Numbers 23 9

Numbers 23:9 kjv

For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Numbers 23:9 nkjv

For from the top of the rocks I see him, And from the hills I behold him; There! A people dwelling alone, Not reckoning itself among the nations.

Numbers 23:9 niv

From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them. I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations.

Numbers 23:9 esv

For from the top of the crags I see him, from the hills I behold him; behold, a people dwelling alone, and not counting itself among the nations!

Numbers 23:9 nlt

I see them from the cliff tops;
I watch them from the hills.
I see a people who live by themselves,
set apart from other nations.

Numbers 23 verses

Numbers 23 9 Meaning

From his vantage point, Balaam perceives Israel's unique identity and destiny, as revealed by God. The verse declares that Israel, as God's chosen people, is divinely intended to live distinctively and separate from other nations, neither being absorbed into them nor adopting their customs and practices. This isolation is not one of mere geography, but of spiritual and communal separation, founded on their covenant relationship with God.

Numbers 23 9 Context

Numbers 23:9 is part of Balaam's first oracle (Numbers 23:7-10), spoken at the request of Balak, King of Moab. Balak, fearing the vast Israelite multitude camped in his territory, hired Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner, to curse Israel. However, God repeatedly intervened, compelling Balaam to utter blessings instead of curses. This specific verse introduces the reason why Balaam cannot curse Israel: because of God's distinct design for them. The historical context involves Israel's nomadic journey nearing the Promised Land, facing resistance and fear from surrounding nations, while God supernaturally protects and affirms their unique status.

Numbers 23 9 Word analysis

• For (Kî): Connects this prophetic declaration to the preceding statement, providing the divine reason or explanation for Balaam's inability to curse. It signifies that what follows is a foundational truth.
• from the top (mē'rō'sh): "From the head/summit." Implies an elevated vantage point, not merely physical but also symbolic of divine insight. Balaam's perspective is divinely given, allowing him to perceive more than the immediate physical reality.
• rocks (tsūrrîm): Refers to rugged, strong geological formations, literal high places from which Balak desired a view. Metaphorically suggests the firm, unyielding foundations of God's plan for Israel.
• I see him (wa'ere'ennū): Balaam's direct, personal perception, but it is supernaturally enhanced. The verb ra'ah signifies to 'see' with understanding, indicating more than mere sight; it is a profound discernment. "Him" refers to the collective Israel.
• hills (gvā'ōt): "High places," reinforcing the elevated observational stance, symbolizing comprehensive insight over the terrain where Israel is encamped.
• I behold him (wa'ashūr-ennū): Shur means "to observe attentively, survey." This verb indicates a careful, thorough, discerning look. It emphasizes the clarity and certainty of the vision Balaam receives, contrasting sharply with Balak's hope for a simple curse.
• lo (hēn): An exclamation meaning "behold" or "indeed," signaling a significant, authoritative declaration is about to follow, demanding attention to a profound truth.
• the people (ʿām): Denotes Israel as a specific, unified national entity, God's chosen community.
• shall dwell alone (lěvādād yishkōn):
  • Lěvādād: "alone, apart, in isolation." This implies not physical solitude in wilderness but unique, distinctive separation. It refers to Israel's social, spiritual, and religious distinction from other nations. Their uniqueness stems from their relationship with Yahweh, allowing them to exist securely without relying on or conforming to other nations.
  • Yishkōn: "shall dwell, abide, settle." From shakan, the root for "Shekinah" (divine dwelling). Here, it implies secure, established habitation, emphasizing their independent and safe existence under divine protection.
• and shall not be reckoned among the nations (ūvāggōwim lō' yitḥashav):
  • Bāggōwim: "among the nations/Gentiles." The collective term for foreign peoples not in covenant with God.
  • Lō' yitḥashav: "shall not be counted/included/considered/assimilated." From ḥashav, "to think, reckon, devise." This is crucial. It means Israel will not be integrated, absorbed, or diluted among the world's peoples. Their identity is not measured by earthly standards or policies of other nations; their uniqueness prevents their dissolution or identification as simply "another" nation. Their distinctiveness in worship, law, and purpose sets them apart.

• "from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him": This poetic parallelism emphasizes the clear and comprehensive divine revelation given to Balaam regarding Israel. It suggests that Israel's distinct nature is not hidden but openly declared by God to anyone granted such an elevated perspective. This counters Balak's intention of having Balaam view them as merely a multitude to be cursed.
• "the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations": This central pronouncement summarizes Israel's singular destiny. It highlights both their divinely mandated separateness in lifestyle, worship, and laws, and their inviolable identity. Their existence and prosperity depend not on conformity to the world, but on faithfulness to their covenant God, distinguishing them fundamentally from all other human groups. This sets them up as a unique entity, not subject to typical national destinies, and implies divine preservation.

Numbers 23 9 Bonus section

This verse carries a profound irony: Balak hired Balaam to integrate Israel by destroying them, yet Balaam prophesies their irreconcilable separation from all other nations. It speaks to God's complete sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use even a foreign diviner to declare His will and preserve His chosen people. The prophecy highlights Israel's theological, not just geographical, distinctiveness—they are subject to divine, not human, laws and calculations. This uniqueness foreshadows their role as a beacon of light, eventually bringing God's salvation plan to all nations while retaining their core identity and covenant.

Numbers 23 9 Commentary

Numbers 23:9 is a pivotal prophetic declaration revealing God's unique purpose for Israel. It underscores that Israel is set apart by divine design, meant to exist in an unparalleled relationship with Yahweh, distinct from the world's systems and idolatries. This separation is not about physical isolation from humanity, but about maintaining spiritual and cultural integrity guided by divine law, preventing assimilation into the practices of other nations. Their "dwelling alone" implies divine security and provision, confirming God's unwavering covenant and sovereign control over their destiny, irrespective of hostile human intentions like Balak's. It affirms that God's people, then and now, are defined by His choice and not by worldly standards or powers.