Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive." Yet KainThe term "Kain" refers to a clan or group of people, possibly linked to the Kenites, who were known to have settled in the region. The Kenites were a nomadic tribe, often associated with the Midianites, and were known for their metalworking skills. In the Hebrew text, "Kain" is rendered as קַיִן (Qayin), which is the same as the name of Cain, the son of Adam. This connection may suggest a historical or symbolic link to themes of wandering and exile, as Cain was marked and sent to wander the earth. The mention of Kain here serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human settlements and the divine orchestration of history. will be destroyed
The phrase "will be destroyed" indicates a future judgment or downfall. The Hebrew word used here is אָבַד (avad), which means to perish, vanish, or be lost. This word often conveys a sense of complete and utter destruction, emphasizing the finality of God's judgment. In the biblical narrative, destruction is often a consequence of disobedience or opposition to God's will. The prophetic nature of this statement underscores the certainty of God's plans and the inevitable fulfillment of His word. when Asshur takes you captive
"Asshur" refers to the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power in the ancient Near East known for its military prowess and expansive conquests. The Assyrians were often instruments of God's judgment against nations, including Israel and Judah, when they strayed from His commandments. The Hebrew term אַשּׁוּר (Ashur) not only denotes the nation but also the deity worshiped by the Assyrians, highlighting the cultural and religious context of the time. The phrase "takes you captive" speaks to the historical practice of deportation and exile, a common fate for conquered peoples. This captivity serves as a metaphor for spiritual bondage and the consequences of turning away from God. The prophetic warning here is a call to repentance and faithfulness, reminding the audience of the sovereignty of God over all nations and the ultimate hope of redemption through His divine plan. Persons / Places / Events 1. KainA clan or group mentioned in Balaam's prophecy. The identity of Kain is not entirely clear, but it is often associated with the Kenites, a nomadic tribe in the region. 2. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam delivers a series of blessings and prophecies concerning Israel and its neighbors. 3. AsshurRefers to the Assyrian Empire, a powerful nation known for its military conquests and influence in the ancient Near East. Asshur is prophesied to take Kain captive. 4. ProphecyBalaam's fourth oracle, which includes a series of prophecies about the future of various nations surrounding Israel. 5. CaptivityThe act of being taken prisoner or enslaved, which is a central theme in this prophecy concerning Kain's future. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe prophecy concerning Kain and Asshur highlights God's control over the rise and fall of nations. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose, even when nations seem powerful and threatening. The Certainty of God's WordBalaam's prophecy, though delivered by a non-Israelite, demonstrates the reliability of God's word. Christians are encouraged to trust in the truth and fulfillment of God's promises. The Consequences of Sin and RebellionThe prophecy serves as a warning of the consequences that come from opposing God's people and purposes. It reminds believers to align themselves with God's will to avoid judgment. Hope in God's DeliveranceWhile the prophecy speaks of captivity, it also points to the hope of deliverance and restoration. Believers can find hope in God's ability to redeem and restore even in dire circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prophecy concerning Kain and Asshur demonstrate God's sovereignty over history and nations? 2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of God's promises in our own lives, similar to the fulfillment of Balaam's prophecies? 3. How does the mention of Asshur as an instrument of judgment relate to other instances in the Bible where God uses nations to accomplish His purposes? 4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by Kain that apply to our personal walk with God? 5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's deliverance, even when facing difficult or seemingly insurmountable challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15:18-21This passage lists the Kenites among the nations that God promised to Abraham's descendants. It provides context for understanding the significance of Kain's mention in Balaam's prophecy. Judges 4:11This verse mentions the Kenites, providing historical context for their presence in the region and their interactions with Israel. Isaiah 10:5-6This passage speaks of Assyria as the rod of God's anger, which aligns with the role of Asshur in Balaam's prophecy as an instrument of judgment. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Asher, Asshur, Burning, Captive, Carries, Carry, Consumed, Destroyed, Kain, Kenite, Kenites, Nevertheless, Prisoner, Takes, Till, WastedDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:15-24 1421 oracles Numbers 24:21-22 4675 nest 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 24:22 NIVNumbers 24:22 NLTNumbers 24:22 ESVNumbers 24:22 NASBNumbers 24:22 KJV
Numbers 24:22 Commentaries
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