Numbers 24:17

I see him, but this isn't now. I observe him, but this isn't close at hand. In the future a leader like a star will come from Jacob, a ruler with a scepter will come to power from Israel. He will crush the heads of the Moabites, and destroy all the people of Seth.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

In Context

16the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who receives knowledge from the Most High, who sees the vision given by Almighty, who bows down in respect with open eyes.

18The country of Edom will be conquered, his enemy Seir will be conquered, and the Israelites will be victorious.

Read all of Numbers 24

Cross References

Genesis 4:25Adam slept with his wife again, and she had a son and named him Seth, explaining that, “God has given me another child to replace Abel, the one Cain killed.”

Genesis 49:10Judah will always hold the scepter, and the staff of authority will always be at his feet until Shiloh comes; the nations will obey him.

1 Samuel 14:38So Saul gave the order, “All you army commanders, come here so we can investigate what sin has happened today.

2 Kings 3:5But after Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.

1 Chronicles 18:2David also defeated the Moabites, making them subject to him and requiring them to pay taxes.

Psalms 45:6Your throne comes from God, and lasts forever and ever. The scepter with which you rule is a scepter of fairness.

Matthew Henry on Numbers 24:16-25

Balaam's Prophecy. ( b. c. 1452.) 15 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: 16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: 17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and… Read the whole commentary →

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Study Numbers 24:17