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.
He crouches and lies down like a lion, like a mighty lion—who dares to disturb him? Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.
The writer is describing Israel as being like a powerful lion that no one can challenge, and declaring that God will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse them.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Balaam's third oracle blessing Israel, spoken from Mount Peor as the Israelites camped in the plains of Moab. Balak, the Moabite king, had hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel, but God compelled Balaam to bless them instead. This blessing comes near the end of Israel's 40-year wilderness journey, just before they would enter the Promised Land.
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