Numbers 23:9

Authorized King James Version

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For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵרֹ֤אשׁ For from the top H7218
מֵרֹ֤אשׁ For from the top
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 2 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
צֻרִים֙ of the rocks H6697
צֻרִים֙ of the rocks
Strong's: H6697
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
אֶרְאֶ֔נּוּ I see H7200
אֶרְאֶ֔נּוּ I see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 4 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וּמִגְּבָע֖וֹת him and from the hills H1389
וּמִגְּבָע֖וֹת him and from the hills
Strong's: H1389
Word #: 5 of 13
a hillock
אֲשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ I behold H7789
אֲשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ I behold
Strong's: H7789
Word #: 6 of 13
to spy out, i.e., (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for
הֶן H2005
הֶן
Strong's: H2005
Word #: 7 of 13
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
עָם֙ him lo the people H5971
עָם֙ him lo the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 8 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לְבָדָ֣ד alone H910
לְבָדָ֣ד alone
Strong's: H910
Word #: 9 of 13
separate; adverb, separately
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן shall dwell H7931
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן shall dwell
Strong's: H7931
Word #: 10 of 13
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
וּבַגּוֹיִ֖ם among the nations H1471
וּבַגּוֹיִ֖ם among the nations
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 11 of 13
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 12 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִתְחַשָּֽׁב׃ and shall not be reckoned H2803
יִתְחַשָּֽׁב׃ and shall not be reckoned
Strong's: H2803
Word #: 13 of 13
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

Analysis & Commentary

Balaam's oracle 'from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him' presents God's perspective on Israel. The elevated vantage point symbolizes divine viewpoint versus earthly perspective. The Hebrew ra'ah (see) and shur (behold) emphasize careful observation. Balaam sees what God shows him: 'lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations' (verse 9). This sets Israel apart as unique among peoples—chosen, separated, and blessed. Their 'alone' status means they answer to God alone, not to international opinion or power.

Historical Context

Israel's unique status as dwelling alone anticipated their separation from pagan nations. They were not to intermarry (Deuteronomy 7:3), worship other gods (Exodus 20:3), or follow pagan customs (Leviticus 18:3). This separateness, viewed by enemies as vulnerability, was actually their strength—God's special covenant protection. Later, Israel's failure to maintain separation led to judgment (2 Kings 17:7-23).

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