Men of Renown
Part xiv
Balaam
The Fourth Parable – The Love of God and Judgment
There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. (Genesis 6:4) And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)
  This series called Men of Renown will begin with these verses in Chapter 6 of the book of Genesis because it is the perfect scene setter for whatever and whoever follows that enables men of renown to act in conflict against God and His Word. Genesis 6, verses 4 and 5, are an accurate definition of men of renown.
  The phrase ‘men of renown’ occurs in the Bible only two times. The second and last mention can be found in the 4th book of the Pentateuch (the book of Numbers) Chapter 16. This last mention of ‘men of renown’ goes beyond the definition of men of renown and expands what ‘men of renown’ are not only capable of, but what lurks in the inner most recesses of their thoughts.
  Although most readers will probably not begin with Men of Renown Part i, ii, iii, iv and v, I suggest that to get more from this particular article, Part xii, that you should first read Balaam Part vi, and maybe vii, viii, ix, x, xi, and xii, but that’s just my opinion. . . . and in case, you ignore my suggestion, let me make just one more suggestion, at least read the previous article Balaam Part xiii.
The Fourth Parable of Balaam
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:Â (Numbers 24:15)
He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:Â (Numbers 24:16)
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. (Numbers 24:17)
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. (Numbers 24:18)
Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. (Numbers 24:19)
And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. (Numbers 24:20)
And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock. (Numbers 24:21)
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. (Numbers 24:22)
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! (Numbers 24:23)
And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. (Numbers 24:24)
And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way. (Numbers 24:25)
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And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:Â (Numbers 24:15)
He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:Â (Numbers 24:16)
  This fourth and last parable by Balaam is a major prophecy describing Israel’s coming Messiah, their King and their Savior God, and judgment. Balaam’s mouth opened to speak the words that God the Holy Spirit had placed in his mouth, but what is more noticeable is that his eyes were open. That’s right . . . . his eyes actually saw through a vision (while Balaam was in a trance) the Almighty God. This is mind bending for most people to understand and accept. How could God reveal Himself to such a corrupt prophet and priest as Balaam? I ask, why not? Since God had previously used an ass to speak then why not use another ass? This is no great thing for God to accomplish.
  Knowing Scripture and having knowledge of the most high God does not necessarily equate with salvation. This is a proven established fact that many of those who speak the words of God, and wear the robes of religious authority, or who have titles and credentials of spiritual specialists are not of God. They may, in many cases, speak His words, but they do not live His words, nor do they believe His words. It matters not whether Bible quotes come from popes or people, quoting Scripture means absolutely nothing without the Spirit of God within. Never forget . . . . Satan is very good at quoting Scripture.
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Â (Isaiah 29:13)
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. (Ezekiel 33:31)
Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. (Psalm 78:36)
For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. (Psalm 78:37)
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. (Psalm 78:38)
For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. (Psalm 78:39) Before the Law, during the Law, and after the Law, one primary element connects ALL believers of God . . . . and this is FAITH through the GRACE of God.
  Although Balaam HEARD, KNEW, SAW and SAID, and his EYES were OPEN he was still a child of his father: Satan. You see there is a very important word not mentioned by the Holy Spirit of God. Balaam did not BELIEVE what he HEARD, nor what he SAW, and especially what he SAID, although his eyes were OPEN, he did not BELIEVE. He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: (Numbers 24:16) Balaam is a prime example of religious hypocrisy.
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I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. (Numbers 24:17)
 This fantastic prophecy is mainly, of course, concerning Israel’s Messiah to come. I call our age, The Age of the Celebration of Insanity, and I believe that I am correct with this label; HOWEVER, Christians are tremendously blessed in THIS AGE not because we are in the midst of those who celebrate insanity, but because we hold in our hands the COMPLETE WRITTEN WORDS OF GOD. We, as Balaam, also have eyes that SEE, but not like Balaam although our eyes are OPEN, we do not need visions of the Almighty because WE SEE (by the Spirit of God) the thoughts of God, and WE SEE God’s full tapestry laid out to us in time through God’s WRITTEN LIVING WORD, the BIBLE. We are creatures and the people of time. Those who foolishly desire signs and visions know nothing about the Word of God, nor do they understand the knowledge of the holy.
Side Note: Vision/Visions. The word(s) vision/visions occur in the book of Acts more than in any other New Testament book, twelve (12) times, and eighty-seven (87) times in the Old Testament in seventy-nine (79) verses.
  In the New Testament we have these words one time in Matthew 17:9; twice in the gospel of Luke, 1:22; 24:23, once in 2nd Corinthians 12:1 through Paul and only once in the book of the Revelation with the apostle John in Revelation 9:17. The book of Acts was a book of transition, a bridge between the Old and the New. As John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets, and the last true high priest of Israel (although not accepted as such by the religious authorities of that day, nor recognized as the true high priest of Israel) he was the LAST prophet and priest. (Now the following statement is only my opinion . . . . I think that the religious establishment KNEW that Zechariah was actually the true high priest of Israel, and therefore, his son, John, should have been the next high priest in the line of priesthood. My thought on this is why did they (those who had usurped the priesthood) keep such close tabs (almost stalking John’s every move) on what he was doing, and where John the Baptist was at all times? They were afraid that somehow, he might try to regain his rightful place in Israel.) (Those in the United States should relate to this religious coup through the political coup that occurred in our nation on November 3rd, 2020.)
  Now back to Israel and John the Baptist, it was totally against the Laws of priesthood in Israel to have more than one high priest at one time; yet, during the age of Christ and of John the Baptist, Israel had two high priests (a political move within the religious establishment. Nothing new here!) Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. (Luke 3:2) Annas was father-in-law to Caiaphas (John 18:13) this was also against the Laws of priesthood because the priesthood passed from father to son, not father-in-law to son-in-law. A close relationship, but the wrong kind of relationship . . . . close doesn’t cut it with God.
 The point that we can key on through the number of times that the words vision/visions occur is that visions were mainly for a specific time period for a specific purpose. It was God specifically communicating and reaching out to those who lived during the Old Testament age (particular to Israel) and BEFORE the Age of the Spirit of God sent by Christ to reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. The Age of the Spirit of God would be the last outreach to the world by the Godhead, and in this Age, there would no longer be the necessity of visions because the written word (the Bible) and the Living Word (through the indwelling Spirit of Christ) would supply Jew and Gentile with the saving knowledge of the Holy.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7)
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:Â (John 16:8)
Of sin, because they believe not on me;Â (John 16:9)
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; (John 16:10)
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (John 16:11)
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (John 16:12)
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:14)Â
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:15)
  What God established in Israel was for Israel (applicable to other dispensations and other peoples, of course, BUT the primary application was for His people, and for His land). An example is the tithing principle. The Church has taken what was for Israel and has made it a central principle for them, AND IT IS NOT FOR THE CHURCH! Ten percent is a good beginning, but again, it is not meant for the Church. The principle of tithing is not found in the New Testament. There are only two times that the word tithe is mentioned in the New Testament: once in Matthew 23:23 and once in Luke 11:42 directed to the Pharisees. The Christian knows that ALL belongs to God and gives according to what he has and what the conviction of heart dictates. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. (2nd Corinthians 9:6) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2nd Corinthians 9:7) The Church loves to have one finger in the Old and one foot in the New without rightly dividing the Word of God, and it mixes the two together without any spiritual cohesiveness. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2nd Timothy 2:15) (We all know what political correctness is, however, many fail to understand that there is a true spiritual correctness related to precept upon precept, and line upon line that the Spirit of God builds upon.)
 The formal Levitical Aaronic priesthood is no more in Israel. For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim Hosea 3:4. So also there is no formal Levitical priesthood for the Church built around the Aaronic earthly acts of offerings and sacrifices. The formal Levitical Aaronic priesthood IS NO MORE because WE HAVE A GREAT HIGH PRIEST in heaven ADVOCATING with the Father for us.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Hebrews 4:14)
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:Â (Hebrews 9:24)
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:Â (1st John 2:1)
 What has this to do with VISIONS? We come to the end of visions. The Church, after its birth, had to spiritually experience what occurs in a natural physical birth; for example, there are three stages in natural birth, and there is an element of time involved in each stage.
 Let’s draw the spiritual and the physical together in the birthing process. First, in the natural there is first water and then there is blood. In the supernatural physical and spiritual (on the cross of Calvary) there was first blood and then there was water. But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. (John 19:34) (There is much more to be written about this exact process and comparison, but I will continue on.) After birth then the cord is cut. After the cord is cut then the last stage, in a natural birth, is when the placenta is separated from the mother’s body. Do you see where I am going with this comparison between a natural birth and the birth of the Church? Since the gospel went out first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles, God through the Holy Spirit directed His apostles, as midwives, to begin cutting the cord that held the Jews to their traditions. Then the placenta (the former home and life support unit of infants) begins to fall completely away from its former position. Natural birth is normally a three-stage event. The Church developed in stages. The last stage being the complete removal of what held previous life to a new life in Christ.
  The Lord Jesus Christ compared the Old with the New as old bottles and new bottles, and as old wine and new wine. The old bottles held wine suitable for particular palates. The new bottles hold wine suitable for another type of renewed palates.
Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. (Matthew 9:17)
And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles. (Mark 2:22)
And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. (Luke 5:37)
No man also having drunk old [wine] straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better. (Luke 5:39)
 One by one the old bottles had to be put away. One by one the old wine had to be replaced with new wine. Visions were one old wine that had to cease because the new wine of the indwelling Spirit of God and the written Word of God far surpassed the old wine, and the old bottle. During the transition period God used visions and revelations, but NOT ALL had visions nor revelations. The apostle Paul wrote of his visions and revelations in 2nd Corinthians 12:1. It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. Paul was the bridge that connected the Old to the New, he was the connection that could bridge both time frames; he was given both visions and revelations that were meant only for the Church, and these were heavenly revelations that he received in the third heaven. (2nd Corinthians 12:2-4) Why?
  Two servants of God (Moses and Elijah) were called to meet with God on mount Sinai (also known as Horeb the mount of God) to receive revelations and instructions. (Exodus 19:20; 1st Kings 19:8) Paul, however, when he received revelations and instructions, was caught up to the third heaven. He did not receive revelations, as Moses and Elijah, but Paul received revelations in the heavenly paradise of God. Why? Since the Church is heavenly, not earthly, and since Paul was given revelations concerning the Church it is quite fitting that God called Paul UP into the third heavens, because the Church will be called UP into the heavens, for we are a heavenly people.
And hath raised [us]Â up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6)
Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1st Thessalonians 4:17)
After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (Revelations 4:1)
  Yes, visions end. There is yet one more reference point to see concerning visions, and that is the last mention of the word vision. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. (Revelation 9:17) This is the last mention of the word vision in the Bible. And this vision is dreadful indeed for it is the coming JUDGMENT of GOD upon the world.
  There is one final point that I would like to consider. Everything that begins with God is good, everything that the natural man takes FROM God ends badly. Ever in the word vision, we see this principle of GOD=GOOD, man=bad. The very first time we read the word vision is in Genesis 15:1, when God approached Abram in a vision with great promises and His covenant. (Genesis 15:1) The last mention in the Old Testament of the word vision, we see that those who prophesied through their visions were ASHAMED every one of his vision. (Zechariah 13:4) What begins with God is GOOD, what ends with man is BAD.
  In the New Testament this same principle is seen through the first mention and the last mention of the word vision. The first mention is found in Matthew 17:9, And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. When the Lord was transfigured with His glory of His deity before Peter, James, and John it was a defining moment in time that God revealed Himself to His creatures. As God (on mount Sinai) protected Moses when He walked before him (Exodus 33:21-23), so also, this mount of transfiguration HAD TO BE mount Sinai where God IN Christ protected Peter, James, and John so that they would be able to see His great GLORY and live. This first mention of vision shows God’s Great Glory, His Power in the moment, and His Power to overcome death in resurrection to come. Compare this first mention with the last mention of vision in Revelation 9:17, And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses [were] as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. These words spoken by the apostle John reveals a vision of JUDGMENT. There are not enough words to describe what the world deserves to receive from the hand of our God who has been spit on, lied about, hated, and brutally rejected by His very own creatures. Yes, visions end in JUDGMENT. ♦ End of Side Note: Vision/Visions.
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　I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. (Numbers 24:17)
  Who is the ‘him‘ in I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh. This section in the fourth parable is given to Israel, and the ‘him‘ is THE PROMISED MESSIAH. Moses spoke of the Prophet to come, not just a prophet, but a Prophet greater than Moses, and this One would come from among the blood line of Israel. (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18) Thousands of years after Moses spoke of this Prophet, and after Daniel had written about the Messiah in Daniel 9:25, 26, He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob.Â
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. (John 4:25) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4:26)
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? (John 9:35)
He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? (John 9:36) And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. (John 9:37) And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. (John 9:38)
  Numbers 24:17 is all about the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One, the Prophet, and the Holy Spirit adds Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel. Here, once again, we have the distinction between Jacob and Israel. I refer you back to this article to read about why God the Holy Spirit used the name of Jacob and the name of Israel in combination. (For another interesting study look up this combination of Jacob and Israel used in the same sentence, and you will find it very interesting.) But for now, and because we are in the book of Numbers: the combination of Jacob and Israel is written seven (7) times within six (6) verses in the book of Numbers. I find this extremely noteworthy. Why should we even consider such a small occurrence in these numbers in our article? It is said that ‘the devil is in the details,’ however, in Scripture it is God who is in the details for He has written the details, and He planned the details, and He fulfilled the details; consequently, the Holy Spirit consistently uses the smallest detail to enforce the larger key point.
  The first time that the combination names of Jacob and Israel are written together in the same sentence is in the book of Genesis 32:28 documenting the moment when Jacob wrestled with God face to face. Yes, I said ‘wrestled.’ All who are born again have at some time in their lives wrestled with God over their sin. Jacob physically wrestling with His Creator is a scene representing all of mankind wrestling with God, refusing to become in subjection to God, fighting God, resisting God, denying God’s Sovereignty.
  The name of Jacob means ‘Supplanter.’ And in one way all at birth is a Supplanter. A supplanter is one who attempts to replace another, as all man (before being spiritually reborn) tries to replace what Adam lost (his glory, his position of standing and state before a righteous and holy God). Man will fight to his death to maintain the fallacy of his own godness, his own goodness, his self-righteousness, and his imagined right to rule over his actions without any interference by God.
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? (Psalm 2:1) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, (Psalm 2:2) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. (Psalm 2:3)
  One of the characteristics of a supplanter is that they believe that they can overpower God. The scene of Jacob and the Lord Jesus Christ (God, face to face) wrestling is actually a spiritual scene set in a physical setting. (Also note that I wrote that it was the Lord Jesus Christ in this encounter with Jacob.) Every time, in Scripture, when God appears to man, it is always the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ that appears. WHY? It is simply (and not so simple) because Christ IS the express image of God. Again, Christ is the image of God. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2nd Corinthians 4:4) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2nd Corinthians 4:6) Read the following documentation scene of Jacob wrestling with his God.
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. (Genesis 32:24)
And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. (Genesis 32:25)
And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. (Genesis 32:26)
And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. (Genesis 32:27)
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. (Genesis 32:28)
And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. (Genesis 32:29)
And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. (Genesis 32:30)
  The combination of the names of Jacob and Israel is a deliberate connection made by the Holy Spirit of God to remind us (as well as to remind Israel) that we are (supplanters, sinners) before God’s supernatural work of grace and righteousness within us. From grave to grace, from the dust of death to delight, from ruin to righteousness, and from a worm to a prince with God . . . THIS is the love of God.
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. (Genesis 32:28)Â
And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. (Genesis 35:10)
Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:14)
The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name. (Jeremiah 10:16)
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　I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. (Numbers 24:17)
  This is the only verse in Scripture that has the words Star and Sceptre mentioned together. Although the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel, and the Anointed One of Israel spans both the unseen and the seen, the temporal and the spiritual realms, He is defined here in Numbers 24:17 as the Star out of Jacob, that of the heavenly realm, and the Sceptre rising out of Israel as the Supreme King (out of Israel) over the earthly realm. The word Star (referring to a Person) is only mentioned ONCE IN THE ENTIRE OLD TESTAMENT . . . . for there is ONE GOD, ONE STAR, ONE I AM THAT I AM.
  What a great book that a holy God has placed in our hands to allow us to understand where we came from, what we came from, why we are here, and where we are going . . . . a privilege beyond all privileges, and a right of birth (new birth). And even greater than the revelation of the beginning and the end of humanity is the greater revelation of the Creator of humanity. His purpose for creating the human race, and His plans on the creation of a heavenly race far surpasses our spiritual comprehension capabilities.
  Read the complete 1st Chapter of the book of Hebrews and take in every word, and you will begin to understand the magnificence of our God because He lays before all who He is. In the Old Testament, God the Holy Spirit laid before us the Sceptre rising out of Israel as a Star out of Jacob; however, through the New Testament (in the book of Hebrews) He (God the Holy Spirit) gives us the identity of the One who holds the sceptre of authority, superiority, and sovereignty. Who is the visible God? Who holds the sceptre of righteousness? Who sits on the eternal throne over His kingdom, the kingdom of the temporal and the kingdom of the spiritual realms? IT IS THE SON OF GOD, Jesus Christ, who is addressed in Hebrews 1:8 as GOD! But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom.
  The Old Testament lays the foundation; the New Testament builds on this foundation. The Old Testament presents the premise, and the New Testament unveils the conclusion. In the Old Testament the word sceptre is mentioned in eleven (11) verses. And in one (1) verse in the New Testament for a total of twelve (12) verses. AND . . . . this is important . . . . b . e . c . a . u . s . e? What began in the Old Testament comes to its perfect conclusion in the perfection of God’s government in the number 12.
(A minor side note: The number 10 is God’s perfect order, number 11 adds to this number by one digit, and thus, represents rebellion against God’s perfect order, and the number twelve not only represents the tribes of Israel, but twelve is the perfection of God’s divine government.)
  What began with the word sceptre is completed perfectly in the New Testament with the last mention of sceptre and the only mention of sceptre in the New Testament which is the 12th mention. You must continue to read to see that this previous sentence is proven. Let us look at the complete record of the word sceptre, and rightly divide the word of God. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2nd Timothy 2:15)
  It is not dividing the word of truth as in tearing apart or creating a fracture or friction between sections of the word of truth, but it is correctly or rightly expounding on why the word of truth is sometimes meant for different people, and for different ages or time periods (dispensations) and recognizes that for earthlings’ differences are based on time because we are people of time. We cannot truly understand what it means to exist outside of time. But since God lives outside of time, His word is ONE word, and His truth is ONE. Having said that we need to rightly divide the word of truth, let us look at the following references and learn how the Holy Spirit of God has already provided a lesson plan on how to rightly divide the word of truth by the word sceptre.
1. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be]. (Genesis 49:10)
When looking closely into this word sceptre we discover some interesting colors; the first mention of sceptre is in Genesis Chapter 49, verse 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be]. The sceptre of governmental authority belongs to the tribe of Judah, but specifically it belongs to an individual of the tribe of Judah, and people (nations) will gather to Him at a specific time . . . . until Shiloh come. The first mention of the word sceptre places a LOT of information at our door. The One who holds the symbol of governmental control is from the tribe of Judah, and under His authority people will flock to Him, and He will bring peace and prosperity because this is what Shiloh means (the bringer of peace and prosperity). Genesis 49:10 sets the foundation of the Messiah to come. (The name of Shiloh is the praiseful epithet for the Messiah as the Bringer of peace.) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;Â (Ephesians 2:14)
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:Â (Romans 5:1)
Genesis 49:10 sets the meaning of the Law of First Mention in all that follows through the word sceptre.
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10)
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. (Revelation 5:5)
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (Revelation 22:16)
  Can you believe that all of this is in the very first mention of the word sceptre? And this is not all of what can be seen in this first mention. See, didn’t I tell you that crumb picking can be very rewarding.
2. I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. (Numbers 24:17)
This verse has already been explored except for and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. The Star out of Jacob, and the Sceptre that rises out of Israel also is the Judge of the whole earth. He shall smite the corners of Moab and He will destroy all the children of Sheth. Two separate entities are mentioned: Moab, and Sheth.
  The origin of Moab was the result of Lot’s incestuous act with his eldest daughter. Balak was the king of the Moabites during this time period in Numbers that Balaam was hired to curse Israel. Throughout Old Testament history Moabites were passionate enemies of Israel and fervent haters of God. Moab is the example of what begins badly, ends badly. Consequently, God the Holy Spirit labeled Moab and the children of Moab as a vessel filled with the filthy water of pride, arrogance, anger and lies.
Moab [is] my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph. (Psalm 108:9)
We have heard of the pride of Moab; [he is] very proud: [even] of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: [but] his lies [shall] not [be] so. (Isaiah 16:6)
And Moab shall be destroyed from [being] a people, because he hath magnified [himself] against the LORD. (Jeremiah 48:42)
 Then we have the mention of Sheth. Who is this Sheth, and who are the children of Sheth that the Sovereign righteous God said that He would destroy? I find another intriguing name in Sheth. This name is only mentioned two (2) times in the Bible: once in our study verse of Numbers 24:17, and the second and last mention is found in 1st Chronicles 1:1, Adam, Sheth, Enosh. And 1st Chronicles 1:1 is our connection to Seth. (Nothing in the Bible is by accident or by a transcription error from a distracted transcriber.) When you are dealing with the Bible always remember that IT IS THE WORD OF GOD, and GOD NEVER MAKES MISTAKES. Those who state that they believe in God, and that He is the Creator of all things then erroneously say that God can create, but He cannot MAINTAIN His creation.
  Let us develop the connection between Sheth and Seth, and why is there a deliberate difference (by the Holy Spirit) at two different points in the Old Testament: the first is the mention of Sheth in Numbers, and the second mention in 1st Chronicles Chapter 1? (Either tightened up your seat belt, or get an aspirin, I am giving you an advanced warning, which reminds me to take a little break here and get a snack.)
 Seth (as Seth and not Sheth) is mentioned eight (8) times in the Bible, seven (7) times in the Old Testament and one (1) time in the New Testament. I am including some links to articles that mention Seth if you are interested. (You may have to read further into some of the articles to get to sections about Seth.)
https://thegenesisepic.com/mortal-man/
https://thegenesisepic.com/the-men-who-did-not-age-part-ii/
https://thegenesisepic.com/giants-in-the-earth-part-i/
And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, [said she], hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. (Genesis 4:25)Â And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. (Genesis 4:26)
And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat [a son] in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: (Genesis 5:3)Â And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:Â (Genesis 5:4)
And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos: (Genesis 5:6) Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters: (Genesis 5:7) And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died. (Genesis 5:8)
Which was [the son] of Enos, which was [the son] of Seth, which was [the son] of Adam, which was [the son] of God. (Luke 3:38)
  In Genesis 4:25, Seth was an appointed seed by God to take the place of righteous Abel. In Genesis 4:26, Seth’s seed worshiped God and called upon His name. In Luke 3:38, Seth is recorded as the second man in the genealogy of humanity, closely connected to God. So why would God in Numbers 24, verse 17 documents that He will destroy all the children of Sheth? Noting that language, and changes within languages often causes changes in spelling . . . however, there is much more from Seth to Sheth being the change of the descendants or seed of Seth then the development changes with language. Righteousness, holiness, and faith are not genetic. Having a heart of worship and love toward God is not a result of genetics, nor is it inherited. Faith cannot be passed down from father to son, faith is spiritually implanted it is not a physical trait.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12). Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:13)
 The line of Seth ended with Noah. What happened to the seed of Seth? They became corrupted by the seed of Cain, and ALL were judged and destroyed by God in the universal flood, except for eight souls. Once again, we have the number 8. Eight times Seth is mentioned in Scripture, and eight souls were delivered from total destruction. From Seth (the righteous seed appointed by God) to Sheth (doomed to be destroyed). By the by, Sheth means ‘turmoil.’ Hmmmmm . . . . chaos, restlessness, a constant state of confusion, always unsettled as the sea. This describes mankind away from God. This is Sheth.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. (Isaiah 57:20) There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (Isaiah 57:21)
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;Â (Luke 21:25)
Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. (Jude 1:13)
 But we have yet to conclude what the Old Testament informs us about the word sceptre. The book of Esther adds to our understanding through a simple description of the royal power held by king Ahasuerus . . . the golden sceptre.
3. All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, [there is] one law of his to put [him] to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. (Esther 4:11)
4. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, [that] she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that [was] in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. (Esther 5:2)
5. Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, (Esther 8:4)
  The sceptre that king Ahasuerus held out was a golden sceptre, and ONLY when he held this symbol of authority out to the one who approached him (without being called into his presence) was that person accepted into his presence. Then the approved individual reached out and touched the top of the sceptre acknowledging the king’s sovereignty and power over life and death. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, [that] she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that [was] in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. (Esther 5:2)
  The phrase golden sceptre is only mentioned three (3) times and ONLY in the book of Esther. (Esther 4:11; 5:2; 8:4) Do you see the connection between the symbolism of the golden sceptre with the kingly authority to accept or to reject? Since gold symbolizes the righteousness of God, we have righteousness and kingly authority united in the symbol of the sceptre. The sceptre of the kingdom of God (through symbolism) is the ultimate authority who either accepts or rejects all who approach His holy and righteous throne. It is God, and God alone who set the condition of acceptance or rejection over His subjects. But we are still not through with the lessons of the sceptre.
Side Note: Gold and the number six. Man has been time-stamped with the number six. He was created on the sixth day, and he lives in time marked by six: sixty seconds in a minute, sixty minutes in an hour, 24 (4×6) hours in a day, and on and on . . . mankind is tattooed with six. And at the end, mankind will worship the man who is the embodiment of the number of man: 6 – 6 – 6 and his worshipers will be stamped with, tattooed with, or be implanted with his number. However, there is something else that is connected to this number 6. What else do we rarely see connected to mankind through this number? It is the golden altar, and the visible God. Got your attention? God provided a golden altar (a righteous and holy sacrifice, a way to approach God) through His Son, Jesus Christ (the visible express image of God) so that man could be reconciled to God
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (Colossians 1:21) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. (Colossians 1:22)
 Thus, symbolically through the element of gold, and through the numerical numbering system God draws His creatures to Himself. The phrase the golden altar is recorded six (6) times in the Bible and take special notice of the sixth and last mention.
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,(Exodus 39:38)
And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:Â (Exodus 40:26)
And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put to the staves thereof: (Numbers 4:11)
And Solomon made all the vessels that [were for] the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables whereon the shewbread [was set]; (2nd Chronicles 4:19)
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. (Revelation 8:3)
And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, (Revelation 9:13)Â
 Where is the image of God, the gold, and the number six connected symbolically in Scripture? Of course, it has to be in the book of love, the Song of love, the Song of Songs, the Songs of Solomon. Six times the word gold is used by the Holy Spirit to describe the beauty of holiness and righteousness metaphorically through a kingly figure (Solomon) who is the object of the love of his subjects. Through the Song of Songs, we have another concept added to this kingly image, gold, and the number six, it is the concept of love. The love of a King (God in Christ) for His subjects, and the love of His subjects for their God and King. The book of love, the Song of Song is a metaphorical story of love between God, the Redeemer, and the redeemed. God (through the Holy Spirit) uses all at His command to paint a picture (through symbolism) to express the emotion of love that cannot be defined easily. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) This verse connects the number 6 (sinners) to the love of God in Christ.
 As you read through the following verses remember that gold is the symbol for the holiness and righteousness of God, and that God is described not only as a majestic King, but as the Deity of righteous love.
Thy cheeks are comely with rows [of jewels], thy neck with chains [of gold]. (Song of Songs 1:10)
We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver. (Song of Songs 1:11)
He made the pillars thereof [of] silver, the bottom thereof [of]Â gold, the covering of it [of] purple, the midst thereof being paved [with] love, for the daughters of Jerusalem. (Song of Songs 3:10)
His head [is as] the most fine gold, his locks [are] bushy, [and] black as a raven. (Song of Songs 5:11)
His hands [are as] gold rings set with the beryl: his belly [is as] bright ivory overlaid [with] sapphires. (Song of Songs 5:14)
His legs [are as] pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance [is] as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. (Song of Songs 5:15)
 God wraps the number six (6) mankind in sin, gold, the golden altar, and the sceptre all together in LOVE. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (1st John 3:4:9) ♦ End of Side Note: Gold and the number six.
  We still have more to write about the word sceptre. It is quite fitting that the next mention of sceptre is the sixth mention, and the last mention of the sceptre of God’s kingdom. It is the closing statement of a righteous sceptre in the Old Testament.
6. Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre. (Psalm 45:6)
  God, the Eternal God, has the right to rule over His kingdom. Twice, the Holy Spirit of God, informs us that God is the Eternal King, He has a throne, and a kingdom, and therefore, He completely OWNS EVERYTHING. And because He OWNS EVERYTHING and EVERYONE, and EVERY NATION the following references about sceptres, and His judgment, are against all those who PRESUME to own others, and to control nations and peoples is quite correct and right. God has the right to break the sceptre of rulers, break the bars of governmental tyranny, cut off perverts (Aven means perversion) and those who settle themselves in self debasement, smite the waves of the sea, and remove the sceptre of authoritarians from His earth.
7. The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, [and] the sceptre of the rulers. (Isaiah 14:5)
8. And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, [which] hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod [to be] a sceptre to rule. This [is] a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation. (Ezekiel 19:14)
9. I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD. (Amos 1:5)
10. Â And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD. (Amos 1:8)
11. And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away. (Zechariah 10:11)
 These events at the time that these words were written were happening, and they were also prophetic. From our view they all occurred, and God’s words were accomplished in every one of these nations, and to all of their leaders. Therefore, all at this moment in our tumultuous times should take solace that those who rule over us in lies and deceits are destined to be judged by a righteous Judge. (Considering the United States: the self-affirmed seditious leaders are certain to receive their just rewards for their actions against God and against His people. As these self-proclaimed, and self-elected treasonous politicians, and religious, and financial potentates attempt to enforce evil laws and mandates, they act without regard that there are consequences for all of their actions, and that God’s righteous laws and His mandates are above ALL. They have no future ahead, but to face what every past potentate has faced, the wrath of God. Their judgment is a sure thing . . . a done deal. Romans 3:18 describes them perfectly, There is no fear of God before their eyes.)
12. But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8)
  Do you remember where you first read this phrase? It is from Psalm 45:6 Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre. The Old Testament sets the premise, and the New Testament unveils the conclusion of the premise. (For those who have Attention Deficit Disorder (if you have gotten this far into this article, you do not have Attention Deficit Disorder) I will repeat a previous section, just to remind you at this conclusion why this is a conclusion.)
(A minor side note: The number 10 is God’s perfect order, number 11 adds to this number by one digit, and thus, represents rebellion against God’s perfect order, and the number twelve not only represents the tribes of Israel, but twelve is the perfection of God’s divine government.)
  What began with the word sceptre is completed perfectly in the New Testament with the last mention of sceptre and the only mention of sceptre in the New Testament which is the 12th mention . . . God’s perfect government in its completion. The last mention of sceptre is documented only once in the New Testament and is the same as verse 6 of Psalm 45 EXCEPT for one addition, But unto the Son [he saith].
  Everything in the Old Testament that is written is about the Messiah, the Anointed One, the I AM THAT I AM, and the Eternal God is concluded in the New Testament by the Holy Spirit of God revealing the visible identity of the invisible God IN JESUS the CHRIST. . . . But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God . . . . How perfectly fitting that this one and only mention of sceptre in the New Testament would be in the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of righteousness, and the King of peace (until Shiloh come) the Bringer of peace.
♦
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. (Numbers 24:18)
Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. (Numbers 24:19)
And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. (Numbers 24:20)
And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock. (Numbers 24:21)
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. (Numbers 24:22)
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! (Numbers 24:23)
And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. (Numbers 24:24)
And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way. (Numbers 24:25)
  There is enough spiritual wealth within these words to write a humongous unread book . . . . put the aspirin bottle away . . . . I’m not going to write such a volume here in this article . . . . I think! After reading these verses, let us just select certain key points from MANY key points!
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. (Numbers 24:18)
Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. (Numbers 24:19)
  Israel will finally possess and overcome their generational enemies (Edom and Seir). And coming OUT of Jacob will be a particular Person who will have dominion over all of His enemies. Again, the number 6 is connected to those who hate God. Edom and Seir are mentioned six times together in the following verses as a brief summary of their history.
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. (Genesis 32:3)
Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau [is] Edom. (Genesis 36:8)
And these [are] the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir:Â (Genesis 36:9)
And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan: these [are] the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom. (Genesis 36:21)
And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. (Numbers 24:18)
LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water. (Judges 5:4)
 Then Balaam continued on with his parable as he looked on the Amalekites camped on the high terrain above the camps of Israel beneath them.
And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. (Numbers 24:20)
  The following documentation should give you a basic understanding on why God HAD to destroy Amalek and his seed. Again, I have chosen particular verses to summarize the origin, the heart, the actions of the Amalekites, and God’s judgment on them because of their rebellious unrepentant hearts.
And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these [were] the sons of Adah Esau’s wife. (Genesis 36:12)
And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this [for] a memorial in a book, and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (Exodus 17:14)
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember [that] which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid [wait] for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. (1st Samuel 1:2)
Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;Â (Deuteronomy 25:17) How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. (Deuteronomy 25:18) Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it. (Deuteronomy 25:19)
  The Amalekites were not only rebellious and unrepentant, but Deuteronomy 25:18 informs us that they showed no mercy to those who were feeble, faint and weary (children, women with children, the elderly) who followed at the back or the rear of the column of Israelites as they traveled. These feeble, weary and frail were not able to defend themselves and were viciously and mercilessly slaughtered by those WHO FEARED NOT GOD. They didn’t dare attack at the front, for at the front leading the marching Israelites was the tribe of Judah. (Numbers 10:14)
  At this point in this article, I do not think that there are many still reading who believe that God can neither judge, nor can He destroy, nor can He allow a single person to go unpunished. But, just in case, I am wrong on this point (that there is still someone reading 
), the following side note is about God’s righteousness in judgment.
Side Note: GOD IS RIGHTEOUS IN JUDGMENT. God judges, get over it!Â
But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) (Romans 3:5)
God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? (Romans 3:6)
For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? (Romans 3:7)
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. (Romans 3:8)
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; (Romans 3:9)
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Romans 3:10)
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (Romans 3:11)
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Romans 3:12)
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: (Romans 3:13)
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: (Romans 3:14)
Their feet are swift to shed blood: (Romans 3:15)
Destruction and misery are in their ways: (Romans 3:16)
And the way of peace have they not known: (Romans 3:17)
There is no fear of God before their eyes. (Romans 3:18) ♦ End of Side Note: God is Righteous in Judgment.
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And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock. (Numbers 24:21)
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. (Numbers 24:22)
  The history of the Kenites is tied to the history of Moses. The Kenites were Gentiles (or of mixed Gentile Syrian origin) who placed themselves under the caring banner of Israel, and thus, under the care of Jehovah. Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men [must be] just, ruling in the fear of God. (2nd Samuel 23:3)
Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. (Deuteronomy 32:3) He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. (Psalm 18:2)
 Let us begin with why and how these Gentiles became tied to the history of Moses. In Scripture they are called both Kenites and Midianites because they dwelt in the land of Midian (a son of Abraham and Keturah), and the Kenites were smiths and fabricators as their name indicates. Also, the name Kenite also connects to the name of Cain as Cain ‘<Qayin> (pronounced kah’yin) from a primitive root; to strike a musical note, i.e., chant or wail (at a funeral): –lament, mourning woman.’ The name is also built on another root ‘in the original sense of fixity; a lance (as striking fast): –spear.’Â
Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. (Exodus 2:15)
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. (Exodus 2:16)
And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. (Exodus 2:17)
And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day? (Exodus 2:18)
And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock. (Exodus 2:19)
And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. (Exodus 2:20) 　
And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. (Exodus 2:21)
And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. (Exodus 2:22)
  At this point, it is needful to follow the trail of the Kenites through selected Scriptures. Sometimes tracing the origin of a name or of a tribe is like trying to corral a herd of cats. As you grab one tail, another tail runs in another direction. But I may stop trying to herd cats, and instead, key in on the lamentation of Moses I have been a stranger in a strange land. Here was a prince of Egypt self-exiled for 40 years in a land inhabited by descendants of Abraham and his second wife, and swarming with the enemies of Israel, and also with half-breed peoples of many tribes intermixing with each other, and tribes within tribes. Because of this intermixing, names are not static, meaning that a single name can be found in many conflicting cultures, and cross many boundaries.
  The trail of the Kenite encompasses the father-in-law of Moses, and extends in time to Heber, to Hemath (Hamath) the father of the house of Rechab. Consequently, since it is futile to successfully catch many zooming cats, I am going to try to stroke only one cat at a time. By the way, the Holy Spirit of God frequently plays on the name of His subject, for example, And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock. (Numbers 24:21) One of the main roots of the name Kenite is ‘as a fixed nest; or ‘nestlings, a chamber of dwelling; a nest or room.’ See how the Spirit of God did that? When Moses returned from Egypt leading a free people, he met with his father-in-law (at the foot of mount Sinai).
And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:Â (Exodus 18:5)
And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her. (Exodus 18:6)
And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent. (Exodus 18:7)
And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them. (Exodus 18:8)
And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. (Exodus 18:9)
And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. (Exodus 18:10)
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them. (Exodus 18:11)
And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God. (Exodus 18:12)
  From a priest in Midian to a worshiper and a priest offering a burnt offering and sacrifices, BEFORE God gave the Law and the ordinances of sacrifice to Israel through the Aaronic priesthood, is seen through the words that flowed from the rejoicing heart of Jethro. The dual meaning of the name of Jethro is ‘his remnant,’ and ‘his excellence.’ Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them. With this testimony of faith and belief, God accepted this burnt offering and sacrifice because Jethro (the former priest in Midian) believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Romans 4:3)
Side Note: Priests Before the Law and Before the establishment of an earthly priesthood in Aaron. There were many men of God who offered acceptable sacrifices to God BEFORE the Law and the Aaronic priesthood. However, only two individuals (2) were called priests. The first mention is found in Genesis 14:18, And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the priest of the most high God. This was much more than an individual, here was the supernatural (Christ) in His priestly function as He blessed Abraham. (I suggest that you click on this link to Hebrews Chapter 7.)Â
For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; (Hebrews 7:1)
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; (Hebrews 7:2)
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:3)
Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. (Hebrews 7:4)
 The second and the last person to have the title of priest (BEFORE THE LAW and BEFORE THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD) was this priest in Midian (Jethro), of Gentile origin, and found righteous in the eyes of God because of his belief in God and through his testimony of Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them. Does this not connect us (as sinners, and outside of Israel) to the place of standing and state before a righteous God? Before the Law, during the Law, and after the Law, one primary element connects ALL believers of God . . . . and this is FAITH through the GRACE of God. Jethro (‘his remnant,’ and ‘his excellence’) is exemplified through God grace offered to all Gentiles.Â
Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (Romans 4:16)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)) ♦ End of Side Note: Priests Before the Law and Before the establishment of an earthly priesthood in Aaron.
 To follow the origin, history, and prophecies regarding the Kenites would involve a deep dive into Scripture while clutching a bottle of aspirins. The aspirins would be for you, not for me. The decision has been made . . . I will move on.
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. (Numbers 24:22)
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! (Numbers 24:23)
And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. (Numbers 24:24)
  These three verses take in both Jew and Gentile. It is both historical and prophetic. It also draws in both national (local) and international (universal) judgment. The end of the Kenite (the Gentile) was overcome and led into captivity by Asshur, (the descendants of the second son of Shem) who became known as the Assyrians. Asshur means ‘to step,’ and ‘to go forward.’ I look at Asshur as not only meaning ‘to step,’ but to step over and to step on, this is the nature of progressive philosophy before there was philosophy. But as in all tyrannical regimes there is always another more powerful and destructive tyrannical regime waiting for their opportunity to step forward, and to step on. And this was Asshur’s end, and it will yet be Asshur’s end because Asshur became a symbol of tyranny.
  We could follow the origins and the history of every tribe, and every nation mentioned in these verses, but the primary message within these verses is JUDGMENT. Not just judgment on these faraway places (in our minds they are far away) but a coming judgment that will engulf the whole world.
♦
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! (Numbers 24:23)
And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.(Numbers 24:24)
  These two verses, in few words, introduce us to a great happening. THE END . . . the end of all that we (earth dwellers) have experienced and accept as our inherent right to enjoy in the future: convenience of life in food, technology, economy, laws of safety and movement, and the continuation of all that we understand. BUT . . . IT IS TRUE . . . . THERE WILL BE AN END TO LIFE AS WE KNOW IT. There will be a NEW AGE. An age of a thousand years, another new beginning, known as the millennial age, when Christ will rule over the earth. This age will not be a smooth transition, nor will it take decades to achieve. Before the BEGINNING of this new age there will come an END of the old age, and before the END there will be a BEGINNING, the beginning of sorrows, known as the days of tribulation.
  Let us stay focused on Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! The New Testament confirms this prophecy of Numbers 24:23 through the triple witness (2.2.2) of the Spirit of God against the world (4) in the gospel of Matthew 24:22. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
Baby Side Note: First, God witnessed against the world (the number 4) in the age of Noah. The first witness. Then Christ came to earth to be a witness of God’s love through salvation and to offer everlasting life. The second witness. Then the Spirit of God (the Comforter) was sent to be a witness to the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. The third witness – 2.2.2.
  Much happens within an unknown time frame: God removes His Church from the earth, the earth itself rebels against those who have been enriched by raping the earth of its richness, and all are in conflict: man, beast, and the even the earth.
  And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.(Numbers 24:24) This prophecy takes in three national forces: Chittim (nations outside of the territories of Arab lands and Israel); Asshur (the area known as Mesopotamia, Iraq, Iran); Eber (Israel). A naval military action of non-eastern nations advances against the world’s last greatest power (Babylon revived), and Israel will also be greatly affected because it is not only located between the sea and Mesopotamia, but Israel has always been deeply hated by both opposing factions. Through the prophecy in the book of Daniel, we get more information, For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. (Daniel 11:30) The person spoken about in this verse ‘him,’ and ‘he‘ is also known as ‘the man of sin,’ the Anti-Christ. When reading Daniel, especially in the chapters that deal with prophecy, always consider the time element, centuries can occur between verses. In Daniel Chapter 11, verse 30, the man of sin resides in his governmental Capitol city located in Babylon, however, after the attack against his kingdom by the united military of the nations from the west and north, the Anti-Christ returns to his base of worship (the city of Jerusalem ) where he has set up his worship center (His worship/religious Capitol) and takes revenge on those of the holy covenant aided by the Jews of the city who have forsaken the holy covenant. All of this is not a one-day battle event. Remember that war destroys infrastructures, communications, and advanced technology and AI has one great weakness: power source.
  Let us return to Numbers 24:24 and he also shall perish for ever. Asshur, Assyrians, Babylon, they are all one and the same, and they all symbolize one entity Satan. Although Asshur became Assyria, he came from the land of Shinar, the land of Babylon. The origin and development of Babylon are dives so deep that you will need many air tanks strapped to your back. WE WILL NOT GO THERE at this time in this article. Therefore, we will merely snorkel.
  Asshur was the offspring of Shem, and Babylon was a product of an offspring (Nimrod) of Ham, and Chittim developed from Japheth. Three branches from the root of one tree: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Millenniums later, the conflict between these three branches of humanity ends. Although the sentence that and he also shall perish for ever is directed to Asshur, it also refers to the physical location of Asshur in the northern part of Babylon or the land of Shinar. Asshur is more than a location. It is a place of heart, the heart of pride, rebellion, and arrogance, the heart of Satan. The powers who ruled over the lands of Assyria and Babylon were all trained and educated by Satan. Compare Isaiah 10:12-14 with Isaiah 14:12-14, (Lucifer’s wish list)!
Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. (Isaiah 10:12)
For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man:Â (Isaiah 10:13)
And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped. (Isaiah 10:14)
  Take one last look at Numbers 24:24, and ask this question, who is the ‘he‘ that the Holy Spirit writes about? And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. (Numbers 24:24) This naval military force from Chittim is not a ‘he.’ Asshur is not a ‘he.’ Eber is not a ‘he.’ Who is the ‘he?’ He is the old dragon, the beguiling serpent, the former anointed cherub that covereth (Lucifer), and the father of lies . . . . Yea, hath God said . . . Ye shall not surely die . . . and ye shall be as gods. These three lies are the foundations on which mankind has placed their very lives and future existence on. First, question the word of God; secondly, live without regarding the consequence and never consider eternity; and thirdly, center all your heart and actions around yourself (since there is no God) because you are god. This last phrase and he also shall perish for ever ends the fourth parable of Balaam. But it doesn’t end this article!
♦
And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way. (Numbers 24:25)
  Although Balaam HEARD, KNEW, SAW and SAID, and his EYES were OPEN he was still a child of his father: Satan, and because Balaam did not believe what he HEARD, nor what he SAW, and especially what he SAID he returned to his place. We all have a place. Some have a place prepared for them with their great Redeemer. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also. (John 14:3)Â
  Others also have a place prepared for them: hell. Judas had his own place specially prepared for him. That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. (Acts 1:25) Where is YOUR PLACE, or will you simply ignore God, as Balak, and continue on your own way, and Balak also went his way?
Choose you this day whom ye will serve.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)
Men of renown is a companion piece to Giants in the Earth series.
© Copyright 2022, Mary Haigh
This article may be used, but not for gain. Freely ye have received, freely give.
All Scripture references are from the King James Bible. (KJV)