Numbers 24:1-14 - Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

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Balaam's Vision of Israel's Prosperity

Numbers 24:1-14

In these remarkable words Balaam describes the condition and prospects of God's people. They reveal the innermost thought which even a bad, double-dealing man has of the saint. Balaam had his times of illumination, when he touched the very truth of things. A man may know and speak truth, which he does not himself obey. Would that we all realized the high ideals which sinful men have of religion!

We are intended to be as gardens by the river, lign-aloes planted by the Lord, and cedars fed by perennial streams. Oh, for more of exalted royalty of soul, the invincible strength, the victory that eats up the adversary, and actually feeds on what threatens to destroy! We can only attain to such an ideal by a close union with the risen Savior. Let us live on the plane which is ours in Him and for which He imparts the Holy Spirit!

Related Commentaries of Numbers 24:1

Numbers 24:1-14

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

2 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.

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 into a trance, but having his eyes open:

5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and 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 LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.

7 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.

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 them through with his arrows.

9 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.

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 them these three times.

11 Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD 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 LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

14 And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.