Numbers 24:1

CHAPTER XXIV

Balaam, finding that God was determined to bless Israel, seeks

no longer for enchantments, 1.

The Spirit of God coming upon him, he delivers a most important

prophetic parable, 2-9.

Balak's anger is kindled against him, and he commands him to

depart to his own country, 10,11.

Balaam vindicates his conduct, 12, 13;

and delivers a prophecy relative to the future destruction of

Moab by the Israelites, 14-17;

also of Edom, 18, 19;

of the Amalekites, 20;

and of the Kenites, 21, 22.

Predicts also the destruction of Asshur and Eber, by the naval

power of Chittim, which should afterwards be itself destroyed,

23, 24.

Balaam and Balak separate, 25.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXIV

Verse Numbers 24:1. He went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments] We have already had occasion to observe that the proper meaning of the word נחש nachash is not easily ascertained; see Numbers 21:9, and see on Genesis 3:1. Here the plural נחשים nechashim is rendered enchantments; but it probably means no more than the knowledge of future events. When Balaam saw that it pleased God to bless Israel, he therefore thought it unnecessary to apply for any farther prophetic declarations of God's will as he had done before, for he could safely infer every good to this people, from the evident disposition of God towards them.