Austin Bible Church
Prophecy of the Star
The star referenced in Numbers 24:17 is both the bright star in the sky that led the wise men to the birthplace of the Savior Jesus Christ and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The First Advent of the Star will come out of Israel in this prophetic passage. “I see him, but not now” refers to Balaam who was a believer, albeit a poor one, yet he prophesied that 1300 years in the future, the Star, the Savior will come to earth. God’s prophecies always come true. His plan is always right on schedule.
““I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth.” (Numbers 24:17, NASB)
At the Second Advent of Jesus Christ, the “scepter” represents the authority of the King to set up His Kingdom in the Millennium. At His Second Coming, our Lord will take care of the unbelievers first at the battle of Armageddon.
Fulfillment of the Star
In Matthew 2:2, “His star” refers to the bright celestial star that led the wise men to Christ’s birthplace. The celestial star reveled the real Star - the Savior of mankind. The star led them. The star was composed of light. Psalms 19:1.
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”“ (Matthew 2:1-2, NASB)
“ For the choir director. A Psalm of David. The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” (Psalms 19:1, NASB)
The reality of the Star is that Jesus Christ as the Star, revealed the plan of the Father and executed it. The Star Jesus Christ leads us to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Star Jesus Christ is the light of the World. John 1:6-10.
“There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.” (John 1:6-10, NASB)
The significance of the Star is that He brought divine wisdom to proclaim the message of the Star. And what is the message of the star? A Savior has come to redeem mankind and to present Him as the light of the world!