Numbers 23:24-25 KJV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 23:13-30

Here is, I. Preparation made the second time, as before, for the cursing of Israel. 1. The place is changed, Num. 23:13. Balak fancied that Balaam, having so full a prospect of the whole camp of Israel, from the top of the rocks (Num. 23:9), was either so enamoured with the beauty of it that he would not curse them or so affrighted with the terror of it that he durst not; and therefore he would bring him to another place, form which he might see only some part of them, which would appear more... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:24

Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion ,.... Or rather, "as the lioness" F14 כלביא "ut leaena", V. L. Tigurine version. , which, as Aelianus says F15 Var. Hist. l. 12. c. 39. Vid. Herodot. Thalia, sive, l. 3. c. 108. , is the strongest and most warlike beast, the most fierce and furious, as is believed both by Greeks and Barbarians; and he mentions the heroism of Perdiccas the Macedonian, and Semiramis the Assyrian, in engaging with and killing, not the lion or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:25

And Balak said unto Balaam, neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all. Signifying that it would be as well or better to do nothing at all, than to do what he did; but the sense is not, that he would not have him curse them, that he could never say, since he had pressed it both before and after this; wherefore the words should be rendered, as they are by some F16 So Fagius, Vatablus; with which agree the Arabic version, and Noldius, p. 221. No. 1024. , "if in cursing thou dost... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 23:24

Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion - לביא labi , the great, mighty, or old lion, the king of the forest, who is feared and respected by all the other beasts of the field; so shall Israel be the subduer and possessor of the whole land of Canaan. And as a young lion, ארי ari from ארה arah , to tear off, the predatory lion, or the lion in the act of seizing and tearing his prey; - the nations against whom the Israelites are now going shall be no more able to defend... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 23:24

Verse 24 24.Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion. This comparison is not in every respect accurate; for it does not signify that the Israelites should be cruel or rapacious, but merely bold and strong, and prompt in their resistance if any should provoke them. In the next chapter, it will occur again with a slight change in the words. What Balaam here predicates generally of the whole people, is applied in the blessings of Jacob to the tribe of Judah alone, (Genesis 49:9,) because... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 23:25

Verse 25 25.And Balak said unto Balaam. Here we may behold as in a mirror how wretchedly unbelievers are driven to and fro, so as to alternate between vain hopes and fears, though by their changes of purpose they are still brought back to the same errors, as if their blind passion led them through a labyrinth. When Balak sees that he is deceived in his opinion, he seeks at least that the hireling prophet should neither profit nor injure. This, however, is exactly as if he would have God to lie... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 23:24

As a great lion. לָבִיא , generally translated "old lion," as in Genesis 49:9 . By some it is rendered lioness (cf. Job 4:11 ; Nahum 2:12 ). As a young lion. אַרִי , the ordinary term for a lion without further distinction. It is altogether fantastic to suppose that Balaam had just seen a lieu coming up from the ghor of Jordan, and that this "omen" inspired his " mashal ." The rising of a lion from its covert was one of the most common of the more striking phenomena of nature... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 23:24

Numbers 23:24. As a great lion As a lion rouseth up himself to fight, or to go out to the prey, so shall Israel stir up themselves to warlike attempts against their enemies. He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey They shall not lay down their arms until they have made an entire conquest of their enemies; just as the lion, risen up to pursue his prey, doth not usually lie down till he hath taken that prey, and drunk the blood of the beasts he has slain. The prophecy seems to have a... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Numbers 23:1-30

Balaam’s announcements (22:36-24:25)Balak welcomed Balaam and took him to a high place where he could see the vastness of the Israelite camp. Balak no doubt hoped that Balaam, on seeing this, would be convinced that the Israelites were a serious threat and would put a destructive curse upon them (36-41). But Balaam announced God’s approval of the Israelites. Their vast number, their place in history and their present migration were according to God’s will. Balaam comforted himself with the... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Numbers 23:1-30

Balaam’s seven oracles chs. 23-24"Chapters 23 and 24 are two of the brightest chapters in the book of Numbers. Scores of wonderful things are said about Israel, mainly prophetical. The dark sins of the past were forgotten; only happy deliverance from Egypt was cited." [Note: Jensen, p. 99.] read more