Numbers 23:22
God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֖ל
God
H410
אֵ֖ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
1 of 6
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
מֽוֹצִיאָ֣ם
brought them out
H3318
מֽוֹצִיאָ֣ם
brought them out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 6
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
כְּתֽוֹעֲפֹ֥ת
he hath as it were the strength
H8443
כְּתֽוֹעֲפֹ֥ת
he hath as it were the strength
Strong's:
H8443
Word #:
4 of 6
(only in plural collective) weariness, i.e., (by implication) toil (treasure so obtained) or speed
Cross References
Deuteronomy 33:17His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.Numbers 24:8God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.Psalms 22:21Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.Exodus 20:2I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.Psalms 92:10But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.Psalms 68:35O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.Exodus 14:18And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.Exodus 9:16And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.Numbers 22:5He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
Historical Context
The Exodus was Israel's defining moment, establishing God as their Redeemer and King. References to leaving Egypt appear throughout Scripture as assurance of God's faithfulness (Deuteronomy 5:6, Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15).
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering God's past redemptive acts provide confidence for present challenges?
- What is your 'exodus moment' that defines your relationship with God?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam continues 'God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.' The 'unicorn' (Hebrew 're'em', likely wild ox) symbolized untamable strength. God's deliverance from Egypt demonstrated His irresistible power on Israel's behalf. This redemptive act formed the foundation of Israel's identity and security—they belonged to the God who broke Pharaoh's power.