Keraia
Numbers 24

Numbers 24:23

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

Translations

Modern
Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?
Traditional
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
Literal
And he lifted up his oracle and said, “Alas, who shall live when God does this?
Latin
Assumptaque parabola iterum locutus est: Heu! quis victurus est, quando ista faciet Deus?

Original

Hebrew
English
Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?

Notes

Numbers 24:23

This verse is similar to 22:12 and summarizes the lesson of the entire event.

Numbers 24:23–24

The message concludes by mentioning the appearance and downfall of invaders from Cyprus. The Hebrew term Kittim probably referred to various Mediterranean groups (compare Genesis 10:4; Jeremiah 2:10; Daniel 11:30).

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

People

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God

Glossary

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

Topics

Kenites: A Canaanite Tribe Whose Country Was Given to Abraham