In Numbers 24:1-7, we are told that Israel will be dwelling in peace, surrounded by trees and plush gardens, with more than enough water in what has always been known as a "dry and thirsty land." Doesn't that sound like what Israel will be like during the first half of their seven-year treaty with the Antichrist (Ezek. 38:10-13; Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:4-14)? Then in Numbers 24:8-9, we read:
"God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce [them] through with his arrows. He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee."
Notice he returns from Egypt (cp. Dan. 11:44); he has a single horn (cp. Dan. 7:8;8:9); he destroys his enemies (cp. Dan. 7:7; 8:10); he shall kill with arrows (cp. Ezek. 39:1-3). A bow is a sign of power, and in the case of the Antichrist's relationship during the first half of the Tribulation, it is the power he promises to use to protect Israel; they only "hears of wars and rumors of wars" (Mt. 24:6; Rev. 6:2). It is not until his return from Egypt, that he makes Israel the seat of his power, that he is said to be holding arrows (Exek. 39:1-3). He comes AS a great lion; he impersonates the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5).
Now notice, in his next parable, Balaam speaks of "a Star" coming out of Jacob, and "a Sceptre" out of Israel" (Num. 24:14-19), One, unlike the Antichrist who curses Israel, will come, and He will bless them. He will knock the bow and arrows from their enemy's hand, and He will cast him into the lake of fire (Ezek. 39:3; Rev. 19:20).
Praise God! Israel will be rescued at Christ's Second Coming!
The one "like" a lion, will be destroyed by the One who is the Lion!
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