He crouched, he lay down like a lion and like a lioness; who will rouse him up? Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about Israel's future power; it reveals that God's blessing on His people is so profound that any attempt to curse them backfires, actually bringing a curse upon the attacker. This isn't just a promise of protection, but a declaration that God Himself aligns with those who bless Israel, making them blessed too.
He crouched, he lay down like a lion and like a lioness; who will rouse him up? Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Balaam, under divine compulsion, has already delivered two oracles from God, both of which were blessings on Israel, much to King Balak's fury. Now, he looks toward the wilderness where Israel is camped and, with the Spirit of God upon him, declares a third powerful prophecy. This prophecy shifts from describing Israel's peaceful, secure settlement in their land to declaring God's sovereign protection over them.
Imagine a mighty lion, resting peacefully after a great hunt, utterly secure. This is the picture painted of Israel, but what does it truly mean for us today?
The verse paints a powerful image of Israel as a lion, 'crouched' and 'lying down.' This isn't a picture of weakness or idleness, but of profound security and strength.
A Secure Rest
After conquering their enemies, Israel will settle into the Promised Land with a deep sense of peace. Like a lion that has asserted its dominance, they will lie down without fear. No one dares to 'stir them up,' meaning to provoke them or initiate conflict. This imagery speaks to the ultimate security God provides for His people when they are in the place He has ordained for them.
More Than Just Military Might
While it points to military security, the lion metaphor also suggests an inherent power and majesty. It's a presence that commands respect and deters aggression. This isn't about Israel's own strength, but about God's power at work within and for them. It reminds us that true security and rest come from trusting in God's protection, not just our own defenses.
Ever feel like your words have a ripple effect? This verse shows that God's favor and displeasure have eternal consequences, both for nations and individuals.
The second half of the verse shifts focus dramatically: 'Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.' This isn't a casual observation; it's a declaration rooted in God's covenant promises.
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God's Imputed Favor and Disfavor
Balaam, even against his own intentions, pronounces a truth that reverberates through Scripture. God identifies Himself with His chosen people. To bless Israel is to align oneself with God's purposes and favor. Conversely, to curse or oppose Israel is to incur God's direct displeasure and judgment.
A Echo of Isaac's Blessing
These words are a powerful echo of the blessing Isaac gave to Jacob in Genesis 27:29: 'Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you.' God is reaffirming His foundational promise to Abraham and his descendants, a promise that impacts all nations.
Implications for Today
This principle extends beyond ancient Israel. The Church, as the spiritual descendant, is also under God's special protection. Our attitude towards God's people, towards the spread of the Gospel, and towards those God has set apart, reflects our alignment with Him. It's a call to consider how we bless or curse, not just with words, but with our actions and allegiances.
Understand the original words
ari · Hebrew Noun
A predator known for its courage, royalty, and ferocity. Often used as a symbol of the tribe of Judah and the ultimate Messiah who acts as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
barak · Hebrew Verb
To pronounce favor or empowerment upon someone, often involving God’s grace, protection, and provision. The blessing of God creates prosperity and security.
arar · Hebrew Verb
To invoke divine judgment or calamity upon someone; it is the opposite of blessing and results in ruin or separation from God’s favor.
This prophecy was delivered at a critical moment as Israel stood on the precipice of entering the Promised Land. Balaam's words, forced by God, paint a picture of Israel's unstoppable future and the divine protection they would receive.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Israelites Sojourn in Moab
The Israelites, having recently escaped Egypt and defeated various surrounding nations, are camped on the plains of Moab. Balak, the king of Moab, fears their presence and hires the prophet Balaam to curse them.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's Oracles Begin
Balaam attempts to curse Israel but is compelled by God to bless them instead. He delivers a series of pronouncements, or oracles, about Israel's future.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's Final Prophecy
In his final prophecy, Balaam describes Israel's invincible strength and their future blessings and curses, including the coming of a 'Star out of Jacob.'
c. 1400 BC
Balaam Departs
Unable to curse Israel and having blessed them instead, Balaam leaves Balak, who is furious with him.
c. 1400 BC
Israel's Continued Journey
The Israelites eventually move on from the plains of Moab, continuing their journey toward the Promised Land.
This passage echoes the exact phrasing of blessing and cursing used by Balaam, showing how the patriarchal blessing given to Jacob by Isaac carried a similar divine promise of protection and judgment.
Genesis 49:9The imagery of Judah crouching and lying down like a lion, awaiting conquest and then resting securely, directly parallels Balaam's prophecy and further emphasizes the fierce power and eventual security of the Israelite people.
Isaiah 54:17This verse speaks to God's ultimate defense of His people, declaring that no weapon formed against them will prosper, which resonates with the powerful statement in Numbers that no one can successfully curse those whom God blesses.
Zechariah 2:8The imagery of touching the 'apple of God's eye' powerfully illustrates the idea that harming or cursing God's chosen people is equivalent to provoking God Himself, underscoring the divine protection promised in Numbers 24:9.
Revelation 5:5This verse identifies Jesus as the 'Lion of the tribe of Judah,' connecting the powerful, unconquerable imagery in Numbers to the ultimate victory and sovereign power of the Messiah, who brings blessing to all who follow Him.
gillNumbers 24:9: "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 curseth thee."
He couched,.... Which may respect the posture of the armies of Israel in the plains of Moab: he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion; as he would do, and did in the land of Canaan, when conquered by Israel; they took up their residence on it quietly, and dwelt in it securely, and in no more fear of their enemies than a lion, whic…
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…
This verse isn't just about Israel's future power; it reveals that God's blessing on His people is so profound that any attempt to curse them backfires, actually bringing a curse upon the attacker. This isn't just a promise of protection, but a declaration that God Himself aligns with those who bless Israel, making them blessed too.
Balaam, under divine compulsion, has already delivered two oracles from God, both of which were blessings on Israel, much to King Balak's fury. Now, he looks toward the wilderness where Israel is camped and, with the Spirit of God upon him, declares a third powerful prophecy. This prophecy shifts from describing Israel's peaceful, secure settlement in their land to declaring God's sovereign protection over them.
Balaam, under divine compulsion, has already delivered two oracles from God, both of which were blessings on Israel, much to King Balak's fury. Now, he looks toward the wilderness where Israel is camped and, with the Spirit of God upon him, declares a third powerful prophecy. This prophecy shifts from describing Israel's peaceful, secure settlement in their land to declaring God's sovereign protection over them.
"He crouched, he lay down like a lion and like a lioness; who will rouse him up? Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.”" — This verse isn't just about Israel's future power; it reveals that God's blessing on His people is so profound that any attempt to curse them backfires, actually bringing a curse upon the attacker.…
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Last reviewed October 2026