Numbers 24:15-17
The prophecy of the star and the scepter was uttered by Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, under divine inspiration. It emerges in a context where Balak, king of Moab, seeks to curse Israel but is thwarted by God’s sovereign will. Instead of curses, Balaam delivers blessings.
The prophecy captures Christ’s identity as both a divine guide and a sovereign king.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, stars were often associated with deities, kings, or significant events, signifying glory and divine favor. The star in Balaam’s prophecy is a figure of cosmic importance, emerging from Jacob, indicating a descendant of God’s chosen people.
In the New Testament, this imagery finds fulfillment in Jesus, who is heralded by a literal star at His birth. In Matthew 2:2 the Magi from the east asked, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him. This is a direct echo of Balaam’s vision of a star arising from Jacob. The star led them to Bethlehem, where Jesus, the promised Messiah, was born. Jesus Himself affirms His identity as the ultimate source of divine light and truth, saying, I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16).
A scepter was a symbol of royal authority and dominion, often associated with a king’s power to rule and judge. The prophecy’s declaration that a scepter shall rise out of Israel points to a future ruler from the line of Jacob, one who will exercise authority not only over Israel but also over its enemies, as seen in the prophecy’s reference to crushing Moab and the sons of Sheth. This image aligns with the messianic promise in Genesis 49:10: The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.
Jesus fulfills the promise as the eternal King from the tribe of Judah. Hebrews 7:14 says, for it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. Revelation 19:15-16 has this also to say about Jesus Christ: Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. This confirms that His reign extends beyond Israel to all nations
Psalm 110:1, referring to the coming Messiah, says, The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’ Hebrews 10:12-13 echoes this: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. Jesus is depicted as the conquering King who will decisively defeat all who oppose God’s kingdom. Revelation 19:11-21 further asserts this notion categorically.
Balaam’s words indicate a figure who is both imminent in God’s purposes and yet to come in historical time. This prophecy, though uttered centuries before Jesus Christ, points to Him as the one who was seen by the prophets through divine revelation. It encapsulates core aspects of Christ’s identity and mission: His role as the light who reveals God’s truth and the king who reigns with justice and mercy.
The star connects to Jesus’ teaching ministry, where He reveals the Father and offers wisdom for life. The scepter points to His authority as the judge of the living and the dead and the one who will return to establish His kingdom in fullness.
This prophecy calls us to seek Jesus Christ’s guidance through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, trusting Him to lead us through life’s uncertainties. In a world often marked by confusion and moral darkness, Jesus, the light of the world, gives us clarity and hope.
Knowing that Jesus Christ will ultimately be victorious provides us with the strength to persevere in trials and to stand firm against spiritual opposition. We should live with eschatological hope, knowing that our labour in the Lord is not in vain.
Our Saviour is both the conquering King and the guiding Light, leading us into eternal triumph. As we await His return, we live in the confidence that the God of peace will crush Satan under our feet shortly (Romans 16:20).
Take a moment to ask God to:
- illuminate your path with His truth.
- Reign in every area of your life and break every stronghold of sin, fear, and doubt, and establish His kingdom in my life.
- empower you to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.
