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Numbers 24:1 open_in_new
pleased the LORD. Hebrew was good in the eyes of Jehovah.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.
other times. Compare Numbers 23:3; Numbers 23:15, and see Structure (p. 215).
to seek for enchantments. to meet with familiar spirits (Deuteronomy 18:10; Deuteronomy 18:14). Hebrew. nechashim, from nachash,. serpent. Compare Genesis 3:1, and see App-19.
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Numbers 24:2 open_in_new
according to their tribes. Compare Numbers 2.
the spirit of God (Hebrew. 'Elohim). This expression occurs eight times outside the books of Samuel (Genesis 1:2; Genesis 41:38; Exodus 31:3; Exodus 35:31.Exodus 24:2.Ezekiel 11:24; 2 Chronicles 15:1; 2 Chronicles 24:20). In all other places it is "the spirit of Jehovah".
Spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.
upon. Always "upon "(not "in ") in Old Testament.
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Numbers 24:3 open_in_new
And he took up his parable. Compare Numbers 23:7; Numbers 23:18.
the man. the strong or mighty man. Hebrew. geber. See App-14.
whose eyes are. Hebrew "whose eye is".
open. Hebrew. shatham, to close, i.e. "the man with closed eye", i.e. in an ecstasy; closed, but seeing.
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Numbers 24:4 open_in_new
of. Genitive of origin. words from God.
GOD. the mighty God. Hebrew. 'El. App-4.
falling into. trance. The Ellipsis better supplied. "falling [to the ground]".
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Numbers 24:5 open_in_new
How goodly. Figure of speech Thaumasmos. App-6. This is only in "the vision of the Almighty".
Jacob. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), put for posterity (App-6).
And. This not to be in italics, according to some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Syriac, and Vulgate.
Israel. See note on "Jacob", Numbers 24:5.
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Numbers 24:6 open_in_new
As the trees of lign aloes, &c. Some codices, with The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Septuagint, and Syriac, read "as tents which Jehovah hath pitched".
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Numbers 24:7 open_in_new
pour the water. This refers to Millennial blessings. See Ezekiel 4. and Zechariah 14.
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Numbers 24:8 open_in_new
him. Some codices, with Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel and Syriac, read "them". Compare Numbers 23:22.
unicorn. See note on Numbers 23:22.
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Numbers 24:9 open_in_new
He couched, &c. Compare Genesis 49:9.
cursed... curseth. Hebrew. 'arar, execrate, chiefly as to its effect. See notes on Numbers 22:11; Numbers 23:8.
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Numbers 24:10 open_in_new
Balak's anger. See note on Exodus 10:28.
curse. to pierce with words. Hebrew. kabab. See note on Numbers 22:11.
behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
altogether blessed. Hebrew "a blessing thou hast blessed". Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6. See note on Genesis 26:28.
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Numbers 24:11 open_in_new
promote thee unto great honour. See note on Numbers 22:17; Numbers 22:37.
lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
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Numbers 24:14 open_in_new
the latter days. the end of the days, denoting. definite period. Compare Genesis 49:1.Deuteronomy 4:30; Isaiah 2:2.Jeremiah 23:20; Jeremiah 30:24; Jeremiah 48:47; Jeremiah 49:39; Ezekiel 38:16; Daniel 10:14.Hosea 3:5.Micah 4:1.
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Numbers 24:16 open_in_new
Most High. Hebrew. Elyon, the High One over all the earth. See note on first occurrence, Genesis 14:18. The Old Testament usage of this title is always in connection with dominion in the earth. App-4.
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Numbers 24:17 open_in_new
but not. Hebrew Who is not.
Star. Hebrew. kokab = Messiah. See Luke 1:78; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 2:28; Revelation 22:16, and compare Matthew 2:2. Sceptre. See note on Genesis 49:10, and compare Psalms 2.
corners. quarters.
destroy. subdue.
Sheth. Seth, i.e. all men, for all are now descendants of Sheth through Noah.
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Numbers 24:19 open_in_new
Out of Jacob. In Hebrew there is the Ellipsis of the Participle (App-6); "shall come "is implied and should be repeated from the previous clause. Revised Version is literal.
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Numbers 24:20 open_in_new
the first: i.e. the first that warred against Israel. Exodus 17:8. Not the first in time or importance. shall be, &c.. "[shall be] destruction". Compare Exodus 17:16.
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Numbers 24:21 open_in_new
Kenites. With the word "nest" forms the Figure of speech Paronomasia (App-6). Hebrew. ben kain.
nest. Hebrew. ken.
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Numbers 24:23 open_in_new
took up. This is not. fifth parable, but part of the fourth.
live. survive.
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Numbers 24:24 open_in_new
Chittim.. son of Javan, son of Japheth. Genesis 10:4. Probably Cyprus, including north coast-line of Mediterranean, spelled Kittim in Genesis 10:4 and 1 Chronicles 1:7.
afflict. humble.
Asshur. Assyrians.
Eber. the Hebrews.
he also: i.e. who sends the ships and humbled Asshur and Heber.