Numbers 24
I’m sure you’ve heard the quote, “At first, if you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Perhaps that was Balak’s mindset, as he stubbornly persisted in his quest to have Balaam curse the people of Israel. After two failed attempts, however, Balaam starts to realize that the LORD has only blessings reserved for the Israelites, and as “the Spirit of God came upon him” (v. 2), he offered two final oracles.
The first oracle documented in today’s reading speaks to how prosperous the encampments of Israel appeared from a distance (v. 5) and how it was God had been (and was still) working on behalf of His people to devour their adversaries (including the prominent king, Agag). One specific comment from Balaam, again inspired by the Holy Spirit, really struck me: God “is for him like the horns of the wild ox” (v. 8). Do you know what these animals use to defend themselves? Their sharp horns. With that in mind, note the following:
The use of the wild oxen’s horns in Scripture reflects a broader biblical theme of God’s power and protection. It serves as a reminder of His ability to deliver His people from danger and to equip them with strength to fulfill their divine purpose. The imagery also points to the ultimate victory and authority of God’s kingdom, as His people are empowered to carry out His will on earth.In the context of biblical prophecy and typology, the horns of the wild oxen can be seen as a foreshadowing of the Messiah’s triumph over evil. Just as the horns symbolize strength and deliverance, so too does Christ embody the ultimate power and victory over sin and death.[i]
I love this symbolism. We are wild oxen, and our defense is solely dependent upon our horns (God Almighty, our Defender). What a comforting and faith-strengthening reality to meditate on!
As we read Balaam’s final oracle, we see rich imagery and foretelling of the coming Messiah: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (v.17). Matthew Henry comments on this passage:
Here is Balaam’s prophecy concerning Him who should be the crown and glory of his people Israel; who is David in the type; but our Lord Jesus, the promised Messiah, is chiefly pointed at, and of him it is an illustrious prophecy…He shall come out of Jacob, and Israel, as a Star and a Sceptre; the former denoting his glory and lustre; the latter his power and authority. Christ shall be King, not only of Jacob and Israel, but of all the world; so that all shall be either governed by his golden sceptre, or dashed in pieces by his iron rod.[ii]
Is your heart ready to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords? A day is coming when every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Inspired by the Spirit of God, Balaam saw what one day our eyes will behold:
I see the King of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes, yeah
I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest[iii]
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Journal responses to the following prompts:
· Are you comforted to know that your victory in battle is not dependent upon you, but rather on the strong horns of our God who stands ready to defend you?
· Is your heart ready to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords?
[i] The horns of the wild oxen. (n.d.). Bible Hub. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_horns_of_the_wild_oxen.htm
[ii] Numbers 24 Bible commentary. (n.d.). Christianity.com. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/matthew-henry-concise/numbers/24
[iii] Hosanna lyrics. (2007, January 1). Genius. Retrieved May 18, 2026, from https://genius.com/Hillsong-united-hosanna-lyrics