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 24:3-10
3
He took up his parable, and said, "Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eye was closed says;
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he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open:
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How goodly are your tents, Jacob, and your tents, Israel!
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As valleys they are spread forth, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which Yahweh has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters.
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Water shall flow from his buckets. His seed shall be in many waters. His king shall be higher than Agag. His kingdom shall be exalted.
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God brings him out of Egypt. He has as it were the strength of the wild ox. He shall eat up the nations his adversaries, shall break their bones in pieces, and pierce them with his arrows.
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He couched, he lay down as a lion, as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? Everyone who blesses you is blessed. Everyone who curses you is cursed."
10
Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, "I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times.
