I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

NUMBERS 24:17KJV
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Numbers 24:17 (KJV)

What does Numbers 24:17 mean?

Numbers 24:17 describes a future leader coming from the people of Jacob (Israel), pictured as a "Star" and a "Sceptre," who will defeat the enemies of Israel, specifically Moab and the descendants of Sheth. The verse speaks of this leader as someone not present yet, but certain to come and bring victory.

In this scene, the prophet Balaam is speaking to Balak, the king of Moab, who had hired him to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam delivers a prophecy about Israel’s future, using poetic language to describe a coming ruler who will rise from Israel and bring judgment on Israel’s foes. The verse uses vivid images to show both the distance in time ("not now... not nigh") and the certainty of this future event.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 24:17

  • "Star" (כּוֹכָב, kokhav): This word often symbolizes a prominent or shining figure. Here, it points to a future leader from Jacob who will stand out and guide.
  • "Sceptre" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet): This word means a staff or rod, often used as a symbol of royal authority. Its use here signals kingship or rulership coming from Israel.
  • "Smite" (מָחַץ, machatz): This verb means to strike or crush. The prophecy is not just about leadership, but about decisive victory over Moab.
  • "Children of Sheth" (בְּנֵי־שֵׁת, bnei-sheth): The exact meaning is debated, but it likely refers to a group or people descended from Sheth, possibly representing broader enemies or peoples opposed to Israel.

Why Numbers 24:17 matters

  • Numbers 24:17 is often misunderstood as a simple prediction of a king, but the poetic language ("Star" and "Sceptre") shows a promise of both guidance and authority.
  • The verse is part of a larger set of prophecies where Balaam, though hired to curse Israel, ends up blessing them and foretelling their future victories.
  • Understanding the historical setting—Balaam speaking to Balak—helps clarify that this is not just a general hope, but a specific prophecy about Israel’s future strength and the defeat of its enemies.

Where else these words appear

“destroy” Hebrew H6979 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:24 I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.
  • Isaiah 22:5 For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.
  • Isaiah 37:25 I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.

“Sheth” Hebrew H8352 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
  • Genesis 5:3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:
  • Genesis 5:7 And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters:

“smite” Hebrew H4272 · used in 14 verses

  • Numbers 24:8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
  • 2 Samuel 22:39 And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.
  • Psalms 68:21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.

“behold” Hebrew H7789 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.
  • Job 33:14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
  • Job 35:14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.