King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:18 Mean?

“And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.”

Context

He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth . smite: or, smite through the princes of

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.

And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. the nations: the nations that warred against Israel that: or, even to destruction

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also . . . —**Better, *And Edom shall be a possession, and Seir shall be a possession, for his enemies *(*i.e., *the enemies of Israel, or, rather, of the Ruler who was to rise out of Israel). The Hebrew word (*oyebaiv*) which is rendered “his enemies” appears to stand in apposition to Edom and Seir, as the word *zaraiv *(his enemies, or adversaries) in Numbers 24:8 to “the nations.” Edom was the name of the people, Seir of the country. (See Genesis 32:3.) The prophecy received its primary accomplishment in the time of David (2Samuel 8:14), but the ultimate accomplishment is to be found in the person and work of Christ (Isaiah 63:1-4). **And Israel shall do valiantly.—**Or, *shall acquire power or wealth. *(Comp. Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Ruth 4:11.)

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 24:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.