I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob;
A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.
Numbers 24:17*
Ol’ Balaam was a nasty guy; he sold knowledge of the true God for a price and showed King Balak how to bring a curse on Israel through seduction by the women of Moab. I really don’t expect to see him in heaven.
That having been said, he was still a prophet of the LORD, and he spoke these words that God gave him. God does that sometimes – reveals His word and will to unbelievers. The Almighty gave dreams to both Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar to reveal the future. Caiaphas plotted to crucify Christ, but prophesied in his capacity of high priest: “It is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:50).
Balaam had the reputation that those whom he blessed were blessed, and those whom he cursed were cursed. His words were probably recorded, and they may be what clued the wise men into searching the heavens for a star.
When that star did appear in the East, they recognized that the Scepter would rise out of Israel, and they were ready to greet the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). Herod tried to destroy the Christ Child, but God preserved Him. The king is long since dead and his dynasty eradicated, which points out a part of the prophesy that is seldom mentioned.
This Scepter that would come out of Jacob would battle the bad guys and destroy the evildoers. As the Righteous Judge, Christ will sit on the Great White Throne and pronounce judgment on the proud and powerful who reigned on earth. Righteousness will have its final victory over “wrongseousness.”
*see also Hebrews 1:8
December 19
