30 October Numbers 24

Jesus the Star and sceptre to come

Numbers 24:17 (AMP) “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A star shall come forth from [the descendants of] Jacob, A sceptre shall rise out of [the descendants of] Israel And shall crush the forehead of Moab And destroy all the sons of Sheth”.

When you hear the words "star" and "sceptre," we are talking about kingship. These ideas also connect to earlier promises in Genesis 49:10 about the tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10 (AMP) “The sceptre [of royalty] shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh [the Messiah, the Peaceful One] comes, And to Him shall be the obedience of the peoples”. We see an image of a sceptre coming from Judah, which represents a king. This same image is found in Balaam's final message in Numbers 24:17, where he talks about a king coming from Jacob and a ruler rising from Israel.

Balaam told the wicked king, "I see him, but not right now." He was talking about a great King who would rise in Israel, not at that moment, but in the future: "I behold him, but not near. A Star will come from Jacob." Balaam spoke about Jesus, the bright Morning Star, who would come from Israel, defeat all their enemies, and bring the wicked to nothing.

He continued, "A Sceptre will rise from Israel, and He will crush the forehead of Moab and tear down all the sons of Sheth." This future King of Israel would defeat Moab, a kingdom located in what is now Jordan. It’s thought that "the sons of Sheth" might better be translated as "the sons of tumult." Christ will be the one to end the chaos of the nations and silence the rebellion of those who fight against the Lord and His chosen one.

Revelation 22:16 (AMP) “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you and to give you assurance of these things for the churches. I am the Root (the Source, the Life) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and bright Morning Star.”

Hebrews 1:8 (ESV) But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of your kingdom.

In conclusion, the prophecy of Numbers 24:17 reveals a powerful vision of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is both the Star and the Sceptre. The Star symbolises His divine light and guidance, while the Sceptre signifies His sovereign rule as King. These images echo promises made throughout scripture, connecting to Genesis 49:10, where a ruler is foretold to emerge from the tribe of Judah.

Balaam's vision points to a future King, not yet visible, who would rise to conquer the enemies of Israel and establish an eternal kingdom of peace and righteousness. This King is Jesus, the bright Morning Star, as affirmed in Revelation 22:16. His reign will end chaos and rebellion, as Hebrews 1:8 proclaims the everlasting throne of the Son of God, with a sceptre of righteousness.

Jesus, the Star and Sceptre, fulfils these ancient prophecies by conquering sin and death, bringing salvation and establishing His everlasting Kingdom. As we reflect on these scriptures, we are reminded that His reign is inevitable, and His victory is sure, offering hope and assurance to all who follow Him.