John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. God brought him forth out of Egypt, he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn , etc.] Here he repeats what he had said in a former prophecy, (see Gill on “ Numbers 23:22”): he shall eat up the nations his enemies: the seven nations of Canaan, which should be subdued by Israel, and that with as much ease as a lion devours its prey; nor would the Canaanites be able to make any more resistance to them than a creature in the paws of a lion; and the phrase denotes the utter destruction of them: and shall break their bones ; as the lion breaks the bones of such creatures that fall a prey to him; signifying that all their strength should be taken from them, their mighty men slain, and their fortified cities taken: and pierce [them] through with his arrows : slay them utterly.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - Now Balaam spake not his own sense, but the language of the Spirit tha came upon him. Many have their eyes open who have not their heart open; are enlightened, but not sanctified. That knowledge which puff men up with pride, will but serve to light them to hell, whither man go with their eyes open. The blessing is nearly the same as those give before. He admires in Israel, their beauty. The righteous, doubtless is more excellent than his neighbour. Their fruitfulness and increase Their honour and advancement. Their power and victory. He looks bac upon what had been done for them. Their power and victory. He look back upon what had been done for them. Their courage and security. The righteous are bold as a lion, not when assaulting others, but when a rest, because God maketh them to dwell in safety. Their influence upo their neighbours. God takes what is done to them, whether good or evil as done to himself. (Nu 24:10-14)
Original Hebrew אל410 מוציאו3318 ממצרים4714 כתועפת8443 ראם7214 לו יאכל398 גוים1471 צריו6862 ועצמתיהם6106 יגרם1633 וחציו2671 ימחץ׃4272
