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)
Even as Balaam prepares to lay a snare for Israel, he nevertheless prophesies what Israel is destined to do to Moab and all other nations that stand opposed to the people of God. But he also makes it clear that, Israel’s destiny is linked to the rise of a King who will lead them against all of their enemies. Rabbinical writings suggest that the “star” Balaam mentions is David who was, in fact, the first Israeli leader to bring Moab into subjection. He was also the first Israeli leader to command a united nation of Israel and, thus, carried the “scepter” that signified the kingdom rested with him and his lineage.
That being said, the “Star” is understood, ultimately, to refer to the Messiah, the son of David. Jewish commentators write that the Messiah “will flash across the heavens, visible to the whole world, and will gather Israel from their dispersion.” I find this to be a fascinating comment considering these words spoken by Yeshua:
“For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. … And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:27, 30).
From the beginning, it has always been clear that the future and destiny of God’s people was dependent upon a coming Redeemer and Deliverer. This was first hinted at in the garden almost immediately after the fall of man; it was hinted at when Israel ate the first Passover in Egypt. Even the pagan seer, Balaam, refers to His coming as he stood and looked out over the multitudes of tents that comprised the camp of Israel. At that time, He was not seen but there is coming a day when all eyes shall see Him and thus it is written: “Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all the tribes of the earth shall wail because of him” (Revelation 1:7). Even so, Come Lord Yeshua.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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