Numbers 24:17-19
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Balaam sees a future ruler, but clarifies he won't see them now or near, emphasizing this isn't about the present Israelites he surveys. The "Star" and "Scepter" are not just symbols of royalty, but point to a specific, future king destined to bring judgment and dominion.
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. Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly. And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After three failed attempts to curse Israel, the frustrated King Balak sends Balaam away without the promised reward. As Balaam prepares to depart, he delivers a final series of prophetic oracles, revealing Israel's future dominance over surrounding nations, culminating in a powerful declaration about a future ruler from Jacob who will crush Israel's enemies. This final prophecy shifts the focus from Israel as a nation to a specific, future leader who will bring them ultimate victory.
Balaam is looking at Israel's camp, but he sees something else entirely. What is he truly seeing, and why is it 'not now' and 'not near'?
Balaam's vision isn't just about the present moment. While he sees Israel before him, his prophetic insight pierces through time. The phrase 'I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near' signifies that the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises lies in the future. This isn't about seeing an immediate event, but a distant one that is certain to come.
A Future Certainty
This future focus is crucial. It reassures Balak (and us) that God's blessing on Israel isn't happening just for today, but points to a grander, unfolding plan. It also highlights that the most significant figure in this prophecy, the 'Star' and 'Scepter,' is not yet present in Balaam's time, nor even in David's, but points to a future King.
Why use symbols like a 'star' and a 'scepter'? What do these images tell us about the One who is coming?
The prophecy of a 'Star out of Jacob' and a 'Scepter' out of Israel is incredibly rich.
Celestial Brightness and Royal Power
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Together, these images paint a picture of a future leader who is both divinely brilliant and divinely appointed to rule. While some see a partial fulfillment in David, the ultimate fulfillment is recognized by Jewish and Christian interpreters alike to be the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
This coming leader won't just be a symbol of hope; he's also destined to conquer. Who are the enemies, and what does this 'crushing' mean?
The prophecy doesn't stop with symbols of royalty; it speaks of decisive action against enemies.
The Scope of Conquest
This aspect of the prophecy assures us that the reign of the 'Star' and 'Scepter' will bring ultimate victory over all forces that stand against God and His people, both in historical and ultimate, spiritual terms.
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.
radah · Hebrew Verb
The act of governing or exercising authority; in a biblical context, it often points to the Messianic rule that will ultimately subjugate all opposing forces.
This prophecy, spoken by a non-Israelite sorcerer under divine compulsion, points to a future ruler from Israel—understood by many Jewish and Christian interpreters as the Messiah—who would not only conquer earthly enemies like Moab but also bring ultimate, cosmic judgment and redemption.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Balaam's Oracles
Balaam, a foreign diviner, is hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites as they camp near his land. Instead, God compels Balaam to utter blessings and prophecies, including this one about a future ruler from Israel.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign
King David of Israel conquers Moab, fulfilling the prophecy in a partial, earthly sense by crushing their power and establishing Israelite dominion.
c. 1st Century AD
First Coming of Jesus
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, is born in Bethlehem, a descendant of Jacob and Judah, fulfilling the 'Star' and 'Scepter' prophecy.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman Empire destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, scattering the Jewish people and marking a significant shift in the fulfillment of prophecies regarding God's people and their enemies.
Future
Second Coming of Christ
The prophecy culminates with Christ's return, signifying the ultimate crushing of all opposition to God's kingdom and the establishment of His eternal rule.
This passage, spoken by Jacob, also uses the imagery of a scepter rising out of Judah to signify a future ruler, strongly echoing the 'scepter' mentioned in Numbers 24:17 and pointing to the same royal lineage.
Matthew 2:1-2The arrival of the Magi in Jerusalem, seeking the 'king of the Jews' because they 'saw his star in the East,' directly connects to Balaam's prophecy of a 'star out of Jacob' and suggests a fulfillment of this sign.
Psalm 110:2This psalm speaks of the Lord sending out the 'scepter of your strength from Zion,' which resonates with Balaam's vision of a scepter rising out of Israel, linking the royal authority to Zion and God's power.
Revelation 22:16Jesus identifies Himself as the 'bright morning star,' directly fulfilling the symbolic imagery of a 'star out of Jacob' and revealing the ultimate identity of this prophesied ruler.
2 Samuel 8:2This historical account describes David smiting and subduing the Moabites, providing a historical instance of the 'smitten corners of Moab' mentioned by Balaam, which is seen as a partial fulfillment of the prophecy.
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 sees a future ruler, but clarifies he won't see them now or near, emphasizing this isn't about the present Israelites he surveys. The "Star" and "Scepter" are not just symbols of royalty, but point to a specific, future king destined to bring judgment and dominion.
After three failed attempts to curse Israel, the frustrated King Balak sends Balaam away without the promised reward. As Balaam prepares to depart, he delivers a final series of prophetic oracles, revealing Israel's future dominance over surrounding nations, culminating in a powerful declaration about a future ruler from Jacob who will crush Israel's enemies. This final prophecy shifts the focus from Israel as a nation to a specific, future leader who will bring them ultimate victory.
After three failed attempts to curse Israel, the frustrated King Balak sends Balaam away without the promised reward. As Balaam prepares to depart, he delivers a final series of prophetic oracles, revealing Israel's future dominance over surrounding nations, culminating in a powerful declaration about a future ruler from Jacob who will crush Israel's enemies. This final prophecy shifts the focus from Israel as a nation to a specific, future leader who will bring them ultimate victory.
"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. Edom shal…" — Balaam sees a future ruler, but clarifies he won't see them now or near, emphasizing this isn't about the present Israelites he surveys. The "Star" and "Scepter" are not just symbols of royalty,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
