Question 1

Who is the “star out of Jacob” and the “sceptre out of Israel” in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “star out of Jacob” and the “sceptre out of Israel” point to a great ruler who would come from the people of Israel. In the nearer sense, this fits King David, who later defeated Moab and Edom and led Israel in victory. But the language of a shining star and a ruling sceptre, and the wide reach of this rule, go beyond David and look ahead to the Messiah. He comes from Jacob’s line, shines with glory like a star, and rules like a king with real authority over all people.

Question 2

What does Balaam mean when he says, “I shall see him, but not now”?

Accepted Answer

When Balaam says, “I shall see him, but not now,” he is talking about seeing this coming ruler in a prophetic vision, not in his own lifetime. The person he sees is far off in time. Balaam does not see him “nigh,” meaning he will not live to meet him personally or share in his blessings. In that sense, he only sees Christ from a distance. This also hints that many can know truths about God and his Messiah in their minds, yet never come near to him in faith and friendship.

Question 3

How was the prophecy about Moab and Edom being defeated fulfilled?

Accepted Answer

The prophecy says the star and sceptre will “smite the corners of Moab” and that Edom and Seir will become a possession, while Israel will “do valiantly.” This was partly fulfilled when David later defeated Moab and brought Edom under Israel’s control, so that these nations served Israel. Those victories were a picture of something larger. They point ahead to Christ’s rule, in which he overcomes all who oppose God, either by bringing them to submit to him or by finally judging stubborn enemies who refuse his rule.

Question 4

Who are the “children of Sheth” that will be destroyed or ruled over?

Accepted Answer

The phrase “children of Sheth” has been read in more than one way. Some understand it as another way of speaking about Moab and its proud people. Others take it more broadly as pointing to all people who come from Seth, the son of Adam, which would mean all humanity. On that reading, the verse is saying that this ruler’s reach will extend over all the earth. In either case, the idea is that no human strength or defense can finally stand against the rule of the one God raises up from Jacob.

Question 5

What does it mean that “out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion”?

Accepted Answer

“Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion” means that a king will arise from Israel who truly rules. First this was seen in David, who gained victory over nearby nations and strengthened Israel. But the full picture is found in the Messiah, who comes from Jacob’s line and whose rule is not limited by borders. His dominion reaches over all other powers. He puts down opposing rule and brings God’s people into lasting safety and order. This verse shows that God planned a real, personal king as the center of his blessing.

Question 6

Why does Balaam speak so highly of his vision and “knowledge of the Most High”?

Accepted Answer

Balaam introduces this prophecy by calling himself a man whose eyes are open, who hears God’s words, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and sees the vision of the Almighty. By this, he stresses that what he is about to say really comes from God, not from his own thoughts. God chose to speak through him for Israel’s sake. At the same time, the story shows a warning: a person can have impressive spiritual experiences and clear knowledge about God, yet still lack true love for God and obedience to him.

Question 7

What was happening when Balaam spoke this prophecy about the star and sceptre?

Accepted Answer

At this point, Israel was camped near Moab on their way to the promised land. Balak, the king of Moab, was afraid and had hired Balaam to curse Israel. Instead of cursing, Balaam kept blessing Israel because God would not let him speak against them. In this last oracle he looks far ahead. Rather than promising Moab’s safety, he foretells a future ruler from Israel who will defeat Moab and Edom. So while Balak wants a word of harm for Israel, God gives a word of hope for Israel and warning for their enemies.

Question 8

What does this prophecy teach about God’s control over nations and history?

Accepted Answer

This prophecy shows that God directs the rise and fall of nations. Long before Israel had a king, God spoke of a royal ruler from Jacob, the victories Israel would win, and the downfall of Moab, Edom, and others. Even though Balak tried to use Balaam to change Israel’s future, God’s plan stood firm. The message is that human schemes and political power cannot overturn what God has decided. He sets up a king of his choosing, gives his people strength to act bravely, and brings proud nations low in his own time.

Question 9

Why is this passage often linked with the coming of the Messiah?

Accepted Answer

This passage is linked with the Messiah because it speaks of a glorious star and a ruling sceptre from Israel, of wide dominion, and of victory over all resistance. David fits part of this, but his kingdom was limited and faded. The language here points further, to a future king whose rule keeps growing and reaches all peoples. Other parts of Scripture pick up the picture of a ruling sceptre from Zion and a bright morning star. Together, this makes many readers see Balaam’s words as an early glimpse of Christ’s coming kingdom.

Question 10

How can this prophecy about a distant king encourage believers today?

Accepted Answer

This prophecy reminds us that God’s promises may seem distant, yet he keeps them. Israel heard these words many years before David and even longer before Christ, but God did what he said. It also shows that God’s blessing on his people is tied to a real king, not to their own strength. For believers today, this points us to Christ, who already reigns though not everyone sees it yet. It encourages us to trust that his rule will finally overcome all evil and that standing with him is never wasted, even when enemies seem strong.

Numbers 24:15

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

Balaam’s Fourth Oracle

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Numbers 24:15

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

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Balaam’s Fourth Oracle

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