And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!

NUMBERS 24:23KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 24:23 (KJV)

What does Numbers 24:23 mean?

Numbers 24:23 records Balaam, the prophet, expressing a sense of sorrow and amazement as he foresees a troubling future event brought about by God, saying, “Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!” Balaam is struck by the seriousness of what God is about to do, recognizing that it will be difficult for anyone to endure.

In this scene, Balaam is speaking a prophetic message, or “parable,” as he looks ahead to events that will affect many nations. Balaam is not addressing a specific person but is reacting to a vision of God’s powerful actions in the future. The verse highlights Balaam’s realization that what God plans cannot be resisted and will have a profound impact on all people involved.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 24:23

  • The word “parable” comes from מָשָׁל (mashal), which often means a proverb, saying, or prophetic utterance. Here, it signals that Balaam’s words are not just a story but a weighty, divinely inspired message.
  • The word “Alas” is from אוֹי (oy), an exclamation of grief or distress. This shows Balaam’s deep concern and emotional response to the vision he receives.
  • The word for “God” here is אֵל (El), a term that emphasizes God’s might and power, underscoring that the coming events are the work of the supreme God, not just fate or human action.

Why Numbers 24:23 matters

  • This verse shows that even a prophet like Balaam is overwhelmed by the scale and seriousness of God’s future actions, highlighting the awe and fear that God’s plans can inspire.
  • Numbers 24:23 connects to the surrounding prophecies about nations rising and falling, reminding readers that God is ultimately in control of history, no matter how powerful human kingdoms may seem.
  • The verse helps clear up any idea that God’s actions are always easy or comfortable for people; sometimes, God’s plans bring about difficult or even devastating changes that no one can avoid.

Where else these words appear

“Alas” Hebrew H188 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.
  • Isaiah 24:16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.
  • Jeremiah 45:3 Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.

“parable” Hebrew H4912 · used in 39 verses

  • Numbers 23:7 And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
  • Job 13:12 Your remembrances are like unto ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.