God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. God brought him out of EgyptThis phrase highlights the divine intervention and deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "El," emphasizing the might and power of God as a deliverer. The historical context is the Exodus, a foundational event for Israel, symbolizing liberation and the beginning of a covenant relationship with God. This deliverance is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and power to save. He is as strong as a wild ox
The comparison to a "wild ox" (Hebrew: "re'em") signifies immense strength and untamed power. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the wild ox was a symbol of might and virility. This imagery conveys the idea that Israel, under God's guidance, possesses formidable strength and resilience. It serves as an encouragement to believers that with God, they too can be strong and overcome challenges. He devours nations, and crushes their bones
This vivid imagery speaks to the military victories and dominance that Israel, empowered by God, would achieve over its enemies. The act of devouring and crushing bones indicates total defeat and destruction. Historically, this reflects the conquests during the time of Joshua and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land. Spiritually, it reassures believers of God's ultimate victory over evil. He pierces them with his arrows
The use of arrows symbolizes precision and effectiveness in battle. In the ancient world, arrows were a key weapon in warfare, representing skill and the ability to strike from a distance. This phrase suggests that Israel's victories are not only due to brute strength but also strategic prowess granted by God. For Christians, it is a reminder of the spiritual armor and weapons provided by God to fight spiritual battles effectively. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe sovereign Lord who delivers and empowers His people. 2. IsraelThe nation brought out of Egypt, symbolizing God's chosen people. 3. EgyptThe place of bondage from which God delivered Israel. 4. BalaamThe prophet who speaks this oracle under God's influence. 5. MoabThe region where Balaam delivers his prophecy, representing opposition to Israel. Teaching Points God's DeliveranceJust as God brought Israel out of Egypt, He delivers us from sin and bondage. Reflect on the ways God has delivered you in your life. Strength in GodThe imagery of the wild ox signifies strength. As believers, our strength comes from God. Consider how you can rely on God's strength in your daily challenges. Victory Over OppositionGod empowers His people to overcome opposition. Identify areas in your life where you need God's victory and seek His guidance. Faithfulness of GodGod's actions in history demonstrate His faithfulness. Trust in His promises and remain faithful in your walk with Him. Spiritual WarfareThe piercing of arrows symbolizes spiritual battles. Equip yourself with the armor of God to stand firm against spiritual opposition. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the deliverance of Israel from Egypt parallel our deliverance from sin through Christ? 2. In what ways can we draw strength from God, as Israel did, in our personal lives? 3. What are some modern-day "nations" or challenges that God is calling you to overcome with His help? 4. How can we remain faithful to God, trusting in His promises, even when facing opposition? 5. What practical steps can you take to equip yourself for spiritual warfare, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 13-14The deliverance of Israel from Egypt, highlighting God's power and faithfulness. Deuteronomy 33:17Similar imagery of strength and victory, emphasizing God's empowerment of Israel. Psalm 92:10The metaphor of the wild ox, symbolizing strength and exaltation by God. Isaiah 63:1-6God's judgment and victory over nations, reflecting His sovereign power. Revelation 19:11-16Christ's ultimate victory over the nations, fulfilling God's promises. People Agag, Amalek, Asher, Ashur, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Eber, Jacob, Kenites, Kittim, Moses, Seir, ShethPlaces Amalek, Asshur, Edom, Egypt, Kain, Kittim, Moab, Peor, SeirTopics Adversaries, Arrows, Bones, Break, Breaketh, Bringeth, Bringing, Brings, Broken, Buffalo, Consume, Crush, Devour, Eat, Eateth, Egypt, Enemies, Forth, Horns, Hostile, Lofty, Mountain, Nations, Ox, Pieces, Pierce, Reem, Shatter, Smite, Smiteth, Strength, Swiftness, Unicorn, Warring, Wild, Wild-ox, WoundedDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 24:8 5137 bones Numbers 24:2-9 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 24:8 NIVNumbers 24:8 NLTNumbers 24:8 ESVNumbers 24:8 NASBNumbers 24:8 KJV
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