Numbers 24 7

Numbers 24:7 kjv

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

Numbers 24:7 nkjv

He shall pour water from his buckets, And his seed shall be in many waters. "His king shall be higher than Agag, And his kingdom shall be exalted.

Numbers 24:7 niv

Water will flow from their buckets; their seed will have abundant water. "Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted.

Numbers 24:7 esv

Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters; his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

Numbers 24:7 nlt

Water will flow from their buckets;
their offspring have all they need.
Their king will be greater than Agag;
their kingdom will be exalted.

Numbers 24 verses

Numbers 24 7 Meaning

Numbers 24:7 prophesies abundant prosperity and triumph for Israel, specifically through their future king. The imagery of flowing water from their buckets and ample water for their "seed" signifies continuous divine blessing, fertility, sustenance, and generational fruitfulness. This rich provision guarantees their endurance and vitality. Furthermore, the verse foretells the unprecedented supremacy of Israel's king, who will be "greater than Agag," symbolizing a decisive victory over the most formidable enemies, culminating in the exaltation and renown of his kingdom. Ultimately, it points to the sovereign rule of the Messiah and His enduring dominion.

Numbers 24 7 Context

Numbers 24:7 is part of Balaam's fourth and final oracle regarding Israel, recorded in Numbers chapters 22-24. King Balak of Moab had hired Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, to curse the advancing Israelites. However, each time Balaam attempted to pronounce a curse, the Spirit of God compelled him to speak blessings and prophecies concerning Israel's greatness. In this fourth oracle, Balaam explicitly states that he no longer seeks omens but directly beholds the vision from God (Num 24:1-4). This makes his prophecies in this chapter particularly significant, as they are pure divine pronouncements, directly from the Almighty, about Israel's destiny.

Historically, Israel was encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. They were surrounded by various nations and hostile peoples, including Moabites, Midianites, and especially the Amalekites, who were among their earliest and most persistent enemies after the Exodus. In this context of external threat and internal anticipation, the prophecy assures Israel of God's unwavering favor, abundant provision, and the ultimate triumph of their lineage, particularly through their destined King, over all adversaries. It implicitly acts as a divine counter-curse, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even the pronouncements of an unwilling prophet, highlighting His omnipotence over all human and pagan powers.

Numbers 24 7 Word analysis

• Water (מַיִם, mayim): Symbolizes life, cleansing, spiritual refreshment, sustenance, and abundant blessing. In biblical thought, the presence of water is synonymous with prosperity and divine favor, while its absence denotes barrenness and curse.

• will flow (יִזַּל, yizzal): From the root nazal, meaning "to drip, to flow." It conveys an continuous, effortless, and copious outpouring, indicating an unceasing supply and source of blessing.

• from their buckets (מִדָּלְיָו, mīddal̇yâv): A "bucket" (dal) is a vessel for drawing or holding water. Here, it can imply Israel's capacity to draw forth or contain God's blessings, or even suggest that from their very essence, or humble beginnings, prosperity will abundantly pour forth. The phrase speaks of an innate, ever-replenished source of life and vigor for the nation.

• their seed (וְזַרְעוֹ, wəzar`ô): Zera refers to "seed" literally (for planting) or figuratively, meaning "offspring," "descendants," or "posterity." This links the prophecy to the Abrahamic covenant promises of multitudinous descendants and an enduring lineage, carrying the blessings into future generations.

• will have abundant water (בְּמַיִם רַבִּים, bəmayim rabbim): Rabbim means "many," "much," or "great." This reinforces the theme of extraordinary, overflowing abundance. The combination with "seed" highlights the thriving and vitality of Israel's future generations, deeply rooted and continually refreshed.

• Their king (מַלְכּוֹ, malkō): Melech signifies a "king." While referring to future human kings of Israel (like David), its elevated status and the comparison to Agag strongly point toward a greater, ideal King, a Messianic figure who embodies the ultimate fulfillment of Israel's kingship.

• will be greater (וְיָרֹם, wəyārōm): From the root rum, meaning "to be high," "to be exalted," "to rise." It indicates supremacy, ascendancy, and preeminence in power, authority, and status.

• than Agag (מֵאֲגַג, mēʾagaḡ): Agag was the king of the Amalekites. The Amalekites were the first to attack Israel after the Exodus, representing a perpetual and archetypal enemy of God's people. Comparing Israel's king to Agag sets the stage for a dramatic, decisive, and ultimate victory over all the forces of opposition, establishing an uncontested superiority.

• their kingdom (מַלְכֻתוֹ, malkuṭō): Malkut refers to "kingdom," "reign," or "dominion." It encompasses the totality of the king's rule—its power, scope, influence, and enduring nature.

• will be exalted (וְתִנַּשֵּׂא, wəṭinnaśśēʾ): From the root nasa, meaning "to lift," "to bear," "to carry high." Similar to rum, it conveys the idea of being lifted to a high position, honored, magnified, and achieving significant renown. This refers to the unparalleled stature and lasting renown of the King's dominion.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Water will flow from their buckets; their seed will have abundant water": This initial phrase uses dual metaphors of water to emphasize perpetual, generational prosperity and life. The first clause points to an overflowing source inherent within or flowing from Israel itself (via divine enablement), while the second speaks of the thriving vitality of their descendants, deeply nourished and continually blessed. This promises enduring fruitfulness, health, and a plentiful life for the nation.
  • "Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted": This contrasts the powerful rule of Israel's future king with Agag, symbolizing a total victory over all opposition, even the most persistent and hated enemy. This king's reign will transcend earthly power, achieving unmatched supremacy and establishing a kingdom that is lifted up in glory, renown, and lasting dominion—a prophecy heavily interpreted as pointing to the Messianic rule.

Numbers 24 7 Bonus section

• The divine blessing pronounced by Balaam, despite Balak's intentions, served as a profound reassurance to Israel just before their entry into the Promised Land. It was a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His absolute sovereignty over all nations and forces.
• The comparison to Agag carries deep significance. God had commanded Israel to utterly blot out Amalek's remembrance (Deut 25:19) due to their unprovoked attack on the weary Israelites. Saul's partial obedience in sparing Agag later led to his own rejection as king (1 Sam 15). This prophecy therefore anticipates a perfect and complete triumph, one that only a perfectly obedient, divine King could achieve.
• The dual nature of the prophecy—immediate prosperity for the people and ultimate glory through their king—reflects a common prophetic pattern where present blessing converges with future Messianic fulfillment.
• Many ancient Jewish commentaries (e.g., Targum Onkelos, Rashi) interpreted "Their king" in this verse directly as the Messiah (Melekh haMashiach), signifying that from Israel's roots would come a sovereign greater than any earthly ruler, culminating in complete dominion over their enemies.

Numbers 24 7 Commentary

Numbers 24:7 captures the essence of God's profound blessings upon Israel and His ultimate plan through a chosen King. The opening imagery of overflowing water promises unending divine provision, spiritual vitality, and generational fruitfulness. This ensures Israel's prosperity, not just as a one-time event, but as a continuous wellspring, providing sustenance for their growth and survival for centuries. The heart of the prophecy then shifts to the figure of "Their king." This king's superiority to "Agag"—the symbol of Israel's perennial and divinely condemned foe—prophetically assures an ultimate and decisive victory over all enemies. This foreshadows a sovereign who not only conquers but also establishes an unmatched dominion. While finding partial fulfillment in earthly kings like David, the scope and nature of this "exalted kingdom" ultimately transcend human monarchy, pointing toward the eternal and universal rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. His spiritual "living water" continues to flow (Jn 7:38), and His kingdom is indeed exalted above all earthly realms, overcoming all spiritual foes (Col 2:15) and destined for everlasting reign (Rev 11:15).