Numbers 24 - Introduction - Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary

Bible Comments

N U M B E R S

CHAP. XXIV.

      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, Numbers 24:1-9. II. How Balak dismissed Balaam from his service thereupon, Numbers 24:10-13. III. The predictions Balaam left behind him concerning Israel, and some of the neighbouring nations, Numbers 24:14-25, &c.