King James Version

What Does Numbers 23:24 Mean?

Numbers 23:24 in the King James Version says “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 ea...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 23:24 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

26

But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

Read Numbers 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Balaam prophesies that of Israel 'it shall be said, What hath God wrought!' (literally 'done' or 'accomplished'). This exclamation anticipates nations marveling at God's mighty works for Israel. The phrase became famous through Samuel Morse's first telegraph message in 1844, recognizing God's sovereign work in human achievements. All who observe God's people should see His mighty acts, not human accomplishment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy anticipated Israel's conquest of Canaan, where surrounding nations would marvel at God's power displayed through His people (Joshua 2:9-11, 9:9). God's works through His people serve as testimony to His reality and power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What works in your life should cause observers to exclaim 'What hath God wrought!'?
  2. How can you ensure God receives credit for accomplishments in your life and ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הֶן1 of 14
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

עָם֙2 of 14

“Behold the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כְּלָבִ֣יא3 of 14

“as a great lion”

H3833

a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))

יָק֔וּם4 of 14

“shall rise up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְכַֽאֲרִ֖י5 of 14

“himself as a young lion”

H738

a lion

יִתְנַשָּׂ֑א6 of 14

“and lift up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לֹ֤א7 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁכַּב֙8 of 14

“he shall not lie down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עַד9 of 14
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

יֹ֣אכַל10 of 14

“until he eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

טֶ֔רֶף11 of 14

“of the prey”

H2964

something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food

וְדַם12 of 14

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

חֲלָלִ֖ים13 of 14

“of the slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

יִשְׁתֶּֽה׃14 of 14

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

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 23:24 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 23:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:27Genesis 49:9Numbers 24:17Numbers 24:8-9Revelation 5:5Zechariah 12:6

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