Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: "Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction." Then Balaam saw AmalekThe phrase begins with "Then Balaam saw Amalek," indicating a moment of divine revelation. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is granted a vision concerning Amalek. The Hebrew root for "saw" is "ra'ah," which implies not just physical sight but a deeper, spiritual insight. This suggests that Balaam's vision is divinely inspired, offering a glimpse into God's sovereign plan. Amalek, a perennial enemy of Israel, is highlighted here, reminding us of the historical enmity that began when the Amalekites attacked the Israelites shortly after the Exodus ( Exodus 17:8-16). and lifted up an oracle The phrase "lifted up an oracle" signifies the formal proclamation of a divine message. The Hebrew word for "oracle" is "mashal," often translated as a parable or prophetic utterance. This indicates that Balaam's words are not his own but are inspired by God. In the biblical context, an oracle is a solemn declaration, often concerning future events, and is meant to convey God's will and purpose. saying 'Amalek was first among the nations The statement "Amalek was first among the nations" can be understood in several ways. Historically, the Amalekites were among the first to oppose Israel, as seen in their attack during the Exodus. The Hebrew word for "first" is "reshit," which can mean first in time, rank, or importance. This could imply that Amalek was a significant power or a primary adversary of Israel. Theologically, it underscores the persistent opposition to God's people, symbolizing the broader spiritual battle between good and evil. but his end shall be destruction The phrase "but his end shall be destruction" is a prophetic declaration of Amalek's ultimate fate. The Hebrew word for "destruction" is "oved," which conveys a sense of complete annihilation or obliteration. This prophecy was fulfilled when the Amalekites were eventually defeated and erased as a distinct people, as seen in 1 Samuel 15 and later historical accounts. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a reminder of God's justice and the eventual triumph of His purposes over those who oppose Him. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over all evil, as promised in the eschatological hope of the New Testament. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Instead, Balaam delivers messages from God, including blessings for Israel and prophecies about other nations. 2. AmalekA nation descended from Esau, known for being one of Israel's earliest and most persistent enemies. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites shortly after their exodus from Egypt. 3. OracleA divine message or prophecy. In this context, Balaam delivers an oracle concerning the fate of the Amalekites. 4. DestructionThe prophesied end of the Amalekites, indicating their eventual downfall and obliteration as a nation. 5. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were journeying to the Promised Land and often faced opposition from surrounding nations, including the Amalekites. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of the rise and fall of nations. The prophecy against Amalek demonstrates that no nation can stand against God's purposes. The Consequences of Opposing God's PeopleAmalek's persistent hostility towards Israel led to their ultimate destruction. This serves as a warning against opposing God's plans and people. The Importance of ObedienceSaul's failure to fully obey God's command regarding the Amalekites had lasting consequences. Obedience to God is crucial for fulfilling His purposes. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesGod's promise to destroy Amalek was fulfilled over time, showing His faithfulness to His word. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's prophecy about Amalek reflect God's justice and sovereignty over nations? 2. In what ways does the history of the Amalekites serve as a warning for those who oppose God's people today? 3. How can we apply the lesson of Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15 to our own lives when it comes to following God's commands? 4. What does the eventual destruction of Amalek teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey? 5. How can we ensure that we are aligning ourselves with God's purposes rather than opposing them, both individually and as a community of believers? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 17:8-16This passage describes the first battle between Israel and the Amalekites, where God promises to blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Deuteronomy 25:17-19God commands Israel to remember what Amalek did and to blot out their memory once they have rest from their enemies. 1 Samuel 15King Saul is commanded to destroy the Amalekites completely, but he disobeys, leading to his rejection as king. Esther 3:1Haman, an Agagite, is identified as a descendant of the Amalekites, showing the continued enmity between Amalek and Israel. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Amalek, Am'alek, Beginning, Destruction, Discourse, Goyim, Latter, Nations, Oracle, Parable, Perish, Perisheth, Ruin, Simile, Story, Taketh, Turning, UtteredDictionary 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 24:20 NIVNumbers 24:20 NLTNumbers 24:20 ESVNumbers 24:20 NASBNumbers 24:20 KJV
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