Bible Commentaries

pleased the LORD. Hebrew was good in the eyes of Jehovah.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

other times. Compare Numbers 23:3, Numbers 23:15, and see Structure (p. 215).

to seek for enchantments = to meet with familiar spirits (Deuteronomy 18:10, Deuteronomy 18:14). Hebrew. nechashim, from nachash, a serpent. Compare Genesis 3:1, and see App-19.

according to their tribes. Compare Numbers 2.

the spirit of God (Hebrew. "Elohim). This expression occurs eight times outside the books of Samuel (Genesis 1:2; Genesis 41:38. Exodus 31:3; Exodus 35:31. Exodus 24:2. Ezekiel 11:24. 2 Chronicles 15:1; 2 Chronicles 24:20). In all other places it is "the spirit of Jehovah".

Spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

upon. Always "upon "(not "in ") in Old Testament.

And he took up his parable. Compare Numbers 23:7, Numbers 23:18.

the man = the strong or mighty man. Hebrew. geber. See App-14.

whose eyes are. Hebrew "whose eye is".

open. Hebrew. shatham, to close, i.e. "the man with closed eye", i.e. in an ecstasy; closed, but seeing.

of. Genitive of origin = words from God.

GOD = the mighty God. Hebrew. "El. App-4.

falling into a trance. The Ellipsis better supplied - "falling [to the ground]".

How goodly. Figure of speech Thaumasmos. App-6. This is only in "the vision of the Almighty".

Jacob. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), put for posterity (App-6).

And. This not to be in italics, according to some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Syriac, and Vulgate.

Israel. See note on "Jacob", Numbers 24:5.

As the trees of lign aloes, &c. Some codices, with The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Septuagint, and Syriac, read "as tents which Jehovah hath pitched".

pour the water. This refers to Millennial blessings. See Eze 47and Zec 14.

him. Some codices, with Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel and Syriac, read "them". Compare Numbers 23:22.

unicorn. See note on Numbers 23:22.

He couched, &c. Compare Genesis 49:9.

cursed . . . curseth. Hebrew. "arar, execrate, chiefly as to its effect. See notes on Numbers 22:11; Numbers 23:8.

Balak's anger. See note on Exodus 10:28.

curse = to pierce with words. Hebrew. kabab. See note on Numbers 22:11.

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

altogether blessed. Hebrew "a blessing thou hast blessed". Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6. See note on Genesis 26:28.

promote thee unto great honour. See note on Numbers 22:17, Numbers 22:37.

lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

the latter days = the end of the days, denoting a definite period. Compare Genesis 49:1. Deuteronomy 4:30. Isaiah 2:2. Jeremiah 23:20; Jeremiah 30:24; Jeremiah 48:47; Jeremiah 49:39. Ezekiel 38:16. Daniel 10:14. Hosea 3:5. Micah 4:1.

Most High. Hebrew. Elyon, the High One over all the earth. See note on first occurrence, Genesis 14:18. The Old Testament usage of this title is always in connection with dominion in the earth. App-4.

but not. Hebrew Who is not.

Star. Hebrew. kokab = Messiah. See Luke 1:78. 2 Peter 1:19. Revelation 2:28; Revelation 22:16, and compare Matthew 2:2. Sceptre. See note on Genesis 49:10, and compare Psa 2.

corners = quarters.

destroy = subdue.

Sheth = Seth, i.e. all men, for all are now descendants of Sheth through Noah.

Out of Jacob. In Hebrew there is the Ellipsis of the Participle (App-6); "shall come "is implied and should be repeated from the previous clause. Revised Version is literal.

the first: i.e. the first that warred against Israel. Exodus 17:8. Not the first in time or importance. shall be, &c. = "[shall be] destruction". Compare Exodus 17:16.

Kenites. With the word "nest" forms the Figure of speech Paronomasia (App-6). Hebrew. ben kain.

nest. Hebrew. ken.

took up. This is not a fifth parable, but part of the fourth.

live = survive.

Chittim. A son of Javan, son of Japheth. Genesis 10:4. Probably Cyprus, including north coast-line of Mediterranean, spelled Kittim in Genesis 10:4 and 1 Chronicles 1:7.

afflict = humble.

Asshur = Assyrians.

Eber = the Hebrews.

he also: i.e. who sends the ships and humbled Asshur and Heber.