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[Alexandr Korol]

1. The connection with the prophecy of Balaam (“there shall come a Star out of Jacob” —
Numbers 24:17)

In the Book of Numbers (24:17), the pagan soothsayer Balaam, who was hired to curse
Israel, instead, under the action of the Spirit of God, utters a blessing and a prophecy
about the future:

• “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.”
• “A Star out of Jacob” is a poetic image of a kingly ruler who will come from the people
of Israel (Jacob is another name for Israel). The “Sceptre” (or staff) emphasizes
power and might: this King will not only appear, but will also defeat His enemies
(Moab, Edom, and others).
• In the ancient world, a star often symbolized a king or divine intervention. Jewish
tradition and many Christians see here a messianic prophecy about the coming
Saviour.

This prophecy is connected:

• With King David (as a partial fulfilment — he defeated Moab and Edom),
• But in fullness — with Jesus Christ, the true King of the line of David.

In Revelation 22:16, Jesus Himself directly refers to this image: “I Jesus… I am the root
and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

Thus, “a Star out of Jacob” is a foretoken of that very bright morning star. Balaam saw
a distant silhouette — “not now, not nigh.” And at the end of the Bible, Jesus says:
“It is I.” He is the King who will crush evil finally and bring eternal light.

An interesting point: when Jesus was born, a star appeared in the sky, which magi saw
(Matt. 2:2). Many interpreters see in it the fulfilment of Balaam’s words — even the
pagans came to worship the true King.