The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

And shall break their bones. יְגָרֵם (cf. Ezekiel 23:34) seems to mean "crush" or "smash." The Septuagint has ἐκμυελιεῖ, "shall suck out," i.e; the marrow, but the word does not seem to bear this meaning.

Pierce them through with his arrows, or, "dash in pieces his arrows," i.e; the arrows shot at him. חִחָּיו יְמִחָץ. The difficulty is the possessive suffix to "arrows," which is in the singular; otherwise this rendering gives a much better sense, and more in keeping with the rest of the passage The image in Balaam's mind is evidently that of a terrible wild beast devouring his enemies, stamping them underfoot, and dashing to pieces in his fury the arrows or darts which they vainly launch against him (compare the imagery in Daniel 7:7).

More for Numbers 24:8

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew Henry on Numbers 24:1-9Numbers 24:1-9 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryNow Balaam spake not his own sense, but the language of the Spirit that came upon him. Many have their eyes open who have not their hearts open; are enlightened, but not sanctified. That knowledge which puffs men up wit…Balaam Blesses Israel a Third Time. (b. c. 1452.)Numbers 24:1-9 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleBALAAM BLESSES ISRAEL A THIRD TIME. (B. C. 1452.) The blessing itself which Balaam here pronounces upon Israel is much the same with the two we had in the foregoing chapter; but the introduction to it is different. I. T…The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:1-9Numbers 24:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryBALAAM-THE THIRD PARABLE This passage marks the period at which Balaam becomes finally convinced that it is vain for him to attempt to satisfy Balak, or to carry out the baser promptings of his own heart. He confesses h…The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:7-10Numbers 24:7-10 · The Pulpit CommentaryBALAAM-THE FIRST PARABLE The word "parable" is used here in a somewhat peculiar sense. It is not, as in the New Testament, a fictitious narrative embodying and enforcing some moral truth, but a "dark saying," a mystic p…The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:8Numbers 24:8 · The Pulpit CommentaryTHE SAFETY OF ALL WHO ENJOY THE BLESSING OF GOD God's "defiance" the signal of destruction; God's "curse," fatal. But if protected from these we are safe, for "the curse causeless cannot come." We are safe from— 1. Mali…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Numbers 24:1-9Now Balaam spake not his own sense, but the language of the Spirit that came upon him. Many have their eyes open who have not their hearts open; are enlightened, but not sanctified. That knowledge which puffs men up wit…Matthew Henry commentaryBalaam Blesses Israel a Third Time. (b. c. 1452.)BALAAM BLESSES ISRAEL A THIRD TIME. (B. C. 1452.) The blessing itself which Balaam here pronounces upon Israel is much the same with the two we had in the foregoing chapter; but the introduction to it is different. I. T…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:1-9BALAAM-THE THIRD PARABLE This passage marks the period at which Balaam becomes finally convinced that it is vain for him to attempt to satisfy Balak, or to carry out the baser promptings of his own heart. He confesses h…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:7-10BALAAM-THE FIRST PARABLE The word "parable" is used here in a somewhat peculiar sense. It is not, as in the New Testament, a fictitious narrative embodying and enforcing some moral truth, but a "dark saying," a mystic p…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 24:8THE SAFETY OF ALL WHO ENJOY THE BLESSING OF GOD God's "defiance" the signal of destruction; God's "curse," fatal. But if protected from these we are safe, for "the curse causeless cannot come." We are safe from— 1. Mali…Joseph S. Exell and contributors