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A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth. <a href="/nlt/numbers/24.htm">New Living Translation</a> I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel. It will crush the heads of Moab’s people, cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth. <a href="/esv/numbers/24.htm">English Standard Version</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/kjv/numbers/24.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/24.htm">New King James Version</a> “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I see him, but not now; I look at him, but not near; A star shall appear from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall smash the forehead of Moab, And overcome all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/nasb/numbers/24.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, And a scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/lsb/numbers/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/amp/numbers/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A star shall come forth from [the descendants of] Jacob, A scepter shall rise out of [the descendants of] Israel And shall crush the forehead of Moab And destroy all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/csb/numbers/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I see him, but not now; I perceive him, but not near. A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moab and strike down all the Shethites. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I see him, but not now; I perceive him, but not near. A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will smash the forehead of Moab and strike down all the Shethites. <a href="/asv/numbers/24.htm">American Standard Version</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh: There shall come forth a star out of Jacob, And a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, And shall smite through the corners of Moab, And break down all the sons of tumult. <a href="/cev/numbers/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "What I saw in my vision hasn't happened yet. But someday, a king of Israel will appear like a star. He will wipe out you Moabites and destroy those tribes who live in the desert. <a href="/erv/numbers/24.htm">English Revised Version</a> I see him, but not now: I behold him, but not nigh: There shall come forth a star out of Jacob, And a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, And shall smite through the corners of Moab, And break down all the sons of tumult. <a href="/gwt/numbers/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I see someone who is not here now. I look at someone who is not nearby. A star will come from Jacob. A scepter will rise from Israel. He will crush the heads of the Moabites and destroy all the people of Sheth. <a href="/gnt/numbers/24.htm">Good News Translation</a> I look into the future, And I see the nation of Israel. A king, like a bright star, will arise in that nation. Like a comet he will come from Israel. He will strike the leaders of Moab And beat down all the people of Seth. <a href="/isv/numbers/24.htm">International Standard Version</a> I can see him, but not right now. I observe him, but from a distance. A star streams forth from Jacob; a scepter arises from Israel. He will crush Moab's forehead, along with all of Seth's descendants. <a href="/msb/numbers/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/net/numbers/24.htm">NET Bible</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not close at hand. A star will march forth out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab, and the heads of all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/nheb/numbers/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and will crush the forehead of Moab, and the crown of all the sons of tumult. <a href="/wbt/numbers/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. <a href="/web/numbers/24.htm">World English Bible</a> I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and crush all the sons of Sheth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A star has proceeded from Jacob, "" And a scepter has risen from Israel, "" And has struck corners of Moab, "" And has destroyed all sons of Seth. <a href="/ylt/numbers/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I see it, but not now; I behold it, but not near; A star hath proceeded from Jacob, And a sceptre hath risen from Israel, And hath smitten corners of Moab, And hath destroyed all sons of Sheth. <a href="/slt/numbers/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I shall see him and not now: I shall look after him, and not near: a star came forth from Jacob, and a rod rose up from Israel and dashed in pieces the faces of Moab, and undermined all the sons of Seth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not near. A STAR SHALL RISE out of Jacob and a sceptre shall spring up from Israel: and shall strike the chiefs of Moab, and shall waste all the children of Seth. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I shall see him, but not presently. I shall gaze upon him, but not soon. A star shall rise out of Jacob, and a rod shall spring up from Israel. And he shall strike down the commanders of Moab, and he shall devastate all the sons of Seth. <a href="/nabre/numbers/24.htm">New American Bible</a> I see him, though not now; I observe him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel, That will crush the brows of Moab, and the skull of all the Sethites, <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near— a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the borderlands of Moab, and the territory of all the Shethites.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I have seen him, but not clearly enough; I beheld him, but he was not nigh; there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Prince shall rise out of Israel, and shall destroy the mighty men of Moab and subdue all the children of Sheth. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> “I saw him and not from now, and at the end and it is not near; the star shall shine from Yaquuv and the Prince shall arise from Israel, and he shall destroy the mighty men of Moab and he shall subject all the sons of Shayth.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh; There shall step forth a star out of Jacob, And a scepter shall rise out of Israel, And shall smite through the corners of Moab, And break down all the sons of Seth. <a href="/sep/numbers/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> I will point to him, but not now; I bless him, but he draws not near: a star shall rise out of Jacob, a man shall spring out of Israel; and shall crush the princes of Moab, and shall spoil all the sons of Seth. <a href="/parallel/numbers/24-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7649" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/24.htm">Balaam's Fourth Oracle</a> …16the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: 17<a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ’er·’en·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 3mse) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">I see him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">now;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7789.htm" title="7789: ’ă·šū·ren·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 3mse) -- To behold, regard. A primitive root; to spy out, i.e. survey, lurk for, care for.">I behold him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7138.htm" title="7138: qā·rō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Near. Or qarob; from qarab; near.">near.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3556.htm" title="3556: kō·w·ḵāḇ (N-ms) -- A star. Probably from the same as Kabbown or kavah; a star; figuratively, a prince.">A star</a> <a href="/hebrew/1869.htm" title="1869: dā·raḵ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To tread, march. A primitive root; to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow.">will come forth</a> <a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: mî·ya·‘ă·qōḇ (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">from Jacob,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: šê·ḇeṭ (N-ms) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">and a scepter</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: wə·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">will arise</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: mî·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">from Israel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4272.htm" title="4272: ū·mā·ḥaṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy.">He will crush</a> <a href="/hebrew/6285.htm" title="6285: pa·’ă·ṯê (N-fdc) -- Corner, side. Feminine of poh; properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e. Direction, region, extremity.">the skulls</a> <a href="/hebrew/4124.htm" title="4124: mō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Lot, also his desc. and the territory where they settled. ">of Moab</a> <a href="/hebrew/6979.htm" title="6979: wə·qar·qar (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To bore, dig. A primitive root; to trench; by implication, to throw forth; also to wall up, whether literal or figurative.">and strike down</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/8351.htm" title="8351: šēṯ (N-proper-ms) -- Seat (of the body), buttocks. Numbers from sha'ah; tumult.">of Sheth.</a> 18Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/2-2.htm">Matthew 2:2</a> asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” <a href="/revelation/22-16.htm">Revelation 22:16</a> “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.” <a href="/isaiah/11-1.htm">Isaiah 11:1</a> Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit. <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a> The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. <a href="/luke/1-78.htm">Luke 1:78-79</a> because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, / to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a> Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">2 Peter 1:19</a> We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a> But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. <a href="/psalms/72-8.htm">Psalm 72:8-11</a> May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. / May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. / May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. ... <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a> The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a> Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” <a href="/isaiah/60-19.htm">Isaiah 60:19-20</a> No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. / Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease. <a href="/revelation/2-28.htm">Revelation 2:28</a> And I will give him the morning star. <a href="/zechariah/9-9.htm">Zechariah 9:9-10</a> Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. / And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the bow of war will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth. <a href="/malachi/4-2.htm">Malachi 4:2</a> “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not near: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.<a href="/genesis/27-29.htm">Genesis 27:29,40</a> Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee… <a href="/2_samuel/8-14.htm">2 Samuel 8:14</a> And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.<a href="/psalms/60-1.htm">Psalm 60:1</a> To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Break</a> <a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/15-38.htm">Corners</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Crush</a> <a href="/numbers/19-20.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/numbers/21-2.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/numbers/21-30.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/numbers/24-5.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/24-5.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/numbers/22-41.htm">Limits</a> <a href="/numbers/23-17.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/numbers/18-22.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/numbers/13-26.htm">Proceeded</a> <a href="/numbers/23-24.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/exodus/33-10.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/numbers/21-18.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/numbers/21-18.htm">Scepter</a> <a href="/numbers/21-18.htm">Sceptre</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-23.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-1.htm">Sheth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-25.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/revelation/22-16.htm">Star</a> <a href="/genesis/49-22.htm">Step</a> <a href="/numbers/22-6.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">Tumult</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Break</a> <a href="/numbers/25-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-12.htm">Corners</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-11.htm">Crush</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/numbers/24-19.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/numbers/24-19.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/numbers/24-18.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/32-11.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/numbers/34-2.htm">Limits</a> <a href="/numbers/25-1.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-7.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/numbers/30-12.htm">Proceeded</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-13.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/numbers/32-14.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Scepter</a> <a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Sceptre</a> <a href="/numbers/32-8.htm">Sending</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-1.htm">Sheth</a> <a href="/numbers/25-17.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/numbers/25-14.htm">Smitten</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Star</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-5.htm">Step</a> <a href="/numbers/25-17.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-5.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-14.htm">Tumult</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 24</div>1. <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel</a> 10. <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Balak, in anger, dismisses him</a> 15. <a href="/numbers/24-15.htm">He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I see him, but not now; This phrase indicates a prophetic vision that is not immediate but pertains to a future event. The speaker, Balaam, is a non-Israelite prophet who is being used by God to deliver a message about Israel's future. This vision is distant, suggesting a messianic prophecy that will be fulfilled in the distant future. The use of "see" implies a spiritual insight rather than physical sight, indicating that Balaam is receiving divine revelation.I behold him, but not near. The repetition of the idea that the vision is not near emphasizes the long-term nature of the prophecy. This suggests that the fulfillment of this prophecy will occur after a significant passage of time. The term "behold" reinforces the idea of a vision or revelation, indicating that Balaam is perceiving something significant about Israel's destiny.A star will come forth from Jacob, The "star" is often interpreted as a symbol of a king or a significant leader. In ancient Near Eastern culture, stars were commonly associated with deities or rulers. This prophecy is traditionally understood to refer to the coming of a future king from the lineage of Jacob, which Christians interpret as a reference to Jesus Christ. The imagery of a star also connects to the star of Bethlehem in the New Testament, which guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/2.htm">Matthew 2:1-2</a>).and a scepter will arise from Israel. The "scepter" symbolizes authority and kingship. This phrase indicates the emergence of a ruler from Israel who will have dominion and power. The scepter is a common biblical symbol for royal authority, as seen in <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a>, where it is prophesied that the scepter will not depart from Judah. This connection reinforces the messianic interpretation, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy.He will crush the skulls of Moab This part of the prophecy speaks of victory and conquest over Moab, a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. The imagery of crushing skulls signifies a decisive and complete victory. Historically, Moab was a persistent adversary of Israel, and this prophecy foretells a time when Israel's king will triumph over its enemies. This can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and evil.and strike down all the sons of Sheth. The "sons of Sheth" is a more obscure reference, with interpretations varying among scholars. Some suggest it refers to a group or tribe known for opposing Israel, while others see it as a symbolic representation of all Israel's enemies. The phrase indicates a comprehensive victory over opposition. In a broader sense, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph of Christ over all forces of evil and opposition to God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead, he delivers a series of blessings and prophecies concerning Israel, including the prophecy in <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17</a>. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> The patriarch of the Israelites, also known as Israel. The prophecy refers to a "star" coming out of Jacob, symbolizing a future leader or king from the lineage of Jacob. 3. <a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a> A nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The prophecy foretells the defeat of Moab by the future ruler from Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sheth.htm">Sheth</a> Likely a reference to a group or people, possibly symbolizing enemies of Israel. The prophecy indicates their destruction by the coming ruler. 5. <a href="/topical/s/star_and_scepter.htm">Star and Scepter</a> Symbolic imagery used in the prophecy. The "star" represents a rising leader, while the "scepter" signifies authority and kingship.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/m/messianic_prophecy.htm">Messianic Prophecy</a> <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17</a> is a clear messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ. The imagery of the star and scepter signifies His divine authority and kingship. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite Balaam's original intent to curse Israel, God uses him to deliver a prophecy of blessing and future hope. This demonstrates God's control over all circumstances and His ability to fulfill His promises. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_fulfillment.htm">Hope in Fulfillment</a> The prophecy provides hope and assurance that God's promises will be fulfilled in His timing. Believers can trust in God's plan and His ultimate victory over evil. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> The crushing of Moab and the sons of Sheth symbolizes the ultimate defeat of spiritual enemies. Believers are reminded of the victory they have in Christ over sin and darkness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 24</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_numbers_24_17's_star.htm">How do we reconcile the prophecy of a “star out of Jacob” in Numbers 24:17 with the lack of historical or astronomical evidence for such an event? </a> <a href="/q/what_was_the_bar_kokhba_revolt_about.htm">What was the Bar Kokhba revolt about?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_the_star_pinpoint_one_house.htm">In Matthew 2:9, how could a star move to single out one specific house without defying known astronomical laws? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_bright_morning_star.htm">What is the bright morning star?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/24.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) I shall see him . . . --Better, I see him (or, it), but not now; I behold him (or, it), but not nigh. The reference cannot be to Israel, whose armies were encamped before the eyes of Balaam. His words must be understood as having reference to One whom he beheld with the eyes of his mind, not with his bodily sight. This is obvious from the words which follow. Balaam beholds in vision a Star and a Sceptre, not as having already appeared, but as about to appear in the future.There shall come a Star out of Jacob . . . --Literally, There hath come forth a Star out of Jacob, &c. The verb is in the prophetic past or historic tense of prophecy, denoting the certainty of the event predicted. (Comp. <a href="/jude/1-14.htm" title="And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints,">Jude 1:14</a> : "Behold the Lord cometh"--literally, came.) If there is any ambiguity in the first symbol it is removed in the second. A star is a fitting image of an illustrious king or ruler, and the mention of the sceptre in the words which follow (comp. <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm" title="The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and to him shall the gathering of the people be.">Genesis 49:10</a>) shows that it is so employed in the present instance. The Targum of Onkelos is as follows:--"When the King shall arise out of Jacob, and the Messiah shall be anointed from Israel." The Targum of Palestine reads thus:--"A King is to arise from the house of Jacob, and a Redeemer and Ruler from the house of Israel." Ibn Ezra interprets these words of David, but he says that many interpret them of the Messiah. It seems to have been with reference to this prophecy that the pretender to the title of the Messiah in the days of the Emperor Adrian took the name of Bar-cochab, or Bar-cochba (the son of a star). The words of the Magi, "We have seen his star in the East" (<a href="/matthew/2-2.htm" title="Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.">Matthew 2:2</a>), appear to have reference to this prophecy.And shall smite the corners of Moab.--Or, the two sides of Moab. The prophecy was partially, or typically, fulfilled in the time of David (<a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm" title="And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.">2Samuel 8:2</a>). Moab and Edom represented symbolically the enemies of Christ and of His Church, and as such will eventually be subdued by the King of kings. (Comp. <a href="/psalms/60-8.htm" title="Moab is my wash pot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph you because of me.">Psalm 60:8</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/24.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh. Rather, "I see him, but not now: I behold him, but not near" (אַשׁוּרֶנּוּ...אֶראֶנוּ exactly as in <a href="/numbers/23-9.htm">Numbers 23:9</a>). Balaam does not mean to say that he expected himself to see at any future time the mysterious Being of whom he speaks, who is identical with the "Star" and the "Scepter" of the following clauses; he speaks wholly as a prophet, and means that his inner gaze is fixed upon such an one, with full assurance that he exists in the counsels of God, but with clear recognition of the fact that his actual coming is yet in the far future. There shall come a Star out of Jacob. Septuagint, ἀνατελεῖ ἀστρον. It may quite as well be rendered by the present; Balaam simply utters what passes before his inward vision. The star is a natural and common poetic symbol of an illustrious, or, as we say, "brilliant," personage, and as such recurs many times in Scripture (cf. <a href="/job/38-7.htm">Job 38:7</a>; <a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12</a>; <a href="/daniel/8-10.htm">Daniel 8:10</a>; <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Matthew 24:29</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a>; <a href="/revelation/1-20.htm">Revelation 1:20</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-28.htm">Revelation 2:28</a>). The celebrated Jewish fanatic called himself Barcochab, "son of the Star," in allusion to this prophecy. A Scepter shall rise out of Israel. This further defines the "star ' as a ruler of men, for the scepter is Used in that sense in the dying prophecy of Jacob (<a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a>), with which Balaam was evidently acquainted. Accordingly the Septuagint has here ἀναστήσεται. Shall smite the corners of Moab. Rather, "the two corners" (dual), or "the two sides of Moab," i.e., shall crush Moab on either side. And destroy all the children of Sheth. In <a href="/jeremiah/48-45.htm">Jeremiah 48:45</a>, where this prophecy is in a manner quoted, the word קַרְקַר (qarqar, destroy) is altered into קָדקֹר (quadqod, crown of the head). This raises a very curious and interesting question as to the use made by the prophets of the earlier Scriptures, but it gives no authority for an alteration of the text. The expression בְּנֵי־שֵׁת has been variously rendered. The Jewish commentators, followed by the Septuagint (πάντας υἱοὺς Σήθ) and the older versions, understand it to mean the sons of Seth, the son of Adam, i.e., all mankind. Many modern commentators, however, take שֵׁת as a contraction of שֵׁאת (<a href="/lamentations/3-47.htm">Lamentations 3:47</a> - "desolation"), and read "sons of confusion," as equivalent to the unruly neighbours and relations of Israel. This, however, is extremely dubious in itself, for שֵׁת nowhere occurs in this sense, and derives no sup. port from <a href="/jeremiah/48-45.htm">Jeremiah 48:45</a>. It is true that בְּנֵי שֵׁת is there replaced by בְּנֵי שָׁאון, "sons of tumult," but then this very verse affords the clearest evidence that the prophet felt no hesitation in altering the text of Scripture to suit his own inspired purpose. If it be true that קַרְקַר will not bear the meaning given to it in the Targums of "reign over," still there is no insuperable difficulty in the common rendering. Jewish prophecy, from beginning to end, contemplated the Messiah as the Conqueror, the Subduer, and even the Destroyer of all the heathen, i.e., of all who were not Jews. It is only in the New Testament that the iron scepter with which he was to dash in pieces the heathen (<a href="/psalms/2-9.htm">Psalm 2:9</a>) becomes the pastoral staff wherewith he shepherds them (<a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Revelation 2:27</a> - ποιμανεῖ after the Septuagint, which has here misread the text). The prophecy was that Messiah should destroy the heathen; the fulfillment that he destroyed not them, but their heathenism (cf. e.g., <a href="/psalms/149-6.htm">Psalm 149:6-9</a> with <a href="/james/5-20.htm">James 5:20</a>). <a href="/commentaries/numbers/24-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I see him, אֶרְאֶ֙נּוּ֙ (’er·’en·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see but not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no now; עַתָּ֔ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time I behold him, אֲשׁוּרֶ֖נּוּ (’ă·šū·ren·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7789.htm">Strong's 7789: </a> To spy out, survey, lurk for, care for but not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no near. קָר֑וֹב (qā·rō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7138.htm">Strong's 7138: </a> Near A star כּוֹכָ֜ב (kō·w·ḵāḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3556.htm">Strong's 3556: </a> A star, a prince will come דָּרַ֨ךְ (dā·raḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1869.htm">Strong's 1869: </a> To tread, to walk, to string a, bow out of Jacob, מִֽיַּעֲקֹ֗ב (mî·ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc and a scepter שֵׁ֙בֶט֙ (šê·ḇeṭ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe will arise וְקָ֥ם (wə·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand from Israel. מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (mî·yiś·rā·’êl) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc He will crush וּמָחַץ֙ (ū·mā·ḥaṣ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4272.htm">Strong's 4272: </a> To dash asunder, to crush, smash, violently plunge, to subdue, destroy the skulls פַּאֲתֵ֣י (pa·’ă·ṯê) Noun - fdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6285.htm">Strong's 6285: </a> Mouth, direction, region, extremity of Moab מוֹאָ֔ב (mō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4124.htm">Strong's 4124: </a> Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled and strike down וְקַרְקַ֖ר (wə·qar·qar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6979.htm">Strong's 6979: </a> To trench, to throw forth, to wall up all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the sons בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Sheth. שֵֽׁת׃ (šêṯ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8351.htm">Strong's 8351: </a> Seat (of the body), buttocks <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">OT Law: Numbers 24:17 I see him but not now (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/24-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 24:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 24:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/24-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 24:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 24:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>