Balaam's Fourth Oracle

Here are a few points to help you understand Balaam's fourth oracle in Numbers 24:14-25:

• The first part of verse 17 is a Messianic reference.
• The second part of 17 through verse 18 is a reference both to King David as well as the Messiah (under whom the nations either are saved through faith or else face judgment).
• Starting in verse 22 "Asshur" is a reference to Assyria.
• Verse 24 is only generally known--nations of the East and West would be overthrown by a powerful nation coming from the Northwest.