Numbers 24:7

Translations

Modern

Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.

Traditional

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

Literal

He shall pour water from his buckets, and his seed is abundant in waters. And his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

Latin

Fluet aqua de situla ejus, et semen illius erit in aquas multas. Tolletur propter Agag, rex ejus, et auferetur regnum illius.

Original

Hebrew

English

Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.

Notes

Numbers 24:6–7

The Lord’s favor is shown by comparing Israel to groves and gardens that have plenty of water. In a dry land, water brings life and growth. This picture shows how God was caring for his people.

Israel’s growing population also showed God’s blessing (24:7; as mentioned in 23:10). This growth would become even clearer in the second census recorded in chapter 26.

Numbers 24:7–9

God's blessing would allow the Israelites defeat their enemies (see 24:15–24).
Agag was an Amalekite king whom King Saul defeated (1 Samuel 15:7–9, 32–33). The Amalekites, a desert people, were traditional enemies of the Hebrews (compare Numbers 14:45; Exodus 17:8–16). Agag was probably a traditional title for their king. Since God brought Israel out of Egypt, he fought for them like a warrior and a wild animal (wild ox and lion; Numbers 24:8–9).
Blessed … cursed: See Genesis 12:3; 27:29.

Numbers 24:3–9

The third message describes God's plan to bless Israel again.

Numbers 23:27–24:14

Unhappy with Balaam's blessing, Balak hoped a new location would change the outcome. Although the exact location of Mount Peor is unknown, it was probably near a worship site for Baal of Peor and the Beth-peor (compare 25:3, 5). See Deuteronomy 3:29; 34:6 for where they buried Moses.

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 Spirit Empowerment The Priestly Blessing

Related verses

2 Samuel 5:12
And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.
1 Chronicles 14:2
And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had highly exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.
Jeremiah 51:13
You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut.
Revelation 17:1
Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters.
Revelation 17:15
Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.
Revelation 19:16
And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
1 Samuel 15:8–9
He captured Agag king of Amalek alive, but devoted all the others to destruction with the sword.
Psalm 18:43
You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me.
1 Samuel 15:32–33
Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites.” Agag came to him cheerfully, for he thought, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.”
Ezra 4:20
And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them.
John 1:49
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
Psalm 68:26
Bless God in the great congregation; bless the LORD from the fountain of Israel.

People

Agag: King mentioned in Balaam's oracle about Israel

Glossary

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

Topics

Agag: A King of the Amalekites Balaam: A Prophet Bucket: General Scriptures Concerning Prophecy: Gift of, Sometimes Possessed by Unconverted Men The Amalekites: A Powerful and Influential Nation Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny

Numbers 24:7

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