Numbers 24:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In a similar manner, the Lord declares: I will oppose your adversaries, and I will bear enmity toward those who bear enmity against you.

The Magi discovered through Balaam's prophecy that the Lord is both deity and sovereign, possessing the authority to sacrifice Himself for our sake. Consider this prophecy: "He lay down," indicating He "rested like a lion" (Num. 24:9). The term 'Lion' signifies royal majesty, while "laid down" suggests subjugation. "He that blesseth thee shall be blessed," reflects the divine essence, as only the nature of God has the capacity to grant blessings. See Matthew 2:11.

Balaam spoke of Christ, stating, “He is bowed down, lying like a lion and like a lion cub; who will rise him up? Those who bless You are blessed, and those who curse You are cursed.” The term “lion” signifies sovereign majesty, while “prostrate” conveys suffering, and the concept of “power to bless” reflects the divine nature.

Those who offer blessings will themselves be blessed, while those who invoke curses will find themselves cursed. To whom does God refer, and whom does He favor, if not the followers of Christ, into whose depths the divine Word has penetrated, discerning the distinctions of souls, thoughts, and intentions (Heb. 4:12)? Balaam might have obtained the Lord's favor had he chosen to bless according to his own desires and sentiments. However, since the heart of the wicked is ensnared by its own pondering, and the hidden matters of the spirit are brought to light, his true nature is unveiled through the schemes that ensue.

He refers to the demise of the Sovereign as the resurrection (Song of Songs 1:11). Additionally, Balaam foretells: ‘He lay down like a lion, and as a fierce lion: who shall rouse Him?’

During that period, when he remained untempted by wealth and prestige from the heathen ruler, he remained steadfast in the vision's spirit and the Word of God. Consequently, he was able to prophesy about Christ along with His redemptive death and resurrection, as evidenced in his own words: “He lay down like a lion, and like a young lion, who shall stir him up? Those who bless you shall be blessed, and those who curse you shall be cursed.”

In their triumphs following the exodus from Egypt, Israel is depicted as a swift unicorn, and after achieving victory, they will rest peacefully like a lion or lioness, fully satisfied with their spoils, and no one will dare to interrupt their repose. Similarly, the patriarch Jacob foretold of the Great Descendant from Judah, referring to the Messiah (Genesis 49:9). Balaam concludes his third parable concerning the nation of Israel with the declaration, "He who blesses you is blessed, and he who curses you is cursed." This is a reminder of what the Lord proclaimed to Abraham (Genesis 12:3). Isaac later echoed this promise to his son Jacob (Genesis 27:29). The Church Fathers elucidate that this profound statement pertains to the Great Seed of the Woman, through whom all nations of the earth would be blessed as members of the gracious kingdom of the Messiah.

Who will awaken him like a lion or a lion cub? Balaam anticipates the moment when Israel will finally inhabit the Promised Land. At that time, he will sheathe his sword of warfare, and all will experience tranquility, resting beneath their own fig trees and vine branches. This scenario mirrors the long and peaceful reign of Solomon. Yet even amidst peace, Israel will instill fear in its adversaries, akin to a slumbering lion or a lion cub, which cannot be roused without consequence—they remain fearsome even in their slumber. The patriarch Jacob spoke similarly concerning Judah, referring to the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9).