Who is Balaam in this passage and why is he speaking about Israel?

Balaam is a non-Israelite seer who was hired by King Balak to curse Israel as they camped in the wilderness on their way to the promised land. Balaam had already tried to curse them more than once, using his usual enchantments and tricks. Each time, God blocked him and turned his words into blessing. In this passage, God’s Spirit comes on Balaam in a strong way, so that he has no choice but to speak what God gives him. Instead of a curse, he announces rich blessing and future strength for Israel.

Why does Balaam stop using enchantments and set his face toward the wilderness?

Balaam had learned that his usual magic and attempts to twist God’s will were useless. God had clearly decided to bless Israel, and no charm or spell could change that. So this time he does not go off to look for omens. Instead, he turns and faces the wilderness where Israel’s camp is spread out. This shows a kind of forced surrender. He is not suddenly a faithful man, but he now knows he cannot fight what God has decided. God’s Spirit moves him to speak as he looks directly at the people.

What is meant by Israel’s seed being in many waters and pouring water from his buckets?

The picture of pouring water from buckets and seed in many waters points to great fruitfulness and blessing. Water gives life to fields, gardens, and trees. In the same way, God would richly water Israel with His favor so that they would grow in number and flourish in their land. The phrase about their seed in many waters can also hint that their people and influence would spread widely. The main idea is that God Himself would make them grow, not their own strength, and that their prosperity would be like a well‑watered garden.

Who is the king that will be higher than Agag, and why is Agag mentioned?

Agag seems to be a title or name for the kings of Amalek, a powerful enemy people near Israel. When Balaam says Israel’s king will be higher than Agag, he is saying that Israel’s ruler will be greater and more honored than the strongest nearby kings. At the time, Israel did not yet have a human king, so this looks ahead to the time when God would raise up kings for them and give them victory over surrounding nations. It points to God’s plan to lift up His chosen people and their ruler above their enemies.

What does it mean that Israel has the strength of a unicorn and lies down like a lion?

The animal pictures show strength and safety. The “unicorn” here refers to a strong wild animal known for its power and unwillingness to be tamed. Saying Israel has its strength means they cannot easily be controlled or crushed by enemies. The lion image adds that Israel will both conquer and then rest without fear. A lion that has eaten its prey lies down anywhere, knowing no one dares wake it. In the same way, God would give Israel victory and then quiet security, especially seen later in their settled years in the land.

What does this passage show about God’s control over human plans?

This passage shows that God’s purpose stands even when people try to fight it. Balak wanted a curse, Balaam wanted a reward, and both tried different ways to get God to agree with their plans. Yet God overruled every attempt and even used Balaam’s own mouth to speak blessing. God’s Spirit came on a man whose heart was not right, just so His word would be spoken. This reminds us that no charm, scheme, or human power can undo what God has decided, especially His choice to bless those He calls His own.

How can the blessing on Israel in this passage encourage believers today?

This passage shows a people who are weak in themselves but safe because God has chosen to bless them. They are pictured as well‑watered, fruitful, strong, and secure, not because they earned it but because God brought them out of slavery and guards them like a lion. For believers today, this can steady the heart. It reminds us that when God sets His love on His people, no curse or enemy plan can finally succeed. We are invited to rest in His care, trust His promises, and treat His people with love, not contempt.

Num.24.1

Numbers 24:1

Q: What does “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel” mean?

When Balaam says, “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob,” he is talking about how beautiful and pleasant Israel looks as a people. Their tents are simple, but they are set out in order by tribes. He compares them to valleys, gardens by a river, and strong, fragrant trees planted by God. The picture is of a well‑arranged, fruitful, and healthy community. Even though Balaam did not love them in his heart, God opened his eyes so that he had to speak of the beauty and order God had given to His people.

Q: What does “Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee” teach?

This closing line shows how closely God ties Himself to His people. Whoever blesses Israel, wishing them well and helping them, will themselves be blessed by God. Whoever curses or harms them will come under God’s curse. God takes what is done to His people as done to Him. This repeats an earlier promise given to their forefather that those who bless his family will be blessed and those who curse them will be cursed. It shows both the kindness God has for those who love His people and the warning for those who oppose them.

King James Version (KJV)

And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

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Balaam’s Third Oracle

And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him.

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!

As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

Cross References

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