But now that I am about to go to my own people, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.” 15 Then he recited his poem: The oracle of Balaam, son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is true, 16 The oracle of one who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows, Of one who sees what the Almighty sees, in rapture and with eyes unveiled. 17 I see him, though not now; I observe him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel, that will crush the brows of Moab, and the skull of all the Sethites, 18 Edom will be dispossessed, and no survivor is left in Seir. Israel will act boldly, 19 and Jacob will rule his foes.
Balaam was a non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is best known for his interactions with the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land. Initially, Balaam was called by King Balak of Moab to curse Israel (Num 22:6), but God intervened, and each time Balaam tried to pronounce a curse on Israel, God turned his words into blessings (Num 23:8, 23:20). In this passage, Balaam prophesies the rise of a future king from Israel who will defeat Israel’s enemies and establish a reign of peace, symbolized by the "star" and "scepter" that will rise from Israel (v. 17).
Balaam’s prophecy highlights the coming of a ruler from Israel, described as a "star" and a "scepter." These images symbolize the power and sovereignty of this king who will crush the enemies of Israel and establish God's kingdom. The prophecy echoes earlier oracles in Numbers, in which Balaam, under the divine influence, refuses to curse Israel and instead praises God's intentions for His people.
This prophecy is significant because it points to a future messianic figure. The star and scepter imagery are often understood as references to the coming Messiah, who would fulfill God's promises to Israel and extend His dominion to the nations. In Jewish tradition, this prophecy was often interpreted as pointing to a future Davidic king, in line with the broader Messianic expectations of the time. This theme of God's providence through a chosen ruler connects to the broader narrative of salvation history, in which God, despite Israel’s failings, continues to work through His chosen people to bring about His plan of salvation for all.
This prophecy finds a connection in the New Testament, especially in Matthew 2:1-2, when the Magi, guided by a star, seek the newborn "King of the Jews" in Bethlehem. The Magi’s recognition of the star and their search for the Messiah are a fulfillment of Balaam’s prophecy of a star rising out of Israel (v. 17). The Magi, who are Gentiles, represent the nations who come to worship the Christ, illustrating the universal scope of Christ’s reign. The star also symbolizes divine guidance, as the Magi’s journey to find the Messiah demonstrates God's orchestration of salvation for both Israel and the Gentiles.
Balaam’s prophecy mirrors the prophecy of a coming ruler found in other parts of the Bible, such as Is. 9:6-7, which speaks of a child born who will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This ruler will establish justice and peace, which aligns with Balaam's depiction of a ruler who will crush Israel’s enemies and bring peace. Likewise, the book of Revelation speaks of the ultimate victory of Christ, the "King of kings" (Rev 19:16), which is the culmination of the promise to which Balaam alluded.
The coming of the "star" in Balaam’s prophecy, fulfilled in Christ, represents God's plan to bring salvation to Israel and to the Gentiles through Jesus, the promised Messiah.
Almighty God, We thank You for the prophecy of Balaam, which points us to the coming of the Messiah, the King who brings peace and salvation. As the star guided the Magi to the newborn King, may Your light continue to guide us toward Christ, the true fulfillment of Your promises. Help us to trust in Your sovereign plan for salvation, for both Israel and the nations, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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