Numbers 24:23
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
And he took up
H5375
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א
And he took up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 8
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
מְשָׁל֖וֹ
his parable
H4912
מְשָׁל֖וֹ
his parable
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
מִ֥י
H4310
מִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יִֽחְיֶ֖ה
who shall live
H2421
יִֽחְיֶ֖ה
who shall live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
6 of 8
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Historical Context
Balaam's fourth oracle (24:15-25) transitions from Israel-specific prophecies to cosmic scope, foreseeing distant-future judgments involving nations unknown to Moses' generation (Assyria's rise 400+ years future, Kittim/Rome even later). This demonstrates genuine prophetic inspiration beyond human knowledge.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Balaam's horrified question 'who shall live when God does this?' point to the necessity of covenant relationship for survival through judgment?
- What does God's sovereign 'setting/appointing' of international upheavals teach about His control over history's seemingly chaotic events?
- How can believers maintain confidence when facing prophesied judgments, knowing that covenant safety transcends historical catastrophes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!—Balaam's exclamation (אוֹי מִי יִחְיֶה מִשֻּׂמוֹ אֵל oy mi yichyeh mishumo El, 'Woe! Who shall live when God sets this?') responds to the cosmic scope of coming judgments. The rhetorical question who shall live (מִי יִחְיֶה) expresses horror at God's sovereign orchestration (שׂוּם אֵל sum El, 'God's setting/appointing') of international upheavals involving Assyria, Kittim (ships from Cyprus/Mediterranean, v.24), and multiple nations.
This verse anticipates the biblical theme of God's sovereign direction of history toward ultimate judgment and renewal. The question 'who shall live?' finds answer in those sheltered under divine covenant—Jesus promised 'he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live' (John 11:25). Only relationship with the eternal God survives historical cataclysms.