Numbers 24:17

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

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, and batter the brow of Moab and destroy all the sons of tumult.

Latin

Videbo eum, sed non modo: intuebor illum, sed non prope. Orietur stella ex Jacob, et consurget virga de Israël: et percutiet duces Moab, vastabitque omnes filios Seth.

Original

Hebrew

English

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.

Notes

Numbers 24:17

A star symbolized a king (see Isaiah 14:12; Matthew 2:1–10). A scepter symbolized power and majesty (see Genesis 49:10; Psalm 45:6).
Historically, King David fits this description. The Moabites, whose defeat Numbers 24:17 mentions, were among the many peoples he conquered during David's rule (2 Samuel 8:2). Yet, Moab remained a threat to Israel after David's time (see 2 Kings 3:1–27; Isaiah 15–16; Jeremiah 48).
Many interpreters have extended this image beyond David. Christians identify Jesus of Nazareth with a star and a scepter (compare Matthew 2:2; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 2:28; 22:16; compare Hebrews 1:8).
the sons of Sheth: These people were probably the ancient Sutu, a group known from other records.
However, the name may refer to a different people group. It could refer to:
- Edom, also called Seir, which David later defeated (Numbers 24:18),
- Ir, or Ar, a city of Moab (24:19; compare 21:28), or
- Amalek, one of Israel’s earliest and most lasting enemies (24:20).

Numbers 24:15–25

This prophecy gives more specific details than the first three messages. It is based on another vision from God (the Most High, 24:16). It also predicts the appearance of a great leader who will play a major role in these military victories (24:17).

Numbers 22:2–24:25

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

Theme notes and profiles

Balaam Jacob Moab and Ammon

Related verses

Revelation 22:16
“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.”
Luke 1:32–33
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
Genesis 49:10
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.
Revelation 1:7
Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.
Revelation 11:15
Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”
Matthew 2:2–9
…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.”
2 Peter 1:19
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.
Zechariah 10:4
The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together.
Psalm 45:6
Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.
Luke 1:78
…because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high,
2 Samuel 8:2
David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.
Hebrews 1:8
But about the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Seth: Third son of Adam and Eve, ancestor of righteous line

Places

Moab: Ancient kingdom east of the Dead Sea in Jordan

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Astrology Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of Gospel of Matthew History of Israel Jacob Jannes and Jambres Judaism Magi Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Poetry, Biblical Scepter Second Jewish Revolt Sheth Shittim (Place) Star Star in the East

Topics

David: King of Israel: Prophecies Concerning Him and his Kingdom Jesus, the Christ: King Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Sceptre Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Star Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Subjugation to Messiah Scepter (Sceptre): A Symbol of Authority Scepter (Sceptre): Figurative Sheth: 1.Translated As |Tumult| (Rv) In Stars of the Deliverer the King Christ: Foretold The Stars of Christ Titles and Names of Christ: Star

Numbers 24:17

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