Numbers 24:18
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֨ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֱד֜וֹם
And Edom
H123
אֱד֜וֹם
And Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
2 of 10
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
וְהָיָ֧ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֧ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שֵׂעִ֖יר
Seir
H8165
שֵׂעִ֖יר
Seir
Strong's:
H8165
Word #:
6 of 10
seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
and Israel
H3478
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
and Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Amos 9:12That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.Genesis 27:29Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.2 Samuel 8:14And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.
Historical Context
David conquered Edom, making it subject to Israel, partially fulfilling this prophecy. However, Edom later regained independence, pointing toward a greater King (Christ) who would establish permanent dominion over all nations (Revelation 11:15).
Questions for Reflection
- How do partial historical fulfillments of prophecy point toward ultimate completion in Christ?
- What spiritual 'Edoms' (enemies) will Christ finally subdue when His kingdom comes fully?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The prophecy continues: 'And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.' This predicts Israel's conquest of Edom (Seir), historically fulfilled under David (2 Samuel 8:14). Yet the ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's return when 'the kingdom shall be the LORD's' (Obadiah 21). Israel's victories typify Christ's greater conquest of spiritual enemies.