44. The “Star out of Jacob,” Part 1 (Numbers 24:1–19)

• Jul, 23 2025

"Chapter Forty‑Four: Balaam’s Third & Fourth Oracles (Numbers 24:1–19)1. Balaam’s New Resolve (vv. 1–4) God’s blessing of Israel is now undeniable, so Balaam abandons his occult arts and turns fully to God’s word.Filled with the Spirit, he delivers two linked oracles as one inspired speech.2. The Third Oracle: Israel’s Splendor & Strength (vv. 5–9) “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob… as gardens by the river’s side!”Beauty & Plenty (vv. 5–6): Israel’s camp spreads like verdant valleys—protected and flourishing by God’s provision.Fruitful Posterity (v. 7): Their offspring “pour out of his buckets”; their king outshines Agag (the Amalekite); their realm “shall be exalted.”Conquering Power (v. 8): God’s deliverer forces “his enemies” to crack like bones under a unicorn’s (buffalo’s) strength—piercing them with arrows.Royal Might (v. 9): Israel crouches like a lion—untouchable. “Blessed is he that blesseth thee; cursed is he that curseth thee.”Key truth: God’s people, under His anointed King, are both beautifully sustained and fearsomely victorious.3. Balak’s Frustration (vv. 10–14) King Balak, having paid Balaam for curses, is furious at three successive blessings.Balaam replies: “I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD; what He says, that I will speak.”He departs, promising one final oracle of Israel’s far‑off destiny.4. The Fourth Oracle: The Coming Star & Sceptre (vv. 15–19) “I shall see him, but not now… there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…”Messianic Vision (vv. 15–16): Balaam sees, “in trance yet eyes open,” the Almighty’s future King.Star of Jacob (v. 17): A stellar sign heralds the Messiah’s birth—the light of the nations.Sceptre of Rule (v. 17): He alone wields the world’s authority, crushing Moab and all foes (the “sons of tumult”).Universal Conquest (vv. 18–19): Edom and Seir fall; Israel “shall do valiantly.” From Jacob “he that shall have dominion”—no city or power can stand before Him.Key truth: The promised King—Jesus Christ—will arise, vanquish every enemy, and establish an everlasting kingdom.Why This Matters God‑given victory: Balaam’s own pagan heart cannot obscure Israel’s divine destiny.Messianic fulfillment: This Old Testament oracle finds its complete expression in Christ (cf. Matt 2:1–2; Rev 19:15–16).Our confidence: Though we face hostile powers today, the Star out of Jacob guarantees the Sceptre’s triumph.Bottom line: Balaam’s two oracles reveal both the present glory and future dominion of God’s people—centered on the coming Star and Sceptre, the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone brings blessing and executes divine justice."

Author

R.J. Rushdoony

Chalcedon Founder

Narrated by

Nathan F. Conkey

Narrator, teacher, missionary