Devotionals
The Star Out of Jacob
We wish we could quote the entirety of this remaining prophecy. Isn’t it significant that this traditional prophet in reply to Balak switches into a Messianic mould. Aben Ezra thinks the prophecies apply to David. We think otherwise. So Balaam began to prophesy of the future of Israel. He says that a star shall come out of them giving a direct clue to Mathew 2. This is the report of the Magi who came from the east to visit Jesus at birth: ” …Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”( 2 KJV ). In the Apocalypse, Jesus describes himself as the bright and morning star ( Rev 22:16 ). Every attempt to fit someone else into this position is mere historical speculation. In this passage Jesus is also described as a sceptre out of Israel. That talks of his power to rule over all other powers. It is this Messianic connection that confuse people as to who Balaam really was. Gill’s Expository Bible subscribes to our position, and quotes a support from Psa.72:8. Bible Study tools attempt a different translation to clear the doubts, ” the star is to be considered as a sign and circumstance of his coming, and that the words may be rendered, “when a star steers its course from Jacob”, or “unto Jacob, then a sceptre”, or “sceptre bearer”, will appear. Balak spent his money to import a preacher from the east. May God turn every evil prophecies against you into a blessing. The irony is that the people of Israel knew nothing about this eternal drama. You don’t need to know everything. You need to enjoy the victory of Jesus Christ.