Thematic Bible




Numbers 24:1 (show verse)

When Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as he had done each time before [superstitiously] to seek omens and signs [in the natural world], but he set his face toward the wilderness (desert).

Numbers 24:2 (show verse)

And Balaam raised his eyes and he saw Israel living in their tents tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came on him.

Numbers 24:3 (show verse)

He took up his [third] discourse (oracle) and said:

“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
And the oracle of the man whose eye is opened [at last, to see clearly the purpose and will of God],

Numbers 24:4 (show verse)


The oracle of one who hears the words of God,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty,
Falling down, but having his eyes open and uncovered,

Numbers 24:5 (show verse)


How fair are your tents, O Jacob,
And your tabernacles, O Israel!

Numbers 24:6 (show verse)


“Like valleys that stretch out,
Like gardens beside the river,
Like aloes planted by the Lord,
Like cedars beside the waters.

Numbers 24:7 (show verse)


“Water [that is, great blessings] will flow from his buckets,
And his offspring will live by many waters,
And his king will be higher than Agag,
And his kingdom shall be exalted.

Numbers 24:8 (show verse)


“God brought Israel out of Egypt;
Israel has strength like the wild ox;
He will devour [Gentile] nations, his adversaries (enemies),
And will crush their bones in pieces,
And shatter them with his arrows.

Numbers 24:9 (show verse)


“He bowed down [to rest], he lies down as a lion;
And as a lioness, who dares to rouse him?
Blessed [of God] is he who blesses you,
And cursed [of God] is he who curses you.”

Numbers 24:10 (show verse)

Then Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have done nothing but bless them these three times.

Numbers 24:11 (show verse)

Therefore now flee to your place! I had intended to honor you greatly, but behold, the Lord has held you back from honor.”

Numbers 24:12 (show verse)

Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you had sent to me,

Numbers 24:13 (show verse)

‘Even if Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own accord. What the Lord speaks, that I will speak?’

Numbers 24:14 (show verse)

And now, look, I am going to my people; come, I will advise you as to what this people [Israel] will do to your people [Moab] in the days to come.”

Numbers 24:15 (show verse)

He took up his [fourth] discourse (oracle) and said:

“The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
The oracle of the man whose eye is opened,
No Themes for this verse.

Numbers 24:16 (show verse)


The oracle of him who hears the words of God
And knows the knowledge of the Most High,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty,
Falling down, but having his eyes open and uncovered:

Numbers 24:17 (show verse)


“I see Him, but not now;
I behold Him, but not near.
A star shall come forth from [the descendants of] Jacob,
A scepter shall rise out of [the descendants of] Israel
And shall crush the forehead of Moab
And destroy all the sons of Sheth.

Numbers 24:18 (show verse)


“Edom shall be [taken as] a possession,
[Mount] Seir, Israel’s enemies, also will be a possession,
While Israel performs valiantly.

Numbers 24:19 (show verse)


“One from [the descendants of] Jacob shall have dominion
And will destroy the remnant from the city.”

Numbers 24:20 (show verse)

Balaam looked at Amalek and took up his [fifth] discourse (oracle) and said:

“Amalek was the first of the [neighboring] nations [to oppose the Israelites after they left Egypt],
But his end shall be destruction.”

Numbers 24:21 (show verse)

And Balaam looked at the Kenites and took up his [sixth] discourse (oracle) and said:

“Strong is your dwelling place,
And you set your nest in the cliff.

Numbers 24:22 (show verse)


“Nevertheless the Kenites will be consumed.
How long will Asshur (Assyria) keep you (Israel) captive?”

Numbers 24:23 (show verse)

Then he took up his [seventh] discourse (oracle) and said:

“Alas, who can live unless God has ordained it?

Numbers 24:24 (show verse)


“But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim,
And shall afflict Asshur (Assyria) and Eber;
So they (the victors) also will come to destruction.”

Numbers 24:25 (show verse)

Then Balaam arose and departed and returned to his place, and Balak also went on his way.
No Themes for this verse.