Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
24:17 A star was a symbol for a king (cp. Isa 14:12; Matt 2:1-10), and a scepter was an image of power and majesty (cp. Gen 49:10; Ps 45:6). King David fits the description historically. The Moabites, whose defeat is mentioned in Num 24:17, were among the many peoples conquered during his reign (2 Sam 8:2), though Moab remained a dangerous enemy of Israel after David’s time (cp. 2 Kgs 3:1-27; Isa 15–16; Jer 48). Many interpreters have extended the image beyond David. Christians identify Jesus of Nazareth with a star (cp. Matt 2:2; 2 Pet 1:19; Rev 2:28; 22:16) and a scepter (cp. Heb 1:8). • The people of Sheth were probably the ancient Sutu, though it might refer to Edom/Seir (also conquered by David; Num 24:18), Ir (or Ar) of Moab (24:19; cp. 21:28), or Amalek, one of Israel’s earliest and most persistent enemies (24:20).
Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
24:17 A star was a symbol for a king (cp. Isa 14:12; Matt 2:1-10), and a scepter was an image of power and majesty (cp. Gen 49:10; Ps 45:6). King David fits the description historically. The Moabites, whose defeat is mentioned in Num 24:17, were among the many peoples conquered during his reign (2 Sam 8:2), though Moab remained a dangerous enemy of Israel after David’s time (cp. 2 Kgs 3:1-27; Isa 15–16; Jer 48). Many interpreters have extended the image beyond David. Christians identify Jesus of Nazareth with a star (cp. Matt 2:2; 2 Pet 1:19; Rev 2:28; 22:16) and a scepter (cp. Heb 1:8). • The people of Sheth were probably the ancient Sutu, though it might refer to Edom/Seir (also conquered by David; Num 24:18), Ir (or Ar) of Moab (24:19; cp. 21:28), or Amalek, one of Israel’s earliest and most persistent enemies (24:20).
Literal English (Darby)ⓘThe Darby Bible (1890) — a deliberately literal, word-for-word translation used here as the Old Testament comparison text.The Darby Bible (1890) — a deliberately literal, word-for-word translation used here as the Old Testament comparison text.
And he saw Amalek, and took up his parable, and said, Amalek is the first of the nations, but his latter end shall be for destruction.
Hebrew (Masoretic Text)ⓘThe Masoretic Text — the authoritative Hebrew manuscript tradition behind most Old Testaments, standardized by Jewish scribes (the Masoretes) between roughly the 7th and 10th centuries AD.The Masoretic Text — the authoritative Hebrew manuscript tradition behind most Old Testaments, standardized by Jewish scribes (the Masoretes) between roughly the 7th and 10th centuries AD.
King James VersionⓘKing James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
King James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
¶ 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.
American Standard VersionⓘAmerican Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.American Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.
And he looked on Amalek, and took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; But his latter end shall come to destruction.
World English BibleⓘWorld English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.World English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.
He looked at Amalek, and took up his parable, and said, “Amalek was the first of the nations, but his latter end shall come to destruction.”
Bible in Basic EnglishⓘBible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.Bible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.
Then, turning his eyes to Amalek, he went on with his story and said, Amalek was the first of the nations, but his part will be destruction for ever.