In this third prophecy Balaam speaks of Israel’s future blessings and of their great king. He heard the words of God and saw a vision of the future. In particular, he saw the greatness of King Jesus who will be “higher than Agag and his kingdom will be exalted”. “Agag” was the title of the King of the Amalekites, the first nation that warred against Israel and is typical of the enemies of Israel whose “latter end shall be that he perish for ever”. The title of the leader of the nations whom Jesus will destroy when he attacks Israel is “Gog” (Ezekiel 38:16,23)Ezekiel 38:16,23XWaiting for response which in Chaldean (in which Ezekiel wrote) is the same as “Agag” in Hebrew. Gog will be the ruler of Russia, and a leader of a mighty confederacy of nations, and his defeat will demonstrate to all people that Jesus has returned and is to be King of kings and Lord of lords.
Israel are God’s people and others make a great mistake in afflicting them. Unfortunately history recounts how most nations have persecuted the Jews, but God has seen this and declared of Israel: “Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee”. This should motivate us to have the right attitude towards God’s people of Israel - not to curse, but to bless them.
Balaam's prediction concerns the rise of David and the kingdom of Israel. The "star" refers to David, who was a descendant of Jacob (Israel), who struck down the Moabites (2 Samuel 8:2)2 Samuel 8:2XWaiting for response and the Edomites (2 Samuel 8:13,14;2 Samuel 8:13,14XWaiting for response 1 Kings 11:15,16;1 Kings 11:15,16XWaiting for response 1 Chronicles 18:12,13).1 Chronicles 18:12,13XWaiting for response Thus, under David, Israel prospered and the nations round about were subjugated and often had to bring tribute (eg, 2 Samuel 8:2,6).2 Samuel 8:2,6XWaiting for response
This prophecy speaks of Jesus and the future kingdom of Israel as well. Jesus also being the "star", one of his titles being "the bright Morning Star" (Luke 1:78-79;Luke 1:78-79XWaiting for response Revelation 22:16),Revelation 22:16XWaiting for response who also is a descendant of Jacob (Israel), and who will strike down the enemies of God (Revelation 19:11-16).Revelation 19:11-16XWaiting for response
The prophecies of Balaam continue in this chapter, as in the previous chapter. In this chapter, they focus on the far off future when Jesus will be king of Israel. i.e. "the latter days" v14Numbers 24:14XWaiting for response