Arcana Coelestia # 2898
2898. The fact that the people of that Church possessed prophetical sayings which in the internal sense had reference to the Lord and His kingdom becomes clear not only from the places quoted above but also from the prophetical words spoken by Balaam, who came from Syria. His words that are recorded in Moses, in Numbers 23:7-10, 18-25; 24:3-10, 15-25, were dictated in a style similar to all the other prophetical sayings in the Word, and plainly foretell the Coming of the Lord in the following words,
I see Him, but not now; I behold Him but not near. A star will come out of Jacob, and a sceptre will rise up out of Israel, and crush the corners of Moab, and destroy all the sons of Sheth. Numbers 24:17.
These prophetical words are likewise called Utterances, for the same term is used to describe those prophetical words in Numbers 23:7, 18; 24:3, 15, 20.
Numbers 24:15-25
15
He took up his parable, and said, "Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eye was closed says;
16
he says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:
17
I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and break down all the sons of Sheth.
18
Edom shall be a possession. Seir, his enemies, also shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly.
19
Out of Jacob shall one have dominion, and shall destroy the remnant from the city."
20
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."
21
He looked at the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said, "Your dwelling place is strong. Your nest is set in the rock.
22
Nevertheless Kain shall be wasted, until Asshur carries you away captive."
23
He took up his parable, and said, "Alas, who shall live when God does this?
24
But ships [shall come] from the coast of Kittim. They shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber. He also shall come to destruction."
25
Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place; and Balak also went his way.
