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.

NUMBERS 24:8KJV
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Numbers 24:8 (KJV)

What does Numbers 24:8 mean?

Numbers 24:8 describes how God brought Israel out of Egypt and gave them great strength, comparing their power to that of a unicorn (likely a strong, wild animal). The verse says Israel will defeat its enemies, breaking their bones and striking them with arrows, showing complete victory.

In this scene, the prophet Balaam is speaking to Balak, king of Moab, who had hoped Balaam would curse Israel. Instead, Balaam delivers a message from God that highlights Israel’s rescue from Egypt and their God-given might. The verse uses vivid language to show that Israel’s strength and success come directly from God’s action and favor.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 24:8

  • "Strength" (תּוֹעָפֹת, to'afot): This word points to strong, powerful horns, often used as a symbol of might in the ancient world. It emphasizes the force and vigor God has given Israel.
  • "Unicorn" (רְאֵם, re'em): The animal here is not the mythical unicorn, but likely refers to a wild ox or aurochs, known for its strength and untamable nature. This highlights how formidable Israel is with God’s help.
  • "Eat up" (אָכַל, akhal): This word means to consume or devour, painting a picture of Israel overwhelming its enemies, not just defeating them but completely overpowering them.

Why Numbers 24:8 matters

  • Numbers 24:8 clears up that the "unicorn" is not a fantasy creature, but a symbol of wild, unstoppable strength, making the comparison more about power than about a specific animal.
  • The verse emphasizes that Israel’s victories are not due to their own abilities, but because God (H410) is the one who brought them out of Egypt and empowered them.
  • This verse fits into Balaam’s larger message: instead of cursing Israel as Balak wanted, Balaam is compelled to bless them and declare their God-given strength and future success.

Where else these words appear

“break” Hebrew H1633 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezekiel 23:34 Thou shalt even drink it and suck it out, and thou shalt break the sherds thereof, and pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
  • Zephaniah 3:3 Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

“strength” Hebrew H8443 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 23:22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
  • Job 22:25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
  • Psalms 95:4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

“unicorn” Hebrew H7214 · used in 9 verses

  • Numbers 23:22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
  • Job 39:9 Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?
  • Psalms 29:6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

“pierce” Hebrew H4272 · used in 14 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 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.
  • 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.