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Genesis 27:29,40
Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursedbe every one that curseth thee, and blessedbe he that blesseth thee…

2 Samuel 8:14
And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

Psalm 60:1
To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

I behold him, but not near.
The repetition of the idea that the vision is not near emphasizes the long-term nature of the prophecy. This suggests that the fulfillment of this prophecy will occur after a significant passage of time. The term "behold" reinforces the idea of a vision or revelation, indicating that Balaam is perceiving something significant about Israel's destiny.

A star will come forth from Jacob,
The "star" is often interpreted as a symbol of a king or a significant leader. In ancient Near Eastern culture, stars were commonly associated with deities or rulers. This prophecy is traditionally understood to refer to the coming of a future king from the lineage of Jacob, which Christians interpret as a reference to Jesus Christ. The imagery of a star also connects to the star of Bethlehem in the New Testament, which guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2).

and a scepter will arise from Israel.
The "scepter" symbolizes authority and kingship. This phrase indicates the emergence of a ruler from Israel who will have dominion and power. The scepter is a common biblical symbol for royal authority, as seen inGenesis 49:10, where it is prophesied that the scepter will not depart from Judah. This connection reinforces the messianic interpretation, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy.

He will crush the skulls of Moab
This part of the prophecy speaks of victory and conquest over Moab, a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. The imagery of crushing skulls signifies a decisive and complete victory. Historically, Moab was a persistent adversary of Israel, and this prophecy foretells a time when Israel's king will triumph over its enemies. This can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and evil.

and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
The "sons of Sheth" is a more obscure reference, with interpretations varying among scholars. Some suggest it refers to a group or tribe known for opposing Israel, while others see it as a symbolic representation of all Israel's enemies. The phrase indicates a comprehensive victory over opposition. In a broader sense, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph of Christ over all forces of evil and opposition to God's kingdom.

Balaam speaks as one given a prophetic glimpse of a Person who is real and certain, yet still future to his own day.

• The vision looks ahead across the centuries, reminding us that God’s timetable often spans generations (2 Peter 3:8–9).

• Much like Abraham who “rejoiced to see My day” (John 8:56), Balaam sees the coming Messiah from afar, affirming God’s sovereign plan unfolding in history.

• This distance underscores the patience of God in preparing salvation (Galatians 4:4).

The repetition intensifies the idea: the promised One is clearly perceived, but His arrival is not imminent for Balaam’s audience.

• The phrase guards Israel against despair when fulfillment seems delayed, much as Habakkuk was told, “Though it delays, wait for it” (Habakkuk 2:3).

• It also safeguards against complacency, urging every generation to live in readiness (Romans 13:11–12).

• Together the two opening lines balance certainty with suspense—assurance that God’s Deliverer is coming, yet a call to faithful waiting.

Here the prophecy becomes vivid and hopeful.

• Stars in Scripture often signal guidance and royal splendor (Genesis 15:5;Daniel 12:3).

• Matthew records wise men asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east” (Matthew 2:2), an unmistakable echo of Balaam’s words.

• Jesus Himself later says, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16), tying the image directly to His person.

• That the star arises “from Jacob” fixes the Messiah’s lineage within the covenant family (Genesis 28:13–14).

The prophecy now shifts from sign to authority.

• A scepter is the unmistakable emblem of kingship (Esther 4:11).

• Jacob had already foretold, “The scepter will not depart from Judah” (Genesis 49:10), and Balaam builds on that promise.

• The promised King’s rule is righteous and everlasting (Psalm 45:6;Hebrews 1:8).

• David’s throne provides a historical preview (2 Samuel 7:12–16), yet the ultimate fulfillment rests in Christ, “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).

The prophecy turns from identity to impact.

• David subdued Moab physically (2 Samuel 8:2), a partial and preliminary fulfillment.

• Ultimately, Christ will decisively judge all hostile powers (Psalm 110:1, 6;1 Corinthians 15:24–25).

• Crushing the skull echoes the first gospel promise that the woman’s Seed would bruise the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15), highlighting complete victory over evil.

“sons of Sheth” represents every proud human opposition.

• The scope expands beyond Moab to all nations that resist God (Psalm 2:1–9;Isaiah 11:4).

• Revelation pictures this final reckoning: “From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations” (Revelation 19:15).

• The Messiah is no mere regional liberator; His dominion is worldwide and just (Zechariah 14:9).

Numbers 24:17 gives a multi-layered portrait of the Messiah:

• He is clearly foreseen, yet His arrival unfolds in God’s timing.

• He is the Star—guiding light and hope for all who watch.

• He bears the Scepter—rightful King from Israel’s line.

• He is the Conqueror—crushing every enemy, bringing final justice.

Seen in Jesus’ first coming and awaiting completion at His return, this prophecy assures us that God’s promises are literal, reliable, and ultimately triumphant.

There shall come a Star out of Jacob . . . --Literally,There hath come forth a Star out of Jacob,&c. The verb is in the prophetic past or historic tense of prophecy, denoting the certainty of the event predicted. (Comp.Jude 1:14 : "Behold the Lord cometh"--literally,came.) If there is any ambiguity in the first symbol it is removed in the second. A star is a fitting image of an illustrious king or ruler, and the mention of thesceptrein the words which follow (comp.Genesis 49:10) shows that it is so employed in the present instance. The Targum of Onkelos is as follows:--"When the King shall arise out of Jacob, and the Messiah shall be anointed from Israel." The Targum of Palestine reads thus:--"A King is to arise from the house of Jacob, and a Redeemer and Ruler from the house of Israel." Ibn Ezra interprets these words of David, but he says that many interpret them of the Messiah. It seems to have been with reference to this prophecy that the pretender to the title of the Messiah in the days of the Emperor Adrian took the name ofBar-cochab,orBar-cochba(the son of a star). The words of the Magi, "We have seen his star in the East" (Matthew 2:2), appear to have reference to this prophecy.

And shall smite the corners of Moab.--Or,the two sides of Moab.The prophecy was partially, or typically, fulfilled in the time of David (2Samuel 8:2). Moab and Edom represented symbolically the enemies of Christ and of His Church, and as such will eventually be subdued by the King of kings. (Comp.Psalm 60:8.) . . .