The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 23:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

There is no idol in Jacob, neither is there an image god to be seen in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, and the sound of the victory of the king in him.

Douay-Rheims

לֹֽא־הִבִּ֥יט אָ֙וֶן֙ בְּיַעֲקֹ֔ב וְלֹא־רָאָ֥ה עָמָ֖ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ וּתְרוּעַ֥ת מֶ֖לֶךְ בּֽוֹ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

As they took him from one location to another, he, desiring to bring a curse, instead bestowed a blessing: There is no disaster in Jacob, and there is no suffering; God safeguards this people.

Michail Cheraskov

19th centuryCommentator

In his second allegory, Balaam draws Balak's attention to the unchanging nature of God's purpose, particularly regarding His steadfast grace towards the nation of Israel. This chosen people is destined for abundant blessings, with God Himself reigning as their sovereign, heralded by the sound of trumpets—akin to the earthly kings. The prophetic declarations made by Balaam found partial fulfillment during the history of Israel, especially following their conquest of Canaan. However, their complete realization pertains to the spiritual Israel. The perfect and unshakeable blessings that Balaam prophesied for Israel translate into the peace on earth and goodwill towards humanity sung by the angels during the Savior's birth. The tangible presence of God among the Israelites prefigured the mystery of the Lord's incarnation, while the trumpet calls anticipated the proclamation of the Gospel.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.