Text: Numbers 24:15-19
Theme: Star & Scepter
Greetings: My heartfelt Christmas wishes. God bless all of you with the Christ’s Peace and favour. May the Glory of God shine on and around you. It’s a time of white gifts to the Unknown for a good cause. The joy Advent of Christ is celebrated, shared and exchanged through sharing gifts, playing the Chris ma and Chris Child gifts exchange. Christmas is a time family reunions children enjoy with decorations and nativity scenes.
CONTEXT OF THE ORACLE
Israel had destroyed the Canaanites (Numbers 21:1-3), defeated the Amorites, captured their king, Sihon, and occupied his land (Numbers 21:21-32). They struck down the entire army of Og, king of Bashan, leaving no survivors and taking possession of his land (Numbers 21:34-35). Balak, king of Moab, and the Moabites were greatly unsettled. So, Balak son of Zippor, promised “Balaam son of Beor at Pethor”, the sorcerer a handsome fee, if he would only curse the Israelites. He had seven Oracles. The fourth one is focused here for our attention.
He was a prophet of international renown, famed for his divination abilities in all religions. He made his services available for a cost, and evidently made quite a good living from it. He lived in 1400 BC. God’s choice of a prophet is very interesting. God often speaks through people even if they don’t have a real relationship with Him. God can use anyone and anybody, even dead body. God used Balaam to deliver a prophecy. The end was so miserable, all five of the Midianite kings–Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba–died in the battle, eventually Balaam was killed with the sword (Numbers 31:8).
PROPHECY OF MESSIANIC ERA
Balaam’s first three oracles reveals the fact that God had not cursed the Israelites (Numbers 23:8), He had delivered them from Egypt and blessed them (Numbers 23:21-22). In the first oracle, he is endowed with normal physical sight. In the second, he attains the spiritual power to see Israel’s invulnerable state in the present. Now his vision soars to behold the distant future. Baalam says the message of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open (Numbers 24:16). Balaam says that “he sees him, but not now,” and “he beholds him, but not near”. Balaam sees concerns a “star coming out of Jacob,” a “scepter arising out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17).
Here the Star refers to a Person. The symbols of "a Star" and "a Scepter" are both ancient and widespread figures for kings or monarchs. The Star and Scepter or the Scepter and Lawgiver (Genesis 49:10) point to an individual. The scepter refers to the kingly power in exercise.
INTRODUCTION TO STAR
STARS have captivated the human imagination since time immemorial. Their twinkling lights, scattered across the vast expanse of the night sky, have inspired wonder and awe in countless civilizations throughout history. Ancient mythologies often featured celestial entities as gods, manifestations and abodes of gods/goddesses. The Egyptians, the Mesopotamians, the Babylonians, the Greeks and the Hindus see them as divine embodiments, abodes and even messengers of life journey. They believe that the stars influence the course of human lives, has ability to shape human affairs, and controlling the Souls.
Men and women, had their titles, names, and surnames to stars. So the queen of Alexander the Great, called Roxana by the Greeks, was a Persian princess, and in her native tongue her name was Roushen, SPLENDOUR. Hadassah, who became queen to Ahasuerus, in place of the Vashti was called Esther means STAR. A Mohammedan prince named Eesouf called Roushen Akhter to refer LUMINOUS STAR.
Interpretations:
The Hebrews prophecy leads to the understanding of the future messiah as a Star of the World. At an appropriate time, the star rose from the lions of Judah. Today, I would like to share with you from this OT inspirations that it refers to Jesus as the Star out of Judah. So, Jesus is the Morning Star, Jesus is the Ruling Star, and he makes his followers as Shining Stars.
1. JESUS ,THE MORNING STAR (Revelation 22:16)
This prophecy leads to Jesus who has declared himself as Messiah in the synagogue of Nazareth (Luke 4:16-21). He openly declared that He was the Messiah of the Jewish Expectation. Jesus said in Luke 24:44 that everything that was spoken about him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled. This means that in some way there is reference to him as messiah/savior/priest/king throughout the whole OT, including the Pentateuch.
The promises of God to Abraham in Genesis 15:5, 22:17 are related to the Stars and the Sands of the Seashore. God also promised the same to Isaac (Genesis 26:4). Joseph had the dream of Stars referring to His brothers (Genesis 37:9). Moses remembers and prays to God recalling the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that the descendants of Israel shall be countless stars (Exodus 32:13).
God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the STARS in the sky, emphasizing the abundance and blessings that awaits him. Yes, it is true, Abraham is the father of Israelites, Ishmaelite, and Arabs (who were the children of Keturah). Now, through Christ all can become believers including from the Gentile world as descendants of Abraham. Everyone who accepts and adores this morning Star would be counted with the stars of the Abrahamic covenant. So, unquestionably, the population of the New Israel shall be the stars of Heaven including all of us (Deuteronomy 1:10, 10:22, 1 Chronicles 27:23, Nehemiah 4:21, 9:23).
The false Messiah SHIMON BAR KOKHBA used the Jewish expectation of a homeland, a Holy Temple, and an end to the slavery under the Romans. Barcochab, which literally signifies the son of a star. The final battle of the war took place in BETHAR, Bar-Kokhba’s headquarters, which housed both the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court) and the home of the Nasi (leader). In 135 C.E., The Jews were forbidden to live there. They were permitted to enter only on the 9th of Av to mourn their losses in the revolt. Hadrian discriminated against all Judeo-Christian sects with worst persecution. He made anti-religious decrees forbidding Torah study, Sabbath observance, circumcision, Jewish courts, meeting in synagogues and other ritual practices.
But in Revelation 22:16 says that Jesus is the true bright Morning Star. He meets every morning with his fresh mercies, grace and love. He stands at our doors and blesses. Jesus the Morning Star shines in our hearts according to 2 Peter 1:19. We are given the privilege of becoming stars of the heaven and promised in Revelation 2:28. Even Job 38:7 says the Morning Stars sang together during the creation. They will shine like the star in the heavens (Daniel 12:3).
2. JESUS THE RULING STAR
Matthew 2:2 says there was a Star rose from the East to indicate the birth of a Ruler, a Prince, a King and an Emperor forever. The scepter is associated with divine authority (Psalms 2:9; 45:6; 60:7; 108:8; 110:2). Hebrews 1:8 says Jesus has the scepter of Justice. The Genesis 49:8-12 and Numbers 24:15-19 are giving the David line regal images of Christ are explicitly explained through this Star and Sceptre concept. The image speaks of Judah’s power and supremacy among the tribes and over her enemies. His sovereignty is expressed in that no one dare to challenge him.
There are four observations in Genesis (Genesis 49:8-12). Firstly, a Judean ruler will come to control Shiloh which is understood to refer to a sacred sanctuary in Ephraim. Secondly, that the scepter and the rod will not depart from Judah until the ruler comes. He will have Divine favour and Prosperity. Thirdly referred to a Davidic ruler or messianic figure. Fourthly, a future ruler is envisaged and that he may well go beyond just a political figure, but indeed may be characterized as an eschatological regal triumphant figure.
These passage is a prophecy to David and the Davidic kingdom. It envisions a regal figure who will come from tribe of Judah. Both Judah’s brothers and many others will benefit as a result of his rule. He will exhibit strength and defeat his foes with none to overthrow him. The scope of his rule includes not only the tribes of Israel, but also the nations. In connection with his coming there will be tremendous blessing and divine favor.
King David as a Star of Abraham had struck down Moabites (2 Samuel 8:2 & Numbers 24:17), Edomites (Numbers 24:18; 2 Samuel 8:13, 14; 1 Kings 11:15, 16; 1 Chronicles 18:12, 13). Thus under David, Israel prospered and the nations roundabout were subjugated and often had to bring tribute. Genesis 19:36-38 gives account of the history of both Moabites, and Ammonites. Sheth is the Seth, Adam’s third son. That is, all the inhabitants of the earth are the children of Sheth. Edom is another name of Esau (Genesis 25:30 - Edom means “red.”) Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir (Genesis 36:7-9).
The ultimate ruler to come will destroy the enemies of Israel for what they have done to God’s people, but under his leadership the nation will grow strong. The reference to him as a “star” is a way of connecting this ruler to the deities and speaking of his coming in connection with the will of the gods. In Israel’s theology this would ultimately mean his close connection to YHWH which may be reflected in the “sonship” language of the Davidic covenant. These prophecies set the foundation for there is no other legitimate hope in the OT for Judah and the people of Israel, except in the promise of a Davidic ruler.
3. BELIEVERS ARE SHINING STARS
Today, the world is ruled by three stars, such as Sports Star, Film Stars and Political Stars. These people are not leaders of the Society but they take the role of the Forerunners. On the night Jesus was born, the bright light of a single star announced His birth that many had hoped and prayed for, yet many missed. This prophecy points to Jesus as a star from Jacob, points to celestial sign during His birth, and a scepter from Israel points to His role as King of kings.
But, Paul says in Philippians 2:14-16: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky, as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
Revelation 1:20-21 gives the privilege of the Stars to the Churches, Pastors, and the congregation. Just as stars light up the night sky, the Children of God must become the guidance to illuminate the path of people, showing them the way towards righteousness and spiritual fulfillment. The stars' brilliance and their ability to navigate through the vastness of the universe serve as a metaphor for the guidance and direction that Allah provides to His followers. Before the discovery of modern navigation tools, stars served as reliable guides for seafarers, travelers, and nomadic communities. By observing the positions and patterns of stars in the night sky, ancient mariners could determine their latitude, longitude, and direction of travel.
The children of God are the shining stars to leading many to Christ. The Godless, fearless, moral less society looks for some guidance, role models and honest celebrities to follow. The Church has given that great responsibility. Daniel 12:3 says the saints will shine as the stars. We can’t but with the Help of Christ, we have to become ROLE MODELS. We are not THE LIGHT but the stars leading to that GREAT LIGHT. Stars serve as reminders of divine promises, guidance, and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead for those who have faith. They illuminate the path towards spiritual fulfillment and represent the vastness of the divine presence. Many believers became powerful missionaries, pastors and evangelists. Many believers are silent witnesses on their offices through proving their integrity, honesty and sincerity.
CONCLUSION PRAYER: Lord we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Anointed, the Messiah. Let every find him O Lord in our times. Amen.
