Let’s take a closer look at Numbers 24:17:
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.”
This verse is part of a prophecy given by Balaam, a pagan prophet whom God used to speak truth about Israel. It’s an extraordinary passage that looks far into the future, pointing to the coming of a great ruler—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Let’s break it down piece by piece.
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near”
Balaam begins by describing a vision of someone significant. He sees a figure, but this person isn’t coming immediately. The words “not now” and “not near” emphasize that the fulfillment of this prophecy lies in the distant future.
This tells us something important: God was revealing His plan for Israel, and by extension, the world, long before it came to pass. Balaam glimpses the coming of a king, a deliverer, who will arise from Israel. This sets the tone for the rest of the prophecy—it’s a vision of hope and victory.
“A star shall come out of Jacob”
The “star” here is a metaphor for a ruler or king. In ancient times, stars were often associated with royalty and divine authority. For example, stars were symbols of rulers’ greatness and guidance, shining brightly above their people.
The mention of Jacob connects this ruler to the nation of Israel, as Jacob was the patriarch whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel. The imagery suggests that this leader will arise specifically from God’s chosen people.
Interestingly, this imagery of a star became associated with the Messiah in Jewish tradition. This is why the Magi in Matthew 2 recognized the star in the sky as a sign of the birth of the King of the Jews. They likely connected it to this prophecy, among others, and set out to worship Him.
“A scepter shall rise out of Israel”
The “scepter” is another royal symbol, representing authority and kingship. Together with the star, this reinforces the idea that the prophecy speaks of a king. But this isn’t just any king. The scepter implies a ruler with power and dominion, someone who will lead and govern with strength and justice.
In the immediate context, this could refer to King David, who would rise to power centuries after this prophecy. David defeated Israel’s enemies, including the Moabites mentioned later in the verse. However, the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy is in Jesus Christ, the eternal King from David’s lineage. His kingdom is not earthly but heavenly, and His reign is over all nations.
“It shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth”
Here, Balaam predicts the defeat of Israel’s enemies. Moab, a neighboring nation, was often hostile to Israel. The “forehead” imagery signifies a crushing blow, symbolizing total defeat.
The “sons of Sheth” is a less clear phrase, but it likely refers to various peoples or enemies who stand against God’s chosen ruler. The point is that this king will conquer and establish his dominion over all opposition.
While King David fulfilled this partially through military victories, the ultimate fulfillment is in Christ. His conquest isn’t through physical warfare but through His victory over sin, death, and Satan. By His death and resurrection, Jesus secures ultimate victory for His people and establishes His eternal reign.
Christ in Numbers 24:17
This prophecy, given centuries before Christ’s birth, is a stunning example of how the Old Testament points to Jesus. The “star” and “scepter” foreshadow His royal identity as the King of kings. His reign is not merely over Israel but extends to all nations, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that through his offspring, all families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
The defeat of Moab and the “sons of Sheth” shows us Christ’s ultimate victory over His enemies. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:25, “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.” This includes not only physical enemies but also spiritual forces of evil.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Numbers 24:17 reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Even when this prophecy was spoken, it was hundreds of years before David and over a thousand years before Christ. Yet God brought it to pass in His perfect timing.
It also points us to Jesus as the rightful King. His reign brings hope to His people, even in the midst of opposition. Just as Balaam saw “Him, but not now,” we too wait for the full realization of Christ’s kingdom when He returns in glory.
This verse calls us to trust in God’s sovereignty, worship Christ as the King, and rejoice in His victory over sin and death. The star of Jacob has risen, and His light shines for all who look to Him in faith.
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