A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city." A rulerThe phrase "A ruler" in this context refers to a leader or king who will emerge from the lineage of Jacob. The Hebrew word used here is "מושל" (moshel), which implies someone with authority and dominion. Historically, this is seen as a prophetic reference to a future leader who will have significant influence and power. In a broader theological context, many conservative Christian scholars interpret this as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate ruler from the line of Jacob, fulfilling God's promise of a savior and king. will come
The phrase "will come" indicates a future event, suggesting anticipation and certainty in the fulfillment of this prophecy. The Hebrew verb "יבוא" (yavo) conveys the idea of arrival or coming forth. This reflects the biblical theme of God's promises being fulfilled in His perfect timing. The expectation of a coming ruler is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, pointing to God's sovereign plan and the hope of redemption and restoration for His people. from Jacob
"From Jacob" signifies the lineage and heritage of the ruler. Jacob, later named Israel, is the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. This phrase emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscores the importance of the Abrahamic covenant and God's faithfulness to His promises. Theologically, it highlights the chosen nature of Israel and the special role they play in God's redemptive history. and destroy
The word "destroy" comes from the Hebrew "והאביד" (vehe'evad), meaning to annihilate or bring to ruin. This indicates a decisive and complete action against the enemies of God's people. In the historical context, it reflects the divine judgment that will be executed through this ruler. From a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and evil, where He will establish His kingdom and bring justice. the survivors
"The survivors" refers to those who remain after a significant event or judgment. The Hebrew word "שארית" (she'erit) often denotes a remnant or those left behind. In biblical history, the concept of a remnant is significant, as it often represents those who are spared by God's mercy. This phrase suggests that even those who survive initial judgments will not escape the ultimate justice brought by the ruler from Jacob. of the city
"Of the city" points to a specific location or group of people. In the ancient Near Eastern context, cities were often centers of power and rebellion against God. The Hebrew word "עיר" (ir) can refer to any fortified settlement. This phrase implies that the ruler's dominion and judgment will extend to all areas of opposition. In a broader spiritual sense, it symbolizes the comprehensive nature of God's justice and the establishment of His righteous rule over all creation. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch whose descendants form the twelve tribes of Israel. In this context, "Jacob" symbolizes the nation of Israel. 2. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead, he delivers a series of blessings and prophecies concerning Israel's future. 3. BalakThe king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 4. MoabA region and people who are often in conflict with Israel. The prophecy indirectly addresses their fate. 5. The CityWhile not specified, it represents the enemies of Israel who will be defeated by the one who comes from Jacob. Teaching Points Messianic ProphecyNumbers 24:19 is often seen as a messianic prophecy, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate ruler from Jacob who will establish God's kingdom and defeat His enemies. God's SovereigntyThe prophecy highlights God's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes despite human opposition. Hope for BelieversThis verse assures believers of the ultimate victory of God's kingdom, encouraging them to remain faithful amidst trials. Judgment and SalvationThe destruction of the "remnant of the city" serves as a reminder of God's judgment on sin and the salvation offered through Christ. Faithfulness in AdversityJust as Israel was assured of victory despite surrounding threats, believers are called to trust in God's promises during difficult times. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy in Numbers 24:19 relate to the broader account of Israel's history and God's promises to them? 2. In what ways does this verse point to the coming of Jesus Christ, and how does it enhance our understanding of His role as a ruler? 3. How can understanding God's sovereignty, as demonstrated in this prophecy, impact our daily lives and decision-making? 4. What are some modern-day "cities" or challenges that believers face, and how can the assurance of God's ultimate victory provide comfort? 5. How does the theme of judgment and salvation in this verse encourage us to share the gospel with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49:10This verse speaks of the scepter not departing from Judah, which connects to the idea of dominion and leadership coming from Jacob's line. Revelation 19:15This verse describes Christ's ultimate dominion and judgment, echoing the theme of a ruler from Jacob who will destroy the enemies. Micah 5:2This prophecy about Bethlehem as the birthplace of a ruler connects to the messianic expectation of a leader from Jacob. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Ar, Cities, Destroy, Destroyed, Dominion, Exercised, Haters, Jacob, Remnant, Rule, Strength, SurvivorsDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:15-24 1421 oracles 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 24:19 NIVNumbers 24:19 NLTNumbers 24:19 ESVNumbers 24:19 NASBNumbers 24:19 KJV
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