Numbers 24:17
“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.”
King James Version
More of Numbers 24 on this siteNumbers 24:8 · Numbers 24:14-19 · Numbers 24:20 · Numbers 24:21-22 · Numbers 24:23-24
A Star out of Jacob and a Sceptre out of Israel — the Messiah, foretold by a hired prophet against his employer's intent.
Fulfillment References
Matthew 2:2 Revelation 22:16
Archaeological & Historical Evidence
The Mesha Stele (840 BC) confirms Moab's historical conflicts with Israel referenced in this passage.
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
JewishApplied to Bar Kokhba ('son of a star') in AD 135; also seen as referring to David.
CatholicThe star of Bethlehem; the Magi followed this prophecy.
ProtestantBalaam unknowingly prophesied the Star of Jacob — Christ.
DispensationalFull military fulfillment at the Second Coming.
AcademicRoyal oracle about a conquering Israelite king; David is the most likely original referent.
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Audio narration (listen to this prophecy read aloud), cross-references, Hebrew/Greek, Dead Sea Scrolls notes, a prophetic timeline, network maps, study tools and multi-tradition analysis in the interactive explorer.
Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, D.Min. · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.