I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Balaam shifts from seeing "him" (an unspecified person or entity) to seeing "a Star" and "a Scepter." This isn't just two different metaphors for a leader; the "Star" speaks of a glorious, perhaps unexpected, arrival, while the "Scepter" signifies rightful, established authority, pointing to a multifaceted figure of cosmic significance.
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Balaam, pressured by God, is delivering his final oracles, shifting from curses to blessings. Frustrated that he cannot curse Israel as his patron Balak desired, Balaam now prophesies about a future, mighty ruler from Israel who will conquer Israel's enemies, specifically the Moabites. This sets the stage for a prophecy that has been interpreted for centuries as pointing to a coming king, culminating in the Messiah.
Balaam sees a future ruler, but not in his lifetime. What does this delay reveal about God's timing?
In Numbers 24:17, Balaam declares, 'I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near.' This isn't a statement of uncertainty, but a prophetic certainty about someone who is not yet present. Even though Balaam is forced to bless Israel, he sees a future leader who will bring them ultimate victory. The 'not now' and 'not nigh' emphasize that this promised ruler's arrival is in God's perfect timing, far beyond Balaam's own experience. It's a powerful reminder that God's promises often unfold over generations, requiring patience and faith.
This future figure is described with vivid imagery:
Together, these images paint a picture of a supreme ruler who will emerge from Israel, bringing both light and authority.
The promised ruler will bring not only blessing but also decisive judgment. Who are the 'sons of Sheth,' and what does this crushing signify?
The prophecy continues with powerful imagery of judgment: 'it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.' This isn't just a minor defeat; it's a complete subjugation and destruction.
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This prophetic declaration assures Israel that their future ruler will bring decisive victory, eradicating their enemies and securing their future.
Understand the original words
kokab · Hebrew Noun
A celestial body or figure, here used metaphorically to represent a coming King or Messiah from the line of Jacob who brings light, guidance, and royal authority.
shebet · Hebrew Noun
A royal staff carried by a monarch, symbolizing sovereign authority, judicial power, and the right to rule over a people or kingdom.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Israelites Wander in the Wilderness
After their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the Sinai wilderness for 40 years. During this time, they encountered various nations, including the Moabites.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's Oracles
Balak, king of Moab, hired the diviner Balaam to curse the Israelites. Balaam, despite his intentions, was compelled by God to pronounce blessings instead, culminating in prophecies about Israel's future.
c. 1000 BC
Reign of King David
King David of Israel conquered Moab and other surrounding nations, fulfilling the prophecy of smiting their
c. 1000 BC
King David's Conquest of Moab
King David subdued Moab, fulfilling the prophecy of smiting their 'corners' or borders. This event marked a significant expansion of Israelite influence and power.
c. 1st Century BC - 1st Century AD
Jewish Expectation of Messiah
During this period, there was a strong expectation among many Jews for the coming of a Messiah who would restore Israel's glory and rule.
c. 4 BC - c. 30 AD
Ministry of Jesus Christ
Jesus, recognized by many Christians as the promised Star and Scepter, fulfilled messianic prophecies through his teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.
This verse is directly echoed in Jacob's dying prophecy, where he speaks of a 'scepter' not departing from Judah, linking the imagery of royal authority to the tribe of Israel.
Psalm 110:2This Psalm speaks of God sending forth the 'scepter of your strength from Zion,' aligning with the idea of a powerful ruler emerging from Israel to exert dominion.
Matthew 2:1-2The Magi, wise men from the East, recognized a 'star' rising in the East and came to Jerusalem seeking the 'king of the Jews,' directly connecting the 'star' imagery of Numbers 24:17 to the birth of Jesus.
Revelation 22:16In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the 'bright morning star,' fulfilling the symbolic representation of a glorious and divine ruler foretold in Balaam's prophecy.
Jeremiah 48:45This passage in Jeremiah quotes Balaam's prophecy almost directly, showing how later prophets recognized the enduring significance and application of this message concerning the downfall of Moab.
gillNumbers 24:17: "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."
I shall see him, but not now,.... Meaning not Israel, for he now saw him encamped, and at no great distance; but one that should descend from him, a famous and excellent person, and who is no other than the Messiah, as appears by what follows; him he should see, n…
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…
Balaam shifts from seeing "him" (an unspecified person or entity) to seeing "a Star" and "a Scepter." This isn't just two different metaphors for a leader; the "Star" speaks of a glorious, perhaps unexpected, arrival, while the "Scepter" signifies rightful, established authority, pointing to a multifaceted figure of cosmic significance.
Balaam, pressured by God, is delivering his final oracles, shifting from curses to blessings. Frustrated that he cannot curse Israel as his patron Balak desired, Balaam now prophesies about a future, mighty ruler from Israel who will conquer Israel's enemies, specifically the Moabites. This sets the stage for a prophecy that has been interpreted for centuries as pointing to a coming king, culminating in the Messiah.
Balaam, pressured by God, is delivering his final oracles, shifting from curses to blessings. Frustrated that he cannot curse Israel as his patron Balak desired, Balaam now prophesies about a future, mighty ruler from Israel who will conquer Israel's enemies, specifically the Moabites. This sets the stage for a prophecy that has been interpreted for centuries as pointing to a coming king, culminating in the Messiah.
"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth." — Balaam shifts from seeing "him" (an unspecified person or entity) to seeing "a Star" and "a Scepter." This isn't just two different metaphors for a leader; the "Star" speaks of a glorious, perhaps un…
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Last reviewed October 2026