“He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament and focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land. In Numbers 24, the prophet Balaam is delivering his third and final oracle concerning the people of Israel.
Symbolism of water:In this verse, water is used metaphorically to represent blessings, abundance, and prosperity. Just as water is essential for life, the pouring out of water from the buckets symbolises God’s abundant blessings being poured out upon the people of Israel.
“His seed shall be in many waters”: This phrase suggests that the descendants of the person being referred to will be numerous and spread out over many lands. In the context of Numbers, this is a blessing spoken over the people of Israel, indicating that they will multiply and inhabit the lands they are promised.
“His king shall be higher than Agag”: Agag was a title used by the kings of the Amalekites, who were enemies of Israel. This statement implies that the king of Israel, referring ultimately to the future king from the lineage of David, will be superior in power, authority, and status compared to the enemies of Israel.
“His kingdom shall be exalted”: This phrase speaks of the exaltation and greatness of the kingdom of the person being referred to. In the immediate context of Numbers, it refers to the nation of Israel, whose kingdom would be established and exalted among the surrounding nations.
Overall, Numbers 24:7 expresses the blessings, abundance, and prosperity that God will bestow upon the people of Israel. It also emphasises the future greatness of the king and kingdom of Israel, surpassing the power and authority of their enemies. This verse carries both immediate relevance to the Israelites of that time and foreshadows the coming of a future king from the lineage of David, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who would establish an everlasting kingdom.
