Numbers 24:23 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

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

Numbers 24:23

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.

Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. {the Kenite: Heb. Kain} {until...: or, how long shall it be ere Asshur carry thee away captive}

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

And ships {shall come} from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.

And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.

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Numbers 24:1

"And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. {to seek...: Heb. to the meeting of}"

Numbers 24:2

"And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding {in his tents} according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him."

Numbers 24:3

"And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: {whose...: Heb. who had his eyes shut, but now opened}"

Numbers 24:4

"He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling {into a trance}, but having his eyes open:"

Numbers 24:5

"How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, {and} thy tabernacles, O Israel!"

Numbers 24:6

"As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, {and} as cedar trees beside the waters."

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