I See Him, but Not Now

In his third oracle, Balaam no longer went to seek enchantments. He saw that it pleased Yahweh to bless Israel. The Spirit of God came on him, and he spoke as one whose eyes were opened: How goodly are your tents, Jacob, and your dwellings, Israel! He pictured them as valleys spread out, gardens by a river, and cedars beside the waters. He echoed Genesis 49:9 and Genesis 12:3, comparing Israel to a lion and declaring, Everyone who blesses you is blessed.

Balak's anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times. He said Yahweh had kept Balaam back from honor. Balaam replied that he had told Balak's messengers that even a house full of silver and gold could not make him go beyond Yahweh's word.

Then came the fourth oracle: I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel. The prophecy looked far ahead. It may have been partly fulfilled in David, who defeated Moab and Edom (2 Samuel 8). Christians see its full fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David, who says in Revelation 22:16, I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning star. Balaam also spoke of Amalek, the Kenites, and ships from Kittim, and then went home.