mh_parser/vol_split/4 - Numbers/Chapter 24.xml

<div2 id="Num.xxv" n="xxv" next="Num.xxvi" prev="Num.xxiv" progress="77.08%" title="Chapter XXIV">
<h2 id="Num.xxv-p0.1">N U M B E R S</h2>
<h3 id="Num.xxv-p0.2">CHAP. XXIV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Num.xxv-p1">This chapter continues and concludes the history
of the defeat of the counsels of Balak and Balaam against Israel,
not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts;
and as great an instance it is of God's power over the children of
men, and his favour towards his own children, as any of the
victories recorded in the book of the wars of the Lord. What
preparation was made the third time for the cursing of Israel we
read of in the close of the foregoing chapter. In this chapter we
are told, I. What the blessing was into which that intended curse
was turned, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.1-Num.24.9" parsed="|Num|24|1|24|9" passage="Nu 24:1-9">ver. 1-9</scripRef>. II.
How Balak dismissed Balaam from his service thereupon, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.10-Num.24.13" parsed="|Num|24|10|24|13" passage="Nu 24:10-13">ver. 10-13</scripRef>. III. The predictions
Balaam left behind him concerning Israel, and some of the
neighbouring nations, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.14-Num.24.25" parsed="|Num|24|14|24|25" passage="Nu 24:14-25">ver.
14</scripRef>, &amp;c.</p>
<scripCom id="Num.xxv-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.24" parsed="|Num|24|0|0|0" passage="Nu 24" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Num.xxv-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.1-Num.24.9" parsed="|Num|24|1|24|9" passage="Nu 24:1-9" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.24.1-Num.24.9">
<h4 id="Num.xxv-p1.6">Balaam Blesses Israel a Third
Time. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxv-p1.7">b. c.</span> 1452.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xxv-p2">1 And when Balaam saw that it pleased the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxv-p2.1">Lord</span> to bless Israel, he went not, as at
other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward
the wilderness. 2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel
abiding <i>in his tents</i> according to their tribes; and the
spirit of God came upon him. 3 And he took up his parable, and
said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are
open hath said: 4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which
saw the vision of the Almighty, falling <i>into a trance,</i> but
having his eyes open: 5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob,
<i>and</i> thy tabernacles, O Israel! 6 As the valleys are they
spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign
aloes which the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxv-p2.2">Lord</span> hath planted,
<i>and</i> as cedar trees beside the waters. 7 He shall pour the
water out of his buckets, and his seed <i>shall be</i> in many
waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom
shall be exalted. 8 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 <i>them</i>
through with his arrows. 9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and
as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed <i>is</i> he that
blesseth thee, and cursed <i>is</i> he that curseth thee.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p3">The blessing itself which Balaam here
pronounces upon Israel is much the same with the two we had in the
foregoing chapter; but the introduction to it is different.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p4">I. The method of proceeding here varies
much in several instances. 1. Balaam laid aside the enchantments
which he had hitherto depended on, used no spells, or charms, or
magic arts, finding they did him no service; it was to no purpose
to deal with the devil for a curse, when it was plain that God was
determined immovably to bless, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.1" parsed="|Num|24|1|0|0" passage="Nu 24:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. Sooner or later God will convince
men of their folly in seeking after lying vanities, which cannot
profit. To what purpose should he seek for enchantment? He knew
that God was out of the reach of them. 2. He did not now retire
into a solitary place as before, but set his face directly towards
the wilderness where Israel lay encamped; and, since there is no
remedy, but they must be blessed, he will design nothing else, but
will submit by compulsion. 3. Now <i>the Spirit of God came upon
him,</i> that is, the Spirit of prophecy, as upon Saul to prevent
him from taking David, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.19.23" parsed="|1Sam|19|23|0|0" passage="1Sa 19:23">1 Sam. xix.
23</scripRef>. He spoke not his own sense, but the language of the
Spirit that came upon him. 4. He used a different preface now from
what he had used before (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.3-Num.24.4" parsed="|Num|24|3|24|4" passage="Nu 24:3,4"><i>v.</i> 3,
4</scripRef>), much like that of David (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.23.1-2Sam.23.3" parsed="|2Sam|23|1|23|3" passage="2Sa 23:1-3">2 Sam. xxiii. 1-3</scripRef>), yet savouring very much
(as some think) of pride and vain-glory, taking all the praise of
this prophecy to himself, and magnifying himself as one of the
cabinet-council of heaven. Two things he boasts of:—(1.) The
favour God did him in making known himself to him. He <i>heard the
words of God, and saw the vision of the Almighty.</i> God himself
had met him and spoken to him (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.23.16" parsed="|Num|23|16|0|0" passage="Nu 23:16"><i>ch.</i> xxiii. 16</scripRef>), and with this he was
greatly puffed up. Paul speaks with humility of his visions and
revelations (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p4.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.12.1" parsed="|2Cor|12|1|0|0" passage="2Co 12:1">2 Cor. xii.
1</scripRef>), but Balaam speaks of his with pride. (2.) His own
power to receive and bear those revelations. He fell into a trance
indeed, as other prophets did, but he had his eyes open. This he
mentions twice; but the words in the original are not the same. The
<i>man whose eyes were shut,</i> some think it may be read so
(<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p4.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.3-Num.24.9" parsed="|Num|24|3|24|9" passage="Nu 24:3-9"><i>v.</i> 3-9</scripRef>), but now
<i>having his eyes open,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p4.8" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.4" parsed="|Num|24|4|0|0" passage="Nu 24:4"><i>v.</i>
4</scripRef>. When he attempted to curse Israel, he owns, he was in
a mistake, but now he began to see his error, and yet still he
remained blinded by covetousness and ambition, those foolish and
hurtful lusts. Note, [1.] Those that oppose God and his people will
sooner or later be made to see themselves wretchedly deceived. [2.]
Many have their eyes open that have not their hearts open, are
enlightened, but not sanctified; and that knowledge which puffs men
up with pride will but serve to light them to hell, whither many go
with their eyes open.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p5">II. Yet the blessing is for substance the
same with those before. Several things he admires in Israel:—</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p6">1. Their beauty (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.5" parsed="|Num|24|5|0|0" passage="Nu 24:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>): <i>How goodly are thy tents, O
Jacob!</i> Though they dwelt not in stately palaces, but in coarse
and homely tents, and these, no doubt, sadly weather-beaten, yet
Balaam sees a beauty in those tents, because of their admirable
order, according to their tribes, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.2" parsed="|Num|24|2|0|0" passage="Nu 24:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. Nothing recommends religion more
to the good opinion of those that look upon it at a distance than
the unity and harmony of its professors, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.133.1" parsed="|Ps|133|1|0|0" passage="Ps 133:1">Ps. cxxxiii. 1</scripRef>. The amiableness of this
people, and the great reputation they should gain among their
neighbours, are compared (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.6" parsed="|Num|24|6|0|0" passage="Nu 24:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>) to the beauty and sweetness of fruitful valleys and
fine gardens, flourishing trees and fragrant spices. Note, Those
whose eyes are open see the saints on the earth to be excellent
ones, and their delight is accordingly in them. <i>The
righteous,</i> doubtless, <i>is more excellent than his
neighbour.</i> They are <i>trees which the Lord has planted;</i>
that is their excellency. The branches of righteousness are the
planting of the Lord. See <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:Hos.14.5-Hos.14.7" parsed="|Hos|14|5|14|7" passage="Ho 14:5-7">Hos. xiv.
5-7</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p7">2. Their fruitfulness and increase. This
may be intended by those similitudes (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.6" parsed="|Num|24|6|0|0" passage="Nu 24:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>) of the valleys, gardens, and
trees, as well as by those expressions (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.7" parsed="|Num|24|7|0|0" passage="Nu 24:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>), <i>He shall pour the water out
of his buckets;</i> that is, God shall water them with his blessing
like rain from heaven, and then his <i>seed shall be in many
waters.</i> Compare <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Hos.2.23" parsed="|Hos|2|23|0|0" passage="Ho 2:23">Hos. ii.
23</scripRef>, <i>I will sow her unto me in the earth.</i> And
waters are in scripture put for <i>peoples, and multitudes, and
nations.</i> This has been fulfilled in the wonderful increase of
that nation and their vast multitude even in their dispersion.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p8">3. Their honour and advancement. As the
multitude of the people is the honour of the prince, so the
magnificence of the prince is the honour of the people; Balaam
therefore foretells that their <i>king shall be higher than
Agag.</i> Agag, it is probable, was the most potent monarch in
those parts; Balaam knew of none more considerable than he was; he
rose above the rest of his neighbours. But Balaam foretells that
Israel's chief commander, who, after Moses, was Joshua, should be
more great and honourable than ever Agag was, and make a far better
figure in history. Saul, their first king, triumphed over Agag,
though, it is said, <i>he came delicately.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p9">4. Their power and victory, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.8" parsed="|Num|24|8|0|0" passage="Nu 24:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. (1.) He looks back upon
what they had done, or rather what had been done for them: <i>God
brought them forth out of Egypt;</i> this he had spoken of before,
<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.23.22" parsed="|Num|23|22|0|0" passage="Nu 23:22"><i>ch.</i> xxiii. 22</scripRef>. The
wonders that attended their deliverance out of Egypt contributed
more to their honour, and the terror of their adversaries, than any
thing else, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:Josh.2.10" parsed="|Josh|2|10|0|0" passage="Jos 2:10">Josh. ii. 10</scripRef>.
He that brought them out of Egypt will not fail to bring them into
Canaan, for, <i>as for God, his work is perfect.</i> (2.) He looks
down upon their present strength. Israel hath, as it were, <i>the
strength of a unicorn,</i> of which creature it is said (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:Job.39.9-Job.39.10" parsed="|Job|39|9|39|10" passage="Job 39:9,10">Job xxxix. 9, 10</scripRef>), <i>Will he be
willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind him
with his band in the furrow?</i> "No, Israel is too powerful to be
checked or held in by my curses or thy armies." (3.) He looks
forward to their future conquests: <i>He shall eat up the nations
his enemies;</i> that is, "he shall not only destroy and devour
them as easily and irresistibly as a lion does his prey, but he
shall himself be strengthened, and fattened, and enriched, by their
spoils."</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p10">5. Their courage and security: <i>He lay
down as a lion, as a great lion,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.9" parsed="|Num|24|9|0|0" passage="Nu 24:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. Now he does so in the plains of
Moab, and asks no leave of the king of Moab, nor is he in fear of
him; shortly will he do so in Canaan. When he has torn his prey, he
will take his repose, <i>quiet from the fear of evil,</i> and bid
defiance to all his neighbours; for who shall stir up a sleeping
lion? It is observed of lions (as the learned bishop Patrick takes
notice here) that they do not retire into places of shelter to
sleep, but lie down any where, knowing that none dares meddle with
them: thus secure were Israel in Canaan, chiefly in the days of
David and Solomon; and thus is <i>the righteous bold as a lion</i>
(<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.28.1" parsed="|Prov|28|1|0|0" passage="Pr 28:1">Prov. xxviii. 1</scripRef>), not to
assault others, but to repose themselves, because <i>God maketh
them to dwell in safety,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.4.8" parsed="|Ps|4|8|0|0" passage="Ps 4:8">Ps. iv.
8</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p11">6. Their interest, and influence upon their
neighbours. Their friends, and those in alliance with them, were
happy: <i>Blessed is he that blesseth thee;</i> those that do them
any kindness will certainly fare the better for it. But their
enemies, and those in arms against them, were certainly miserable:
<i>Cursed is he that curseth thee;</i> those that do them any
injury do it at their peril; for God takes what is done to them,
whether good or evil, as done to himself. Thus he confirms the
blessing of Abraham (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.12.3" parsed="|Gen|12|3|0|0" passage="Ge 12:3">Gen. xii.
3</scripRef>), and speaks as if <i>therefore</i> he did at this
time bless Israel, and not curse them, because he desired to share
in the blessing of Israel's friends and dreaded the curse on
Israel's enemies.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Num.xxv-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.24" parsed="|Num|24|0|0|0" passage="Nu 24" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Num.xxv-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.10-Num.24.14" parsed="|Num|24|10|24|14" passage="Nu 24:10-14" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.24.10-Num.24.14">
<h4 id="Num.xxv-p11.4">Balak's Remonstrance. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxv-p11.5">b. c.</span> 1452.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xxv-p12">10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam,
and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I
called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast
altogether blessed <i>them</i> these three times. 11 Therefore now
flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great
honour; but, lo, the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxv-p12.1">Lord</span> hath kept
thee back from honour. 12 And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not
also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying, 13 If
Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go
beyond the commandment of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxv-p12.2">Lord</span>,
to do <i>either</i> good or bad of mine own mind; <i>but</i> what
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxv-p12.3">Lord</span> saith, that will I speak?
14 And now, behold, I go unto my people: come <i>therefore, and</i>
I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in
the latter days.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p13">We have here the conclusion of this vain
attempt to curse Israel, and the total abandonment of it. 1. Balak
made the worst of it. He broke out into a rage against Balaam
(<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.10" parsed="|Num|24|10|0|0" passage="Nu 24:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>), expressed
both in words and gesture the highest degree of vexation at the
disappointment; he smote his hands together, for indignation, to
see all his measures thus broken, and his project baffled. He
charged Balaam with putting upon him the basest affront and cheat
imaginable: "<i>I called thee to curse my enemies,</i> and thou
hast shown thyself in league with them, and in their interests, for
thou hast <i>blessed them these three times,</i> though, by
appointing the altars to be built and sacrifices to be offered,
thou madest be believe thou wouldest certainly curse them."
Hereupon he forbade him his presence, expelled him his country,
upbraided him with the preferments he had designed to bestow upon
him, but now would not (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.11" parsed="|Num|24|11|0|0" passage="Nu 24:11"><i>v.</i>
11</scripRef>): "<i>The Lord hath kept thee back from honour.</i>
See what thou gettest by pleasing the Lord, instead of pleasing me;
thou has hindered thy preferment by it." Thus those who are any way
losers by their duty are commonly upbraided with it, as fools, for
preferring it before their interest in the world. Whereas, if
Balaam had been voluntary and sincere in his adherence to the word
of the Lord, though he lost the honour Balak designed him by it,
God would have made that loss up to him abundantly to his
advantage. 2. Balaam made the best if it. (1.) He endeavours to
excuse the disappointment. And a very good excuse he has for it,
that God restrained him from saying what he would have said, and
constrained him to say what he would not; and that this was what
Balak ought not to be displeased at, not only because he could not
help it, but because he had told Balak before what he must depend
upon, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.12-Num.24.13" parsed="|Num|24|12|24|13" passage="Nu 24:12,13"><i>v.</i> 12, 13</scripRef>.
Balak could not say that he had cheated him, since he had given him
fair notice of the check he found himself under. (2.) He endeavours
to atone for it, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.14" parsed="|Num|24|14|0|0" passage="Nu 24:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>. Though he cannot do what Balak would have him do,
yet, [1.] He will gratify his curiosity with some predictions
concerning the nations about him. It is natural to us to be pleased
with prophecy, and with this he hopes to pacify the angry prince.
[2.] He will satisfy him with an assurance that, whatever this
formidable people should do to his people, it should not be till
the latter days; so that he, for his part, needed not to fear any
mischief or molestation from them; the <i>vision was for a great
while to come,</i> but in his days there should be peace. [3.] He
will put him into a method of doing Israel a mischief without the
ceremonies of enchantment and execration. This seems to be implied
in that word: <i>I will advertise thee;</i> for it properly
signifies, <i>I will counsel thee.</i> What the counsel was is not
set down here, because it was given privately, but we are told
afterwards what it was, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p13.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.31.16" parsed="|Num|31|16|0|0" passage="Nu 31:16"><i>ch.</i>
xxxi. 16</scripRef>. He counselled him to entice the Israelites to
idolatry, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p13.6" osisRef="Bible:Rev.2.14" parsed="|Rev|2|14|0|0" passage="Re 2:14">Rev. ii. 14</scripRef>. Since
he could not have leave from God to curse them, he puts him in a
way of getting help from the devil to tempt them. <i>Flectere si
nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo—If I cannot move heaven, I will
solicit hell.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="Num.xxv-p13.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.24" parsed="|Num|24|0|0|0" passage="Nu 24" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Num.xxv-p13.8" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.15-Num.24.25" parsed="|Num|24|15|24|25" passage="Nu 24:15-25" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Num.24.15-Num.24.25">
<h4 id="Num.xxv-p13.9">Balaam's Prophecy. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Num.xxv-p13.10">b. c.</span> 1452.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Num.xxv-p14">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, <i>which</i> saw the vision of the
Almighty, falling <i>into a trance,</i> 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 destroy all the
children of Sheth. 18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also
shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do
valiantly. 19 Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion,
and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. 20 And when he
looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek
<i>was</i> the first of the nations; but his latter end <i>shall
be</i> that he perish for ever. 21 And he looked on the Kenites,
and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and
thou puttest thy nest in a rock. 22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall
be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. 23 And he
took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth
this! 24 And ships <i>shall come</i> from the coast of Chittim, and
shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall
perish for ever. 25 And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to
his place: and Balak also went his way.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p15">The office of prophets was both to bless
and to prophesy in the name of the Lord. Balaam, as a prophet, per
force had blessed Israel; here he foretells future events.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p16">I. His preface is much the same as that,
<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.3-Num.24.4" parsed="|Num|24|3|24|4" passage="Nu 24:3,4"><i>v.</i> 3, 4</scripRef>. He
personates a true prophet admirably well, God permitting and
directing him to do so, because, whatever he was, the prophecy
itself was a true prophecy. He boasts, 1. That his <i>eyes are
open</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.15" parsed="|Num|24|15|0|0" passage="Nu 24:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>),
for prophets were <i>in old time called seers</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.9.9" parsed="|1Sam|9|9|0|0" passage="1Sa 9:9">1 Sam. ix. 9</scripRef>), because they must speak
what they had seen, and therefore, before they opened their lips,
it was necessary that they should have their eyes open. 2. That he
has <i>heard the words of God,</i> which many do that do not heed
them, nor hear God in them. 3. That he <i>knew the knowledge of the
Most High;</i> this is added here. A man may be full of the
knowledge of God and yet utterly destitute of the grace of God, may
receive the truth in the light of it and yet be a stranger to the
love of it. 4. That <i>he saw the vision of the Almighty,</i> but
not so as to be <i>changed into the same image.</i> He calls God
the <i>Most High,</i> and the <i>Almighty;</i> no man could speak
more honourably of him, nor seem to put a greater value upon his
acquaintance with him, and yet he had no true fear of him, love to
him, or faith in him, so far may a man go towards heaven, and yet
come short.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p17">II. Here is his prophecy concerning him
that should be the crown and glory of his people Israel, who is, 1.
David in the type, who <i>not now,</i> not quickly, but in process
of time, should <i>smite the corners of Moab.</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.17" parsed="|Num|24|17|0|0" passage="Nu 24:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>), and take possession of
Mount Seir, and under whom the forces of Israel should <i>do
valiantly,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.18" parsed="|Num|24|18|0|0" passage="Nu 24:18"><i>v.</i>
18</scripRef>. This was fulfilled when David smote Moab, and
<i>measured them with a line,</i> so that <i>the Moabites became
David's servants,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p17.3" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.8.2" parsed="|2Sam|8|2|0|0" passage="2Sa 8:2">2 Sam. viii.
2</scripRef>. And at the same time the Edomites likewise were
brought into obedience to Israel, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p17.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.14" parsed="|Num|24|14|0|0" passage="Nu 24:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. But, 2. Our Lord Jesus, the
promised Messiah, is chiefly pointed at in the antitype, and of him
it is an illustrious prophecy; it was the will of God that notice
should thus be given of his coming, a great while before, not only
to the people of the Jews, but to other nations, because his gospel
and kingdom were to extend themselves so far beyond the borders of
the land of Israel. It is here foretold, (1.) That while: "<i>I
shall see him, but not now;</i> I do see him in vision, but at a
very great distance, through the interposing space of 1500 years at
least." Or understand it thus:—Balaam, a wicked man, shall see
Christ, but shall not see him nigh, nor see him as Job, who saw him
<i>as his Redeemer,</i> and saw him for himself, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p17.5" osisRef="Bible:Job.19.25" parsed="|Job|19|25|0|0" passage="Job 19:25">Job xix. 25, 27</scripRef>. When he comes in the clouds
<i>every eye shall see him,</i> but many will see him (as the rich
man in hell saw Abraham) <i>afar off.</i> (2.) That he shall come
out of Jacob, and Israel, as a star and a sceptre, the former
denoting his glory and lustre, and the <i>bright and morning
star,</i> the latter his power and authority; it is <i>he that
shall have dominion.</i> Perhaps this prophecy of Balaam (one of
the children of the east) concerning a star that should arise out
of Jacob, as the indication of a sceptre arising in Israel, being
preserved by a tradition of that country, gave occasion to the wise
men, who were of the east too, upon the sight of an unusual star
over the land of Judea, to enquire for him that was <i>born king of
the Jews,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p17.6" osisRef="Bible:Matt.2.2" parsed="|Matt|2|2|0|0" passage="Mt 2:2">Matt. ii. 2</scripRef>.
(3.) That his kingdom shall be universal, and victorious over all
opposition, which was typified by David's victories over Moab and
Edom. But the Messiah shall destroy, or, as some read it, <i>shall
rule over, all the children of Seth.</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p17.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.17" parsed="|Num|24|17|0|0" passage="Nu 24:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>), that is, all the children of
men, who descend from Seth, the son of Adam, the descendants of the
rest of Adam's sons being cut off by the deluge. Christ shall be
king, not only of Jacob and Israel, but of all the world; so that
all the children of Seth shall be either governed by his golden
sceptre or dashed in pieces by his iron rod. He shall set up a
universal rule, authority, and power, of his own, and shall put
down all opposing rule, <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p17.8" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.15.24" parsed="|1Cor|15|24|0|0" passage="1Co 15:24">1 Cor. xv.
24</scripRef>. He shall <i>unwall all the children of Seth;</i> so
some read it. He shall take down all their defences and carnal
confidences, so that they shall either admit his government or lie
open to his judgments. (4.) That his Israel shall do valiantly; the
subjects of Christ, animated by his might, shall maintain a
spiritual war with the powers of darkness, and be more than
conquerors. <i>The people that do know their God shall be strong,
and do exploits,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p17.9" osisRef="Bible:Dan.11.32" parsed="|Dan|11|32|0|0" passage="Da 11:32">Dan. xi.
32</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p18">III. Here is his prophecy concerning the
Amalekites and Kenites, part of whose country, it is probable, he
had now in view. 1. The Amalekites were now the <i>chief of the
nations</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.20" parsed="|Num|24|20|0|0" passage="Nu 24:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>),
therefore Agag was spoken of (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.7" parsed="|Num|24|7|0|0" passage="Nu 24:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>) as an eminent prince, and they were the first that
engaged Israel when they came out of Egypt; but the time will come
when that nation, as great as it looks now, will be totally ruined
and rooted out: <i>His latter end shall be that he perish for
ever.</i> Here Balaam confirms that doom of Amalek which Moses had
read (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.14 Bible:Exod.15.16" parsed="|Exod|15|14|0|0;|Exod|15|16|0|0" passage="Ex 15:14,16">Exod. xv. 14, 16</scripRef>),
where God had sworn that he would have <i>perpetual war with
Amalek.</i> Note, Those whom God is at war with will certainly
perish for ever; for when God judges he will overcome. 2. The
Kenites were now the securest of the nations; their situation was
such as that nature was their engineer, and had strongly fortified
them: "<i>Thou puttest thy nest</i> (like the eagle) <i>in a
rock,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p18.4" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.21" parsed="|Num|24|21|0|0" passage="Nu 24:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>.
Thou thinkest thyself safe, and yet the <i>Kenites shall be
wasted</i> (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p18.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.22" parsed="|Num|24|22|0|0" passage="Nu 24:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>)
and gradually brought to decay, till they be carried away captive
by the Assyrians," which was done at the captivity of the ten
tribes. Note, Bodies politic, like natural bodies, though of the
strongest constitutions, will gradually decay, and come to ruin at
last; even a nest in a rock will be no perpetual security.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p19">IV. Here is a prophecy that looks as far
forward as the Greeks and Romans, for theirs is supposed to be
meant by the <i>coast of Chittim,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.24" parsed="|Num|24|24|0|0" passage="Nu 24:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p20">1. The introduction to this parable; this
article of his prophecy is very observable (<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:Num.24.23" parsed="|Num|24|23|0|0" passage="Nu 24:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>): <i>Alas! who shall live when
God doeth this?</i> Here he acknowledges all the revolutions of
states and kingdoms to be the Lord's doing: <i>God doeth this;</i>
whoever are the instruments, he is the supreme director. But he
speaks mournfully concerning them, and has a very melancholy
prospect of these events: <i>Who shall live?</i> Either, (1.) These
events are so distant, and so far off to come, that it is hard to
say <i>who shall live till they come;</i> but, whoever shall live
to see them, there will be amazing turns. Or, (2.) They will be so
dismal, and make such desolations, that scarcely any will escape or
be left alive; who shall live when death rides in triumph?
<scripRef id="Num.xxv-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Rev.6.8" parsed="|Rev|6|8|0|0" passage="Re 6:8">Rev. vi. 8</scripRef>. Those that live
then will be as brands plucked out of the fire, and will have their
lives given them as a prey. God fit us for the worst of times!</p>
<p class="indent" id="Num.xxv-p21">2. The prophecy itself is observable. Both
Greece and Italy lie much upon the sea, and therefore their armies
were sent forth mostly in ships. Now he seems here to foretell,
(1.) That the forces of the Grecians should humble and bring down
the Assyrians, who were united with the Persians, which was
fulfilled when the eastern country was overcome, or overrun rather,
by Alexander. (2.) That theirs and the Roman forces should afflict
the Hebrews, or Jews, who were called <i>the children of Eber;</i>
this was fulfilled in part when the Grecian empire was oppressive
to the Jewish nation, but chiefly when the Roman empire ruined it
and put a period to it. But, (3.) That Chittim, that is, the Roman
empire, in which the Grecian was at length swallowed up, should
itself perish for ever, when the stone cut out of the mountain
without hands shall consume all these kingdoms, and particularly
the <i>feet of iron and clay,</i> <scripRef id="Num.xxv-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:Dan.2.34" parsed="|Dan|2|34|0|0" passage="Da 2:34">Dan.
ii. 34</scripRef>. Thus (says Dr. Lightfoot) Balaam, instead of
cursing the church, curses Amalek the first, and Rome the last,
enemy of the church. And <i>so let all thy enemies perish, O
Lord!</i></p>
</div></div2>