King James Version
What Does Numbers 23:22 Mean?
“God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.”
Context
20
Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
21
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
22
God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
23
Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought! against: or, in
24
Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(22) G**od brought them out of Egypt.—**Literally, *is bringing them. *The use of the participle denotes the continuance of the action. He who brought them forth out of Egypt was still conducting them on their march. There is an obvious allusion in these words to those of Balak in Numbers 22:5 : “Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt.” Seeing that the people did not come out of Egypt in obedience to their own caprice, but under Divine guidance, it was vain for Balak to resist them on their course, seeing that to contend with them was to contend against God.
**The strength of an unicorn.—**Better, *of a buffalo. *(Comp. Deuteronomy 33:17—a passage closely resembling the present—from which it appears that the *reem *had more than one horn.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 23:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 23:22
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge