Numbers 24:18 kjv
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
Numbers 24:18 nkjv
"And Edom shall be a possession; Seir also, his enemies, shall be a possession, While Israel does valiantly.
Numbers 24:18 niv
Edom will be conquered; Seir, his enemy, will be conquered, but Israel will grow strong.
Numbers 24:18 esv
Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly.
Numbers 24:18 nlt
Edom will be taken over,
and Seir, its enemy, will be conquered,
while Israel marches on in triumph.
Numbers 24 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 25:23 | "...Two nations are in your womb..." | Prophecy of two nations (Israel/Edom) from Rebekah's twins. |
| Gen 27:40 | "...By your sword you shall live..." | Esau (Edom) to live by the sword; sets up future conflict. |
| Gen 49:10 | "...The scepter shall not depart from Judah..." | Messianic prophecy of Judah's everlasting rule. |
| 2 Sam 8:14 | "He placed garrisons in Edom...all Edom became David’s servants..." | Historical fulfillment by King David conquering Edom. |
| 1 Kgs 11:15-16 | "...David struck down every male in Edom..." | Further details of David's campaign against Edom. |
| 1 Chr 18:13 | "...He put garrisons in Edom, and all Edom became David’s servants." | Parallels 2 Sam 8:14, confirming David's dominion. |
| Ps 2:9 | "You shall break them with a rod of iron..." | Messianic prophecy of ultimate dominion over nations. |
| Ps 60:8-9 | "Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe..." | Depicts God's judgment and Israel's triumph over Moab and Edom. |
| Isa 11:4 | "...With the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked." | Prophecy of the Messiah's righteous judgment and reign. |
| Isa 34:5-6 | "...For My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; Behold, it descends on Edom..." | God's fierce judgment pronounced specifically against Edom. |
| Isa 63:1-4 | "Who is this who comes from Edom..." | Depicts the Avenger coming from Edom, covered in blood of vengeance. |
| Jer 49:7 | "Concerning Edom. Thus says the Lord of hosts..." | Prophecy of desolation upon Edom for its pride and treachery. |
| Eze 25:12-14 | "Thus says the Lord God, 'Because Edom acted revengefully...'" | God's vengeance on Edom for its historical animosity against Judah. |
| Amos 1:11 | "Thus says the Lord: 'For three transgressions of Edom, and for four...'" | Edom condemned for pursuing its brother with the sword without pity. |
| Obadiah 1:3-4 | "The arrogance of your heart has deceived you... Though you build your nest among the stars..." | Judgment on Edom for its pride and the ultimate collapse of its lofty position. |
| Obadiah 1:18 | "The house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau stubble..." | Israel (Jacob/Joseph) as an instrument of God's fiery judgment on Edom. |
| Zech 9:10 | "...He will speak peace to the nations; His dominion will be from sea to sea..." | Messianic prophecy of the Prince of Peace with universal dominion. |
| Matt 2:2-6 | "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star..." | Links the "star" imagery to the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. |
| Rev 19:15-16 | "...From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations..." | The ultimate fulfillment of dominion in Christ's return and conquest. |
| Num 24:17 | "...a star shall come out of Jacob, a scepter shall rise out of Israel..." | Preceding verse introducing the "Star" and "Scepter" central to the prophecy. |
Numbers 24 verses
Numbers 24 18 Meaning
Numbers 24:18 declares prophetically that the territories of Edom and Seir, traditionally hostile to Israel, will become conquered possessions. This signifies Israel's future dominion and triumph over its adversaries, embodying a divine reversal of fortune where those intended to harm Israel instead fall under its sway. The verse is part of Balaam's fourth oracle, speaking of a "Star" and a "Scepter" that will arise from Israel to establish this rule.
Numbers 24 18 Context
Numbers chapter 24 records the final three oracles of Balaam. Hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel, Balaam is divinely compelled to bless Israel instead. This specific verse (Num 24:18) is part of Balaam's fourth oracle (verses 15-19), a powerful prophetic vision speaking of a future Israelite king or leader, referred to as a "Star" and a "Scepter" (Num 24:17). The oracle outlines Israel's destiny to crush its enemies and rule over them. Historically, Israel was encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land, having successfully overcome Sihon and Og. Surrounding nations, like Moab and Edom, felt threatened by Israel's presence and divine protection. Edom, descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), had a long-standing antagonistic relationship with Israel, marked by refused passage and consistent hostility.
Numbers 24 18 Word analysis
- Edom (אֱדוֹם, ʼEdowm): Derived from the Hebrew word for "red." This refers to the nation descended from Esau, Jacob's elder brother, whose skin was reddish at birth (Gen 25:25) and who traded his birthright for red stew (Gen 25:30). Geographically, Edom occupied the mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, historically adversarial to Israel, representing the archetype of the enduring enemy of God's people.
- Seir (שֵׂעִיר, Seʽīyr): The name of a prominent mountainous region often identified with the land of Edom. It signifies the physical stronghold and homeland of the Edomites. Its inclusion alongside Edom emphasizes the complete scope of the territory being targeted for conquest and the totality of the future dominion.
- shall be a possession (מוֹרָשָׁה, môrāshâh): This Hebrew word means "inheritance," "possession," or "property." It conveys more than mere temporary conquest; it implies permanent subjugation and incorporation into Israel's sphere, becoming their rightful property or legacy. It underscores a divinely ordained transfer of sovereignty.
- for his enemies (לְאֹיְבָיו, lᵉʼôyḇāyw): "His" refers to the one described as the "Star" and "Scepter" in the preceding verse, understood to be Israel (ultimately the Messianic ruler). The word "enemies" (אֹיְבִים, ʼôyḇîym) designates adversaries, those hostile and opposed. Balaam, though hired to curse Israel, is made to declare Israel's enemies (Edom and Seir) will fall to them. This highlights God's sovereignty over even those who defy Him, turning curses into blessings.
- Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisrāʼēl): The chosen people of God, descended from Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel (Gen 32:28). This signifies the ultimate beneficiary of God's promises, representing the divine program of salvation and sovereign rule.
Words-group analysis:
- "Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession": The repetition of "shall be a possession" (מֹורָשָׁה תִּהְיֶה) emphasizes the absolute certainty and comprehensiveness of the conquest. It highlights that no part of the enemy's territory will be untouched or unsubdued. This is a prophetic declaration of undeniable divine purpose.
Numbers 24 18 Bonus section
Balaam's oracle in Numbers 24:18 underscores the principle that God often uses even reluctant or hostile figures to declare His will and purposes. Balaam was a pagan prophet known for his sorcery, yet he was constrained by God to utter pure divine revelation. This showcases God's supreme authority over all creation and individuals, making His plans unstoppable. The detailed focus on Edom (and Seir) also highlights the personal and covenantal nature of God's justice. Edom, as Esau's descendant, carried a weight of familial betrayal against Jacob (Israel), amplifying the significance of its prophesied subjugation. This victory is not merely territorial but also one of covenant vindication, a demonstration that God upholds His promises to Abraham's seed against all who seek to undermine it.
Numbers 24 18 Commentary
Numbers 24:18 provides a powerful glimpse into the future of God's people. Through the unexpected prophet Balaam, God reveals His unwavering commitment to Israel and His ultimate triumph over all opposing forces. The prophecy functions on a dual level: its immediate historical fulfillment and its ultimate Messianic significance.
Historically, this verse was clearly fulfilled during the reign of King David (2 Sam 8:14, 1 Chr 18:13). David, arising as the "scepter" from Israel, conquered Edom and made it a tributary state, effectively establishing Israeli control over its long-standing enemy. This act secured Israel's borders and fulfilled God's ancient promises of a vast inheritance (Gen 15:18).
Theologically, Edom serves as a persistent symbol of all who oppose God's chosen people. The repeated prophecies of Edom's downfall (e.g., Isa 34, Jer 49, Eze 25, Obadiah) underscore God's justice against those who harbor unrepentant hostility towards His purposes. Balaam's declaration, made against his own will, demonstrates that no one can curse whom God has blessed (Num 23:8). The imagery of a "possession" highlights complete subjugation, signifying that God's people will not merely defeat their foes but will inherit the very domain of their former oppressors.
Ultimately, this prophecy points to the ultimate "Star" and "Scepter"—Jesus Christ. His first coming marked the initial phase of His dominion, and His return will bring about the full and final conquest of all opposing forces and nations (Rev 19:15-16). Through Him, not only will the enemies of His people be made His footstool, but His righteous kingdom will possess all the earth. The verse teaches us God's faithfulness to His covenant, His sovereign control over history, and the certain victory of His Messiah and His church.