King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:23 Mean?

Numbers 24:23 in the King James Version says “And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!”

Numbers 24:23 · KJV

Context

21

And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.

22

Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. the Kenite: Heb. Kain until: or, how long shall it be ere Asshur carry thee away captive

23

And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!

24

And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.

25

And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way.

Read Numbers 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!—Balaam's exclamation (אוֹי מִי יִחְיֶה מִשֻּׂמוֹ אֵל oy mi yichyeh mishumo El, 'Woe! Who shall live when God sets this?') responds to the cosmic scope of coming judgments. The rhetorical question who shall live (מִי יִחְיֶה) expresses horror at God's sovereign orchestration (שׂוּם אֵל sum El, 'God's setting/appointing') of international upheavals involving Assyria, Kittim (ships from Cyprus/Mediterranean, v.24), and multiple nations.

This verse anticipates the biblical theme of God's sovereign direction of history toward ultimate judgment and renewal. The question 'who shall live?' finds answer in those sheltered under divine covenant—Jesus promised 'he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live' (John 11:25). Only relationship with the eternal God survives historical cataclysms.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Balaam's fourth oracle (24:15-25) transitions from Israel-specific prophecies to cosmic scope, foreseeing distant-future judgments involving nations unknown to Moses' generation (Assyria's rise 400+ years future, Kittim/Rome even later). This demonstrates genuine prophetic inspiration beyond human knowledge.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Balaam's horrified question 'who shall live when God does this?' point to the necessity of covenant relationship for survival through judgment?
  2. What does God's sovereign 'setting/appointing' of international upheavals teach about His control over history's seemingly chaotic events?
  3. How can believers maintain confidence when facing prophesied judgments, knowing that covenant safety transcends historical catastrophes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א1 of 8

“And he took up”

H5375

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

מְשָׁל֖וֹ2 of 8

“his parable”

H4912

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר3 of 8

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

א֕וֹי4 of 8

“Alas”

H188

lamentation; also interjectionally oh!

מִ֥י5 of 8
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יִֽחְיֶ֖ה6 of 8

“who shall live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

מִשֻּׂמ֥וֹ7 of 8

“doeth”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֵֽל׃8 of 8

“when God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

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 24:23 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 24:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 23:23Malachi 3:22 Kings 5:1

Test Your Knowledge

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