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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 23:24 Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/04_Num_23_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:24 - Balaam's Second Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/23-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/23-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/23-23.htm" title="Numbers 23:23">◄</a> Numbers 23:24 <a href="/numbers/23-25.htm" title="Numbers 23:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion that does not rest till it devours its prey and drinks the blood of its victims.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />These people rise up like a lioness, like a majestic lion rousing itself. They refuse to rest until they have feasted on prey, drinking the blood of the slaughtered!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, a people! As a lioness it rises up and as a lion it lifts itself; it does not lie down until it has devoured the prey and drunk the blood of the slain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat <i>of</i> the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Look, a people rises like a lioness, And lifts itself up like a lion; It shall not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of the slain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Behold, a people rises like a lioness, And like a lion it raises itself; It will not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of those slain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Behold, a people rises like a lioness, And as a lion it lifts itself; It will not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of the slain.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Behold, a people rises like a lioness, And as a lion it lifts itself; It shall not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of the slain.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Behold, a people rises like a lioness, And as a lion it lifts itself; It will not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of the slain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Behold, a people rises up like a lioness And lifts itself up like a lion; He will not lie down until he devours the prey And drinks the blood of the slain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A people rise up like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion. They will not lie down until they devour the prey and drink the blood of the slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A people rise up like a lioness; They rouse themselves like a lion. They will not lie down until they devour the prey and drink the blood of the slain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, the people riseth up as a lioness, And as a lion doth he lift himself up: He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, And drink the blood of the slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They are like angry lions ready to attack; and they won't rest until their victim is gobbled up." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Behold, the people riseth up as a lioness, And as a lion doth he lift himself up: He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, And drink the blood of the slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Here is a nation that attacks like a lioness and is as ferocious as a lion. It doesn't lie down until it eats its prey and drinks the blood of its victim."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The nation of Israel is like a mighty lion: It doesn't rest until it has torn and devoured, Until it has drunk the blood of those it has killed." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Look! The people are like lions. Like the lion, he rises up! He does not lie down again until he has consumed his prey and drunk the blood of the slain."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Indeed, the people will rise up like a lioness, and like a lion raises himself up; they will not lie down until they eat their prey, and drink the blood of the slain." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Look, the people rises up as a lioness, as a lion he lifts himself up. He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he shall eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Behold, a people rises up as a lioness. As a lion he lifts himself up. He shall not lie down until he eats of the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, the people rises as a lioness, "" And he lifts himself up as a lion; He does not lie down until he eats prey, "" And drinks blood of pierced ones.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Lo, the people as a lioness riseth, And as a lion he lifteth himself up, He lieth not down till he eateth prey, And blood of pierced ones doth drink.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Behold, the people will rise up as a lioness, and as a lion he will be lifted up: he will not lie down till he shall eat the prey and drink the blood of the wounded.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Behold the people shall rise up as a lioness, and shall lift itself up as a lion: it shall not lie down till it devour the prey, and drink the blood of the slain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Behold, the people will rise up like a lioness, and lie down like a lion. But they will not lie down until they devour the prey and drink the blood of the slain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Here is a people that rises up like a lioness, and gets up like a lion; It does not rest till it has devoured its prey and has drunk the blood of the slain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Look, a people rising up like a lioness, and rousing itself like a lion! It does not lie down until it has eaten the prey and drunk the blood of the slain.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Behold, the people shall rise up as a lion and march like a lion; he shall not lie down until he eats the prey and drinks the blood of the slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Behold the people rises up as a lion and like a lion lifts himself up; he will not sleep until he will eat the prey and the blood of the slain he will drink.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Behold a people that riseth up as a lioness, And as a lion doth he lift himself up; He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, And drink the blood of the slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Behold, the people shall rise up as a lion's whelp, and shall exalt himself as a lion; he shall not lie down till he have eaten the prey, and he shall drink the blood of the slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/23-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7436" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Balaam's Second Oracle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’ <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hen- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">Behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘ām (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: yā·qūm (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">rise</a> <a href="/hebrew/3833.htm" title="3833: kə·lā·ḇî (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- To roar, a lion.">like a lioness;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: yiṯ·naś·śā (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">they rouse themselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/738.htm" title="738: wə·ḵa·’ă·rî (Conj-w, Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A lion. Or earyeh; from 'arah; a lion.">like a lion,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7901.htm" title="7901: yiš·kaḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To lie down. A primitive root; to lie down.">resting</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: yō·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">they devour</a> <a href="/hebrew/2964.htm" title="2964: ṭe·rep̄ (N-ms) -- Prey, food, a leaf. From taraph; something torn, i.e. A fragment, e.g. A fresh leaf, prey, food.">their prey</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: yiš·teh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">and drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: wə·ḏam- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">the blood</a> <a href="/hebrew/2491.htm" title="2491: ḥă·lā·lîm (N-mp) -- Pierced, polluted. From chalal; pierced; figuratively, polluted.">of the slain.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5</a></span><br />Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Genesis 49:9</a></span><br />Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Isaiah 31:4</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/11-10.htm">Hosea 11:10</a></span><br />They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/3-8.htm">Amos 3:8</a></span><br />The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1</a></span><br />The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Isaiah 5:29</a></span><br />Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away, and no one can rescue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-44.htm">Jeremiah 50:44</a></span><br />Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/19-2.htm">Ezekiel 19:2-7</a></span><br />and say: ‘What was your mother? A lioness among the lions! She lay down among the young lions; she reared her cubs. / She brought up one of her cubs, and he became a young lion. After learning to tear his prey, he devoured men. / When the nations heard of him, he was trapped in their pit. With hooks they led him away to the land of Egypt. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-4.htm">Daniel 7:4</a></span><br />The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man and given the mind of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/3-16.htm">Joel 3:16</a></span><br />The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-6.htm">Isaiah 11:6-9</a></span><br />The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. / The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. / The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/5-8.htm">Micah 5:8</a></span><br />Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">2 Samuel 17:10</a></span><br />Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.</p><p class="hdg">as a great</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Numbers 24:8,9</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Genesis 49:9</a></b></br> Judah <i>is</i> a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-20.htm">Deuteronomy 33:20</a></b></br> And of Gad he said, Blessed <i>be</i> he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.</p><p class="hdg">he shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/49-27.htm">Genesis 49:27</a></b></br> Benjamin shall ravin <i>as</i> a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-44.htm">Daniel 2:44</a></b></br> And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, <i>but</i> it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/19-5.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/numbers/23-10.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/49-27.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/numbers/21-22.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/numbers/20-5.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/genesis/44-5.htm">Drinks</a> <a href="/numbers/18-13.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/numbers/18-31.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/numbers/13-32.htm">Eateth</a> <a href="/numbers/23-23.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/23-9.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-12.htm">Lieth</a> <a href="/numbers/18-32.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/hosea/13-9.htm">Lioness</a> <a href="/numbers/18-9.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/numbers/23-10.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Pierced</a> <a href="/numbers/14-31.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/numbers/22-19.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/exodus/21-19.htm">Rises</a> <a href="/numbers/22-21.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Rouse</a> <a href="/nahum/2-11.htm">She-Lion</a> <a href="/numbers/22-33.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/numbers/23-9.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Victims</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/35-19.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/numbers/25-5.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-22.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/numbers/28-7.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-6.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-11.htm">Drinks</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/numbers/28-17.htm">Eaten</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-13.htm">Eateth</a> <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-36.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-7.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/joshua/17-7.htm">Lieth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-20.htm">Lioness</a> <a href="/numbers/28-5.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/numbers/26-7.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/numbers/25-17.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/numbers/25-8.htm">Pierced</a> <a href="/numbers/31-9.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/numbers/24-9.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-11.htm">Rises</a> <a href="/numbers/24-25.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/numbers/24-9.htm">Rouse</a> <a href="/numbers/24-9.htm">She-Lion</a> <a href="/numbers/25-14.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/numbers/25-2.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/numbers/31-8.htm">Victims</a> <a href="/numbers/28-11.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Balak's sacrifices</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/23.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/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Behold, the people rise like a lioness;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the strength and vigor of the Israelites. The lioness is a symbol of power and ferocity, often used in ancient Near Eastern cultures to represent might and dominance. In the biblical context, this imagery underscores the divine empowerment of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The lioness rising suggests an awakening or mobilization, indicating that the Israelites are ready to take action under God's guidance. This can be connected to the promises given to the patriarchs, such as in <a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Genesis 49:9</a>, where Judah is likened to a lion, foreshadowing the tribe's leadership and strength.<p><b>they rouse themselves like a lion,</b><br>The lion is a symbol of royalty and authority, often associated with kingship in the ancient world. This phrase suggests self-motivation and readiness for battle, highlighting the Israelites' confidence and determination. The lion's rousing can be seen as a metaphor for Israel's preparation to fulfill God's promises. This imagery is also prophetic, pointing to the future Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah in <a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5</a>, symbolizing His ultimate authority and victory.<p><b>not resting until they devour their prey</b><br>This part of the verse speaks to the relentless pursuit and determination of the Israelites. The imagery of not resting until the prey is devoured indicates a complete and thorough victory, which is assured by God's promise. Historically, this reflects the numerous battles Israel would face in conquering Canaan, where they were often outnumbered but victorious through divine intervention. This relentless pursuit can also be seen as a type of Christ's mission, who did not rest until He accomplished the work of salvation.<p><b>and drink the blood of the slain.”</b><br>Drinking the blood of the slain is a vivid image of total conquest and victory. In ancient warfare, this phrase would symbolize the complete defeat of enemies. Culturally, it reflects the practices of the time where victory was often celebrated with feasting and spoils. Biblically, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. The imagery also connects to the sacrificial system, where blood was a significant element, pointing to Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant in His blood, as mentioned in <a href="/matthew/26-28.htm">Matthew 26:28</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet hired by Balak to curse Israel. Instead, he delivers blessings as God directs him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, journeying to the Promised Land, whom God protects and blesses.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, representing opposition to God's people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lioness_and_lion.htm">The Lioness and Lion</a></b><br>Metaphors for the strength and determination of Israel under God's blessing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection_and_empowerment.htm">God's Protection and Empowerment</a></b><br>God empowers His people to rise with strength and courage. Just as Israel is depicted as a lioness, believers today can trust in God's protection and empowerment to face challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_unstoppable_nature_of_god's_purpose.htm">The Unstoppable Nature of God's Purpose</a></b><br>The imagery of the lion not lying down until it has devoured its prey illustrates the unstoppable nature of God's purpose for His people. We are called to persist in our mission until God's work is accomplished.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare_and_victory.htm">Spiritual Warfare and Victory</a></b><br>The passage reminds us of the spiritual battle we face. Like the lion, we are to be vigilant and proactive in our spiritual lives, assured of victory through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/confidence_in_god's_promises.htm">Confidence in God's Promises</a></b><br>Just as Balaam could not curse what God had blessed, we can have confidence in God's promises and His faithfulness to fulfill them in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_exodus'_wild_ox_claim.htm">Numbers 23:22-24: Is there historical or scientific support for a mass exodus and the claim of supernatural might symbolized by 'the strength of a wild ox'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/plague_deaths__24,000_or_23,000.htm">How many died in the plague after the Israelites' adultery with Moab's daughters: 24,000 (Numbers 25:1, 9) or 23,000 (I Corinthians 10:8)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_24,000_vs._23,000_deaths.htm">Numbers 25:9 vs. 1 Corinthians 10:8: How do we account for the numerical discrepancy of 24,000 versus 23,000 fatalities in the plague?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_19_2-9_align_with_judah's_exiles.htm">How can Ezekiel 19:2-9 be harmonized with the historical records of Judah's exiles, given the imagery of lion cubs taken captive?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">As a great lion.--</span>Better, <span class= "ital">as a lioness. </span>(Comp. <a href="/genesis/49-9.htm" title="Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, you are gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?">Genesis 49:9</a>.) Balaam transfers to the whole nation that which Jacob had prophesied of Judah.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As a great lion.</span> <span class="hebrew">לָבִיא</span>, generally translated "old lion," as in <a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Genesis 49:9</a>. By some it is rendered lioness (cf. <a href="/job/4-11.htm">Job 4:11</a>; <a href="/nahum/2-12.htm">Nahum 2:12</a>). <span class="cmt_word">As a young lion.</span> <span class="hebrew">אַרִי</span>, the ordinary term for a lion without further distinction. It is altogether fantastic to suppose that Balaam had just seen a lieu coming up from the ghor of Jordan, and that this "omen" inspired his "<span class="accented">mashal</span>." The rising of a lion from its covert was one of the most common of the more striking phenomena of nature in those regions, and the imagery it afforded was in constant use; but in truth it is evident that these similes are borrowed from Jacob's dying prophecy concerning Judah (<a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Genesis 49:9</a>), in which the word "prey" (Hebrew, <span class="hebrew">טֶרֶפ</span>, a torn thing) is also found. Balaam was acquainted with that prophecy, as he was with the promises made to Abraham (cf. verse 10 with <a href="/genesis/13-16.htm">Genesis 13:16</a>; <a href="/genesis/28-14.htm">Genesis 28:14</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Behold,</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶן־</span> <span class="translit">(hen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">עָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rise</span><br /><span class="heb">יָק֔וּם</span> <span class="translit">(yā·qūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a lioness;</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּלָבִ֣יא</span> <span class="translit">(kə·lā·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3833.htm">Strong's 3833: </a> </span><span class="str2">To roar, a lion,</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they rouse themselves</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְנַשָּׂ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·naś·śā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a lion,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכַאֲרִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵa·’ă·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_738.htm">Strong's 738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">resting</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁכַּב֙</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·kaḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7901.htm">Strong's 7901: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie down</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they devour</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹ֣אכַל</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their prey</span><br /><span class="heb">טֶ֔רֶף</span> <span class="translit">(ṭe·rep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2964.htm">Strong's 2964: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something torn, a fragment, a fresh leaf, prey, food</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and drink</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·teh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> </span><span class="str2">To imbibe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the blood</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדַם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the slain.”</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲלָלִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·lā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pierced, polluted</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/23-24.htm">Numbers 23:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/23-24.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:24 Behold the people rises up as (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:25" /></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>