Keraia
Numbers 24

Numbers 24:22

Balaam’s Final Three Oracles · Numbers 24:20–25
Read Numbers 24

Translations

Modern
Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”
Traditional
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
Literal
For nevertheless the Kenite shall be for burning, until when Asshur will take you captive.”
Latin
…et fueris electus de stirpe Cin, quamdiu poteris permanere? Assur enim capiet te.

Original

Hebrew
English
Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”

Notes

Numbers 24:21–22

Assyria would destroy the Kenites, a desert people living in the same areas as the Amalekites and Midianites. Moses married a Kenite (Judges 1:16; 4:11; compare Numbers 10:29–32). The Kenites were mostly friendly with Israel after that time (for example, 1 Samuel 15:6; 27:10; 30:27–30).

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 Moab and Ammon

Places

Assyria: A powerful ancient empire, often in conflict with Israel Kain: A town in the hill country of Judah

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of Jannes and Jambres Kain (Tribe) Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Poetry, Biblical Shittim (Place)

Topics

Assyria: Predictions Respecting: Conquest of the Kenites By Kenites: A Canaanite Tribe Whose Country Was Given to Abraham The Kenites: Ruin of, Predicted