Study notes

Numbers 24

Introducing NumbersWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

20:1–24:25 Section

The people of Israel continued to complain and argue as they wandered in the desert. They said it would have been better to remain slaves or to be dead. That is how unhappy they were.

The people needed water. At Meribah Moses and Aaron didn’t completely trust God to provide water. They made water come out of the rock by using force. Because of this, Moses and Aaron wouldn’t be allowed to enter Canaan.

Another time when the people needed water, they once again complained instead of trusting God. So God allowed some of the covenant curses to come upon them. This included sickness that wouldn’t heal like Deuteronomy 28:59–60 talked about. The sickness was from poisonous snakes. As a result of this many people died. Yet those who looked at the bronze snake on the pole were saved. God used that snake to provide healing for his people. It was a picture of salvation.

Hundreds of years later, Jesus compared himself to the snake that had been lifted up (John 3:14). Even though the Israelites spoke against God, God continued to bless them. He gave them victory over the Canaanites who attacked them. He gave them victory over the kings Sihon and Og. He protected them from Balak the king of Moab. God didn’t allow Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites. Instead, Balaam spoke words of blessing.

Balaam’s prophecy was also about someone called a star, a king and a ruler. Many years later people understood that this was a prophecy about Jesus.

22:2–24:25

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

23:27–24:14

Unhappy with Balaam's blessing, Balak hoped a new location would change the outcome. Although the exact location of Mount Peor is unknown, it was probably near a worship site for Baal of Peor and the Beth-peor (compare 25:3, 5). See Deuteronomy 3:29; 34:6 for where they buried Moses.

24:1–2

Unlike before, Balaam did not use divination this time (23:3, 15). He already knew that signs and omens could not harm Israel (23:23). So he stopped looking for them.

Instead, the Spirit of God came directly upon Balaam. God himself gave Balaam the message to speak.

24:3–9

The third message describes God's plan to bless Israel again.

24:5–6

God showed his love for his people by giving them many blessings. These blessings were signs of his care and favor toward Israel.

24:6–7

The Lord’s favor is shown by comparing Israel to groves and gardens that have plenty of water. In a dry land, water brings life and growth. This picture shows how God was caring for his people.

Israel’s growing population also showed God’s blessing (24:7; as mentioned in 23:10). This growth would become even clearer in the second census recorded in chapter 26.

24:7–9

God's blessing would allow the Israelites defeat their enemies (see 24:15–24).
Agag was an Amalekite king whom King Saul defeated (1 Samuel 15:7–9, 32–33). The Amalekites, a desert people, were traditional enemies of the Hebrews (compare Numbers 14:45; Exodus 17:8–16). Agag was probably a traditional title for their king. Since God brought Israel out of Egypt, he fought for them like a warrior and a wild animal (wild ox and lion; Numbers 24:8–9).
Blessed … cursed: See Genesis 12:3; 27:29.

24:10

Balak clapped his hands to show anger and disapproval (see also Job 27:23; Lamentations 2:15).

24:14

come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come: Since Balak tried to curse Israel, God would curse him and his people (24:9). The harm Balak wanted to cause Israel will instead happen to Moab.

24:15–25

This prophecy gives more specific details than the first three messages. It is based on another vision from God (the Most High, 24:16). It also predicts the appearance of a great leader who will play a major role in these military victories (24:17).

24:17

A star symbolized a king (see Isaiah 14:12; Matthew 2:1–10). A scepter symbolized power and majesty (see Genesis 49:10; Psalm 45:6).
Historically, King David fits this description. The Moabites, whose defeat Numbers 24:17 mentions, were among the many peoples he conquered during David's rule (2 Samuel 8:2). Yet, Moab remained a threat to Israel after David's time (see 2 Kings 3:1–27; Isaiah 15–16; Jeremiah 48).
Many interpreters have extended this image beyond David. Christians identify Jesus of Nazareth with a star and a scepter (compare Matthew 2:2; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 2:28; 22:16; compare Hebrews 1:8).
the sons of Sheth: These people were probably the ancient Sutu, a group known from other records.
However, the name may refer to a different people group. It could refer to:
- Edom, also called Seir, which David later defeated (Numbers 24:18),
- Ir, or Ar, a city of Moab (24:19; compare 21:28), or
- Amalek, one of Israel’s earliest and most lasting enemies (24:20).

24:21–22

Assyria would destroy the Kenites, a desert people living in the same areas as the Amalekites and Midianites. Moses married a Kenite (Judges 1:16; 4:11; compare Numbers 10:29–32). The Kenites were mostly friendly with Israel after that time (for example, 1 Samuel 15:6; 27:10; 30:27–30).