A Prophecy of the Coming King

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“A Star Shall Come Out of Jacob”: God’s Unstoppable Blessing - Numbers 24

Dear Friends, in Numbers 24 we reach the climax of the strange story of Balaam. Balak, king of Moab, had hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel, but God had already told Balaam he could only speak what the Lord commanded. Despite Balak’s increasing frustration and offers of great reward, Balaam finds himself unable to curse God’s people.

Instead, under the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit, Balaam delivers four remarkable oracles of blessing. In the final and most powerful oracle, he looks into the future and declares:

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel…” (Numbers 24:17 ESV)

This is one of the clearest Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, pointing forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ — the Star and the Sceptre. Even a pagan prophet, under God’s sovereign control, could not speak against God’s chosen people.

The chapter powerfully demonstrates several truths:

• God’s blessing on His people cannot be overturned by human schemes.

• God can use even unlikely people to declare His truth.

• His plans and purposes will ultimately prevail.

For us today, this is a wonderful encouragement. No matter what opposition or difficulty we face, if we belong to the Lord, His blessing rests upon us. The same God who overruled Balaam is still sovereign over every circumstance in our lives.


Pause & Pray: Read Numbers 24 slowly, especially verses 15–19. Consider how God sovereignly protected and blessed Israel despite opposition. Then pray:

“Lord God, thank You that Your blessing upon Your people cannot be overturned. Just as You turned Balaam’s intended curse into blessing, I trust You to work in my life and in the life of Your church. Help me to walk in the good of Your blessing today. May I live as one upon whom Your favour rests. Amen.”

Verse to Remember: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17 ESV)

Question to Consider: Are there situations in your life right now where you feel under pressure or opposition? How does the truth that God’s blessing cannot be overturned by man change the way you face those difficulties?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church

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