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Who can count the dust of Jacob, Or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, Let my last end be like his!

Verse Takeaways

1

God's Unstoppable Promise

All commentators agree that Balaam's reference to the "dust of Jacob" is a direct, God-compelled affirmation of the covenant promise made to Abraham for innumerable descendants. Hired to curse, Balaam is forced to bless, showing that God's purposes for His people cannot be thwarted by human or spiritual opposition.

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Commentaries

5

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Numbers 23:10

18th Century

Theologian

The fourth part of Israel—that is, each one of the four camps into which the host of Israel was divided (see Numbers 2), seemed to swarm wit…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Numbers 23:10

19th Century

Bishop

Who can count the dust of Jacob?— These words point back to the promise made to Abraham: And I will make thy seed as the dust …

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Numbers 23:10

16th Century

Theologian

Who can count the dust of Jacob? Therefore, it is clear that what Balaam was to say was suggested to him by God, since he quotes the words…

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John Gill

John Gill

On Numbers 23:10

17th Century

Pastor

Who can count, the dust of Jacob
The people of Israel, their posterity so called, not because of their original, the dust of t…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Numbers 23:1–10

17th Century

Minister

With the camps of Israel in full view, Balaam ordered seven altars to be built, and a bullock and a ram to be offered on each. Oh, the foolishness …