He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you." He crouches, he lies down like a lionThis phrase evokes the imagery of a lion, a symbol of strength, majesty, and dominance in the ancient Near Eastern context. The Hebrew word for "lion" here is "אַרְיֵה" (aryeh), which is often used in the Old Testament to depict power and sovereignty. The act of crouching and lying down suggests a state of rest and confidence, indicating that Israel, like a lion, is secure and unthreatened by its enemies. This imagery is consistent with the portrayal of the tribe of Judah as a lion in Genesis 49:9, emphasizing the enduring strength and leadership of God's people. like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?
The mention of a "lioness" (לָבִיא, lavi) further amplifies the image of formidable power and protective instincts. In the animal kingdom, lionesses are known for their fierce protection of their cubs and their role as hunters. This metaphor underscores the idea that Israel is not only strong but also fiercely protective of its own. The rhetorical question "who dares to rouse him?" challenges any potential adversary, highlighting the futility of opposing a nation under God's protection. Historically, this reflects the divine assurance given to Israel against its enemies, reinforcing the covenantal promise of God's unwavering support. Blessed is everyone who blesses you
This part of the verse echoes the Abrahamic covenant found in Genesis 12:3, where God promises to bless those who bless Abraham and his descendants. The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "בָּרוּךְ" (baruch), which conveys a sense of divine favor and prosperity. This blessing is not merely a wish but a declaration of God's active involvement in the lives of those who align themselves with His chosen people. It serves as a reminder of the reciprocal nature of God's covenant, where blessings are extended to those who support and honor Israel. and cursed is everyone who curses you
Conversely, the phrase "cursed is everyone who curses you" warns of the consequences of opposing God's people. The Hebrew word for "cursed" is "אָרוּר" (arur), indicating a state of being under divine disfavor or judgment. This part of the verse underscores the seriousness of standing against Israel, as it invites God's retribution. Historically, this has been seen in the downfall of nations and individuals who have sought to harm Israel, reinforcing the idea that God's promises are both protective and punitive. This duality of blessing and cursing serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of aligning oneself with His purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Instead, he delivers blessings from God. 2. BalakThe king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks to have them cursed by Balaam to weaken them. 3. IsraelitesThe people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are journeying to the Promised Land. 4. MoabA region east of the Dead Sea, whose king, Balak, is threatened by the presence of the Israelites. 5. The Lion ImagerySymbolizes strength, dominance, and the protective nature of God over Israel. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProtectionGod is sovereign over all nations and peoples. His plans for Israel cannot be thwarted by human schemes. This should encourage believers to trust in God's protection and sovereignty over their lives. The Power of Blessing and CurseThe spiritual principle of blessing and cursing is significant. Believers are called to bless others, understanding that God honors those who align with His purposes. The Lion of JudahThe imagery of the lion points to the strength and authority of the tribe of Judah, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah. Believers can find confidence in Christ's victory and authority. Faithfulness to God's PromisesGod's faithfulness to His promises is evident in His protection of Israel. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises to them as well. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a lion in Numbers 24:9 enhance our understanding of God's protection over His people? 2. In what ways does the promise of blessing and cursing in this verse connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:3? 3. How can we apply the principle of blessing those who bless God's people in our daily interactions and relationships? 4. What does the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel teach us about His character and faithfulness? 5. How does the concept of God's sovereignty in this passage encourage you in your current life circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:3This verse echoes the promise God made to Abraham, that those who bless him will be blessed, and those who curse him will be cursed, establishing a foundational covenant with the patriarch of Israel. Genesis 49:9Jacob's blessing over Judah, likening him to a lion, which connects to the imagery used in Balaam's prophecy, emphasizing the strength and royal lineage of Israel. Psalm 2:12This verse speaks of the blessings for those who take refuge in the Lord, paralleling the blessings for those who bless 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 Bent, Bless, Blessed, Blesses, Blesseth, Blessing, Broken, Couched, Couches, Crouch, Curse, Cursed, Curses, Curseth, Cursing, Dares, Gives, Lain, Lay, Lie, Lies, Lion, Lioness, Raise, Rest, Rouse, She-lion, Sleep, Stir, Stooped, StretchedDictionary of Bible Themes 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 24:9 NIVNumbers 24:9 NLTNumbers 24:9 ESVNumbers 24:9 NASBNumbers 24:9 KJV
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