God brings them out of Egypt and is for them like the horns of the wild ox.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes God's power in bringing Israel out of Egypt, not just as a past event, but as an ongoing action of bringing them forth. This divine intervention is then directly linked to the people's immense strength, compared to a powerful wild ox, suggesting that their might is a direct impartation from God Himself.
God brings them out of Egypt and is for them like the horns of the wild ox.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Balak, frustrated that his attempts to curse Israel have failed, brings Balaam to a new vantage point to try again. Balaam, compelled by God, declares that Israel is blessed, not cursed, because God Himself brought them out of Egypt and sustains them with incredible, untameable strength. This divine intervention means no enchantment or sorcery can touch them, and God’s power ensures their ultimate triumph.
God's power isn't just a past event; it's an ongoing reality that began with a mighty act of rescue.
The verse reminds us that God's power displayed in the Exodus from Egypt is not a relic of the past. It's the very power that continues to uphold and protect Israel. When God brought them out, it wasn't a simple departure; it was a demonstration of His strength against the might of Egypt. This act signifies that He is their ongoing protector and sustainer, especially as they face new challenges.
What does a powerful, untamed animal have to do with God's relationship with His people?
The comparison of Israel's strength to the 'horns of the wild ox' (or buffalo/aurochs) speaks to God's fierce protection and the formidable nature of His people when empowered by Him. This isn't about Israel's inherent might, but God's might for them. The 'reem' was known for its untamable strength and defensive power. God equips His people with this level of resilience and capability against their adversaries, demonstrating that He stands with them as a powerful defender.
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re'em · Hebrew Noun
A term describing a powerful, untamable animal used in scripture as a symbol of overwhelming strength, ferocity, and divine power deployed on behalf of Israel.
This verse anchors Israel's identity and strength in God's powerful act of deliverance from Egypt, a foundational event that defined them as a people set apart, equipped with His mighty power for the challenges ahead.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
Following 400 years of slavery, God miraculously delivers the Israelites from Egyptian bondage under Moses' leadership, initiating their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites journey through the Sinai wilderness for 40 years, facing challenges and learning to rely on God's provision and guidance.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After Moses' death, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River to begin the conquest of the Promised Land, displacing the native Canaanite peoples.
This passage echoes the mighty power displayed in bringing Israel out of Egypt, describing God's right hand striking with 'splendor and might,' mirroring the strength implied in Numbers 23:22.
Deuteronomy 33:17This verse directly compares Joseph's strength and might to the 'horns of the wild ox,' a concept very similar to the 'horns of the unicorn' used to describe Israel's invincible power in Numbers 23:22.
Psalm 92:10This psalm speaks of God anointing the righteous with fresh oil and lifting up their 'horns like those of the wild ox,' connecting the imagery of powerful horns to divine favor and strength, much like Balaam's declaration about Israel.
Job 39:9-12This passage vividly describes the untamable strength and ferocity of the 'wild ox' (re'em), providing context for the powerful metaphor used to characterize Israel's might and God's protection.
gillNumbers 23:22: "God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn."
God brought them out of Egypt,.... With a mighty hand and stretched out arm, and he will conduct them through the wilderness, and bring them safe to Canaan's land; he that brought them from thence will not suffer them to perish by any means; it is in vain to attempt to curse a people that is in such hands, and for whom he has done such great things: Jarchi thinks this stands opposed to what Balak had…
calvinNumbers 23:1-30: "And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams."
And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all; and curse me them from thence.
Tunc dixit ad cum Balac: Veni obsecro mecum ad alterum locum, unde videas illum (tantummodo extremum ejus vidisti, et totum ipsum non vidisti) et ei maledic mi…
The verse emphasizes God's power in bringing Israel out of Egypt, not just as a past event, but as an ongoing action of bringing them forth. This divine intervention is then directly linked to the people's immense strength, compared to a powerful wild ox, suggesting that their might is a direct impartation from God Himself.
Balak, frustrated that his attempts to curse Israel have failed, brings Balaam to a new vantage point to try again. Balaam, compelled by God, declares that Israel is blessed, not cursed, because God Himself brought them out of Egypt and sustains them with incredible, untameable strength. This divine intervention means no enchantment or sorcery can touch them, and God’s power ensures their ultimate triumph.
Balak, frustrated that his attempts to curse Israel have failed, brings Balaam to a new vantage point to try again. Balaam, compelled by God, declares that Israel is blessed, not cursed, because God Himself brought them out of Egypt and sustains them with incredible, untameable strength. This divine intervention means no enchantment or sorcery can touch them, and God’s power ensures their ultimate triumph.
"God brings them out of Egypt and is for them like the horns of the wild ox." — The verse emphasizes God's power in bringing Israel out of Egypt, not just as a past event, but as an ongoing action of bringing them forth. This divine intervention is then directly linked to the pe…
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Last reviewed October 2026