Or, true. So also in v. 15.

Or, good. Balaam’s first parable reveals that Israel is holy (Num. 23:9), the second, that Israel is perfect (Num. 23:21), and the third, that Israel is beautiful, as indicated by the word fair here. This will be the actual situation of Israel in the millennium. God promised that the descendants of Abraham would be a blessing to all the nations (Gen. 12:2-3). Eventually, the Jews will be fully blessed by God, and they will be a blessing to the entire human race (Isa. 2:2-3; Zech. 8:20-23). Balaam’s parables also indicate that in its standing the church is holy, in the sight of God the church is perfect, and in appearance the church is beautiful, fair (cf. Eph. 5:27).

Or, palm trees. The word concerning valleys and gardens here and concerning water flowing from buckets in v. 7 reveals figuratively that the church has valleys (Rev. 2:9-10), that the church is like a garden (1 Cor. 3:9b), and that in the church there is an abundance of water (1 Cor. 12:13; cf. John 7:38-39). These are some of the riches concerning the church.

Aloe is a plant known for its healing effect. The Lord Jesus was buried with aloes (John 19:39). After the Lord’s coming back, Israel will be a healing to the nations, and that healing will be a great blessing (Isa. 2:2-3; Zech. 8:20-23).

Balaam’s word here is a prophecy that eventually has its fulfillment in Christ.

For vv. 8-9a, see notes on Num. 23:22.

Instead of cursing God’s people, Balaam, speaking on behalf of God, altogether blessed them. To bless a person is to speak well of him, to speak positively concerning him (Eph. 1:3 and note Eph. 1:3^1a and note Eph. 1:3⁴). The more we praise the Lord for His people and speak well of them in faith, the more we put ourselves under God’s blessing. Those who speak positively concerning the church receive the blessing. Those who speak negatively put themselves under a curse.

Lit., march forth, tread.

Both the Star and the Scepter refer to Christ. The Star is the heavenly Christ, and the Scepter is Christ as the One with power and authority. The greatest blessing to the children of Israel is Christ. As the Star and the Scepter, Christ will be the almighty One with all-inclusive power and authority.

Balaam’s first three parables concern the church, which is sanctified, perfect, and beautiful (see note Num. 24:5¹), whereas his fourth parable contains a prophecy concerning Christ. The church is sanctified, perfect, and beautiful when it is full of Christ. Christ is the content, the constituent, and every part of the church as the new man (Col. 3:10-11).

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The enemies here are Christ’s enemies. These enemies will be destroyed, but because of Christ, Israel will remain. This prophecy, as the New Testament indicates (Rom. 11:25-32), will be fully fulfilled in the millennium.

Or, Ir.

In vv. 20-24 Balaam prophesied concerning other peoples. These prophecies reveal that God is over all. All the nations are under His control and His reign for the fulfillment of His purpose (Dan. 2:31-45; 4:17, 26; 5:21c; Acts 17:26). He rules over the nations that His economy may be accomplished among the nations through Israel.