And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though Balaam is leaving, he doesn't offer simple well wishes; instead, he promises to reveal the future, specifically how Israel will ultimately triumph over Moab and other enemies. This isn't just a parting conversation; it's a divine prophecy delivered through him, highlighting the inescapable destiny of God's people to prevail, regardless of present circumstances.
And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After his third failed attempt to curse Israel, Balaam announces he's leaving Balak's presence and offers one final word of counsel. He intends to reveal what Israel will ultimately do to Moab and other nations in the distant future.
Balaam was hired to curse Israel, but ended up blessing them. How did this turn of events lead to a profound prophecy about the future?
Balaam's journey was marked by a spiritual struggle. Initially seeking to curse Israel for personal gain at Balak's request, he found himself repeatedly compelled by God to bless them.
Balaam speaks of what Israel will do to Moab 'in the latter days.' What does this prophetic phrase signify, and what was its impact on Balak?
The phrase 'in the latter days' (or 'in the end of the days') is a significant prophetic marker.
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This verse comes at the end of Balaam's prophetic encounter with Balak. The historical context reveals Balaam's failed attempt to curse Israel, and his subsequent, divinely-compelled prophecies about their future dominance, particularly emphasizing the long-term consequences for Moab and other nations.
c. 1400 BC
Israel Exits Egypt and Journeys
The Israelites, after centuries of slavery, are miraculously led out of Egypt by God through Moses. They then begin a long journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Balak Hires Balaam to Curse Israel
Balak, king of Moab, hires the seer Balaam to curse the approaching Israelites, fearing their vast numbers and God's favor upon them. Balaam attempts this three times, but God intervenes, turning the curses into blessings.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's Final Prophecies
Unable to curse Israel, Balaam delivers a series of prophecies revealing Israel's future triumphs and the eventual downfall of their enemies, including Moab. He speaks of a 'Star' and 'Scepter' arising from Israel.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam Departs Moab
After delivering his prophecies, Balaam leaves Balak's presence and returns to his own people, his mission to curse Israel having failed spectacularly.
c. 1000 BC
David Subdues Moab
Centuries after Balaam's prophecy, King David of Israel successfully wages war against the Moabites, bringing them under Israelite dominion.
This verse uses the same phrase 'in the latter days' and introduces Jacob's final prophecies about his sons, setting a precedent for this kind of future-focused blessing and pronouncement.
Deuteronomy 23:4-6This passage recounts Balak's attempt to curse Israel through Balaam and God's subsequent judgment on those who opposed Israel, highlighting the theme of God's protection over His people.
Micah 6:5This verse directly references the encounter between Balak and Balaam, reminding the people of Israel of God's deliverance and the wicked counsel that was thwarted, underscoring the significance of Balaam's prophecies.
Revelation 2:14This New Testament passage explicitly mentions Balaam teaching Balak how to cause Israel to sin, connecting Balaam's manipulative actions and prophecies to ongoing spiritual warfare.
calvinNumbers 24:1-25: "And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness."
Deus eduxit eum ex AEgypto: sicut vires unicornis ei. Consumet gentes hostes suos, et ossa eorum conteret, et sagittis suis confodiet (vel, sagittas suas tinget sanguine.)
He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that cur…
ellicottNumbers 24:14: "And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days."
(14) I go unto my people. —Such was, probably, the intention of Balaam when he spoke these words. The account of the death of Balaam, however, shows that he still lingered amongst the Moabites. I will advertise thee . . . —The word which is here employed generally means to advise. The announcement which Balaam made to Balak virtually includ…
Even though Balaam is leaving, he doesn't offer simple well wishes; instead, he promises to reveal the future, specifically how Israel will ultimately triumph over Moab and other enemies. This isn't just a parting conversation; it's a divine prophecy delivered through him, highlighting the inescapable destiny of God's people to prevail, regardless of present circumstances.
After his third failed attempt to curse Israel, Balaam announces he's leaving Balak's presence and offers one final word of counsel. He intends to reveal what Israel will ultimately do to Moab and other nations in the distant future.
After his third failed attempt to curse Israel, Balaam announces he's leaving Balak's presence and offers one final word of counsel. He intends to reveal what Israel will ultimately do to Moab and other nations in the distant future.
"And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.”" — Even though Balaam is leaving, he doesn't offer simple well wishes; instead, he promises to reveal the future, specifically how Israel will ultimately triumph over Moab and other enemies. This isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026