There Shall Come a Star Out of Jacob (Numbers 24:14-24)

2023-05-09

Balaam was a prophet who was not an Israelite. He also was a wicked man, but the Lord spoke through him anyway. He was a wicked man but not a false prophet.

One of His prophecies is about Jesus. According to the prophet, Jesus would rise up “to thy people in the latter days” (Numbers 24:14).

Jesus is called a Star and a Scepter. He is a bright Light who comes in ruling power. “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” (Numbers 24:17).

This Ruler would destroy the surrounding enemies of Israel. “Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city” (Numbers 24:19). Balaam enumerates specific enemies of Israel that this ruler would destroy.

Jesus also has a scepter as He reigns over the kingdoms. “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom” (Hebrews 1:8).

Jesus is also called a star. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star” (Revelation 22:16). And again, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

However, beware of any counterfeit star! “Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon” (Acts 7:43).