I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. – Numbers 24:17
Many theologians believe today’s verse predicts the star that would announce the birth of Messiah. Balaam, who uttered the words of today’s verse was a pagan. Nevertheless, he would predict a Messiah in Israel’s future. Theologian R.B. Allen, recalling the core teaching of the fourth-century Bishop of Hippo, Saint Augustine, wrote, “The truth of Scripture could never be dependent on the worthiness of the writer or the personal piety of the speaker. Else we would have gradations in inspiration and shadings in trustworthiness.”
It was a star that gave direction to the Magi who had come to worship a new king. Some astronomers have suggested that the star was a great confluence of the planets Jupiter and Saturn that, reflecting the sun, may have seemed like a star. A study by Harvard University said that Johannes Kepler, an astronomer of the 16th century (for whom a famous space telescope is named) “speculated that the star of Bethlehem might be a new star which was generated after a similar conjunction occurred.” Others have suggested it might have been Halley’s Comet, which some have determined occurred around 11 B.C. A study published a year ago in Astronomy stated, “The truth is, science will likely never know the truth.”
From Matthew’s account, the Magi followed a star (2:1-2). The star announced the ascendancy of a king, guided them to Herod, and then to the location of Jesus. The prophecy of Balaam was being fulfilled in Jesus. Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible states, “The pagan Balaam had a vision of the coming of the Hebrew Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ! He was visible from afar. He was like a Star, radiant and beautiful. He was like a Scepter, majestic and powerful. And He is the victor over His enemies.”
The important thing is to follow Him, the “bright and morning star” (Revelation 22:16)! He is the light of the world (John 8:12), “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” He is everything you need! Rejoice and worship the King with the joy of the Magi this Christmas!
Today’s Verse: Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now;
I behold him, but not near:
a star shall come out of Jacob,
and a scepter shall rise out of Israel;
it shall crush the forehead of Moab
and break down all the sons of Sheth.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 2:1-10
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
