelites and sought Balaam's help to curse them. 3. MoabA nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. 4. IsraelitesThe people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were journeying to the Promised Land. 5. ProphecyBalaam's final oracle, which foretells the future of Israel and its impact on other nations. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod's plans cannot be thwarted by human intentions. Balaam's prophecies, despite Balak's desires, align with God's will for Israel. The Power of ProphecyProphecy serves as a warning and a guide. Balaam's words were meant to prepare and inform both Israel and Moab of God's future plans. Faithfulness to God's WordBalaam's account reminds us of the importance of speaking truthfully and faithfully, even when pressured to do otherwise. The Impact of God's PeopleThe prophecy highlights the influence and role of God's people in the world, encouraging believers to live in a way that reflects God's purposes. Warnings and ObedienceHeeding warnings from God is crucial. Balaam's prophecy serves as a reminder to listen and respond to God's guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's prophecy in Numbers 24:14 reflect God's promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:3? 2. In what ways does Balaam's account illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty over human plans? 3. How can we apply the principle of speaking truthfully and faithfully in our own lives, as seen in Balaam's prophecies? 4. What are some modern-day examples of how God's people can have a positive impact on the world, as suggested by Balaam's prophecy? 5. How can we ensure that we are heeding God's warnings and guidance in our daily lives, similar to the warnings given through Balaam? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:3God's promise to Abraham that all nations will be blessed through him, which is echoed in Balaam's prophecy about Israel's future impact. Deuteronomy 23:5God's protection over Israel, turning curses into blessings, as seen in Balaam's inability to curse Israel. Revelation 2:14A reference to Balaam's later actions, which led Israel into sin, showing the complexity of his character and the consequences of his choices. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Admonish, Advertise, Advise, Announce, Behold, Clear, Counsel, Inform, LatterDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:14 5424 nationalism Library While Antony was Thus Speaking all Rejoiced; in Some the Love of virtue Increased...
44. While Antony was thus speaking all rejoiced; in some the love of virtue increased, in others carelessness was thrown aside, the self-conceit of others was stopped; and all were persuaded to despise the assaults of the Evil One, and marvelled at the grace given to Antony from the Lord for the discerning of spirits. So their cells were in the mountains, like filled with holy bands of men who sang psalms, loved reading, fasted, prayed, rejoiced in the hope of things to come, laboured in alms-giving, …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or AthanasiusThe Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch.
In the Messianic prophecies contained in Genesis we cannot fail to perceive a remarkable progress in clearness and definiteness. The first Messianic prediction, which was uttered immediately after the fall of Adam, is also the most indefinite. Opposed to the awful threatening there stands the consolatory promise, that the dominion of sin, and of the evil arising from sin, shall not last for ever, but that the seed of the woman shall, at some future time, overthrow their dreaded conqueror. With the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Elucidations.
I. (Princes and kings, [154]p. 13.) How memorable the histories, moreover, of Nebuchadnezzar [1609] and his decrees; of Darius [1610] and his also; but especially of Cyrus and his great monumental edict! [1611] The beautiful narratives of the Queen of Sheba and of the Persian consort of Queen Esther (probably Xerxes) are also manifestations of the ways of Providence in giving light to the heathen world through that "nation of priests" in Israel. But Lactantius, who uses the Sibyls so freely, should …
Lactantius—The divine institutes The Jewish Dispersion in the West - the Hellenists - Origin of Hellenist Literature in the Greek Translation of the Bible - Character of the Septuagint.
When we turn from the Jewish dispersion' in the East to that in the West, we seem to breathe quite a different atmosphere. Despite their intense nationalism, all unconsciously to themselves, their mental characteristics and tendencies were in the opposite direction from those of their brethren. With those of the East rested the future of Judaism; with them of the West, in a sense, that of the world. The one represented old Israel, stretching forth its hands to where the dawn of a new day was about …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, Spring a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 35-51. ^d 35 Again on the morrow [John's direct testimony bore fruit on the second day] John was standing, and two of his disciples [An audience of two. A small field; but a large harvest]; 36 and he looked [Gazed intently. The word is used at Mark xiv. 67; Luke xxii. 61 Mark x. 21, 27. John looked searchingly at that face, which, so far as any record shows, he was never to see on earth again. The more intently we look upon Jesus, the more powerfully …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel 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 Links Numbers 24:14 NIVNumbers 24:14 NLTNumbers 24:14 ESVNumbers 24:14 NASBNumbers 24:14 KJV
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