Numbers 24 in the early church

115 passages quote, allude to, or echo Numbers 24, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 12 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 23

Numbers 24:1

And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:1	Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 577 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 220-254
Num 24:1–2	Homilies on Numbers 17.2 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:1–9	Apostolic Constitutions 8.2.3 · Anonymous	allusion, medium confidence	ca. 380
Num 24:1	To Theodosius on the Witch of Endor, part 2 · Gregory of Nyssa	quotation, high confidence	ca. 380–394
Num 24:1	On the Life of Moses 421 · Gregory of Nyssa	allusion, high confidence	ca. 385–395
Num 24:1–13	Numbers, lines 692–717 · Cyprianus Gallus	allusion, high confidence	early 5th cent.

Numbers 24:2

When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:2	Commentary on John 28.177 · Origen	allusion, high confidence	ca. 230–248
Num 24:2	Homilies on Numbers 15.1 · Origen	allusion, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)

Numbers 24:3

and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:3	Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 579 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 220-254
Num 24:3–4	Homilies on Numbers 17.3 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:3–9	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.3.1 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324

Numbers 24:5

How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:5	Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 579 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 220-254
Num 24:5–6	Homilies on Numbers 17.4 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:5–7	Demonstration of the Gospel 1.3.44 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:5	On the Incarnation 33.4 · Athanasius of Alexandria	quotation, high confidence	ca. 318–325
Num 24:5–6	Life of Antony 44 · Athanasius of Alexandria	quotation, high confidence	ca. 357–360

Numbers 24:6

They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:6	Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 579 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 220-254
Num 24:6	On the Incarnation 33.4 · Athanasius of Alexandria	quotation, high confidence	ca. 318–325

Numbers 24:7

Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:7	Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 579 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 220-254
Num 24:7	Commentary on John 13.155 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 230–248
Num 24:7–8	Homilies on Numbers 17.5 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:7	Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.163 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 24:7–9	To Quirinus 2.10 · Cyprian of Carthage	quotation, high confidence	ca. 248–250 (book 3 perhaps later)
Num 24:7	Prophetic Extracts 1.13 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	before 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Num 24:7	Demonstration of the Gospel 1.6.52 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:7	Demonstration of the Gospel 3.2.32 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:7	Demonstration of the Gospel 3.2.43 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:7	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.17 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:7	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.3.3 · Eusebius of Caesarea	allusion, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:7	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.3.5 · Eusebius of Caesarea	allusion, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:7	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.3.10 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:7–8	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.3.11 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:7	On the Incarnation 33.4 · Athanasius of Alexandria	quotation, high confidence	ca. 318–325
Num 24:7	Eleven Tractates 1.32 · Priscillian	quotation, high confidence	ca. 380–385

Numbers 24:8

God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:8	Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 579 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 220-254
Num 24:8	Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 581 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 220-254
Num 24:8–9	Commentary on John 13.156 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 230–248
Num 24:8–9	Homilies on Numbers 17.6 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:8	Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.163 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 24:8	Prophetic Extracts 1.13 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	before 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Num 24:8	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.3.2 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:8	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.3.7 · Eusebius of Caesarea	allusion, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:8	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.4.11 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:8	Eleven Tractates 1.32 · Priscillian	quotation, high confidence	ca. 380–385

Numbers 24:9

He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:9	Miscellanies 3.10.69 · Clement of Alexandria	quotation, medium confidence	ca. 198–203
Num 24:9	Didascalia 1.2 · Anonymous	quotation, high confidence	first half of the third century
Num 24:9	Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 581 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 220-254
Num 24:9	Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.162 · Origen	allusion, high confidence	ca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 24:9	Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.163 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 24:9	Prophetic Extracts 1.13 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	before 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Num 24:9	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.3.8 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:9	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.3.12 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:9	Catechetical Lecture 14.3 · Cyril of Jerusalem	quotation, high confidence	ca. 350
Num 24:9	Apostolic Constitutions 1.2.1 · Anonymous	quotation, high confidence	ca. 380
Num 24:9	Apostolic Constitutions 3.14.4 · Anonymous	quotation, high confidence	ca. 380
Num 24:9	Eleven Tractates 1.32 · Priscillian	quotation, high confidence	ca. 380–385
Num 24:9	Questions and Answers to the Orthodox 1–3 · Anonymous	allusion, low confidence	5th century (disputed)
Num 24:9	Part 2, chapter 22 · Quodvultdeus of Carthage	allusion, medium confidence	ca. 445-450

Numbers 24:10

Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:10–14	Homilies on Numbers 18.1 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)

Numbers 24:12

Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:12–25	Numbers, lines 718–742 · Cyprianus Gallus	allusion, high confidence	early 5th cent.

Numbers 24:14

Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:14	Homilies on Numbers 15.2 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:14	Homilies on Numbers 18.2 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:14	Homilies on Numbers 20.1 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)

Numbers 24:15

Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:15–19	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.1 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324

Numbers 24:16

the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:16	Homilies on Numbers 18.2 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:16	Homilies on Numbers 18.3 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:16–17	Homilies on Numbers 18.4 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)

Numbers 24:17

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:17	First Apology 32 · Justin Martyr	quotation, high confidence	ca. 150–155
Num 24:17	Dialogue with Trypho 106.4 · Justin Martyr	quotation, high confidence	ca. 155–160
Num 24:17	Dialogue with Trypho 126.1 · Justin Martyr	allusion, high confidence	ca. 155–160
Num 24:17	Against Heresies 3.9.2 · Irenaeus of Lyons	quotation, high confidence	ca. 180–190
Num 24:17	From the Blessings of Balaam (Num 24:17; 23:19) · Hippolytus of Rome	allusion, low confidence	ca. 202-235
Num 24:17–19	Commentary on John 13.157 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 230–248
Num 24:17	Homilies on Numbers 13.7 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:17	Homilies on Numbers 15.4 · Origen	allusion, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:17	Homilies on Numbers 18.2 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:17	Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.163 · Origen	allusion, high confidence	ca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 24:17	Against Celsus 1.59 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 248
Num 24:17	Against Celsus 1.60 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 248
Num 24:17	Commentary on Matthew, Latin Series 5 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 244–249 (Latin translation, 4th–5th century)
Num 24:17	To Quirinus 2.10 · Cyprian of Carthage	quotation, high confidence	ca. 248–250 (book 3 perhaps later)
Num 24:17	Church History 3.8.10 · Eusebius of Caesarea	allusion, low confidence	ca. 300–325
Num 24:17	Church History 4.6.2 · Eusebius of Caesarea	allusion, medium confidence	ca. 300–325
Num 24:17	Prophetic Extracts 1.14 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	before 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Num 24:17	Divine Institutes 4.13.10 · Lactantius	quotation, high confidence	ca. 303–311
Num 24:17	Epitome of the Divine Institutes 39.6 · Lactantius	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–320
Num 24:17–18	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.4 · Eusebius of Caesarea	allusion, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:17	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.6 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:17	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.15 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:17	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.16 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:17–18	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.18 · Eusebius of Caesarea	allusion, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:17	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.19 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:17	On the Incarnation 33.4 · Athanasius of Alexandria	quotation, high confidence	ca. 318–325
Num 24:17	Commentary on Romans 15:7 · Ambrosiaster	quotation, high confidence	ca. 366–384
Num 24:17	Question 63, section 1 · Ambrosiaster	quotation, high confidence	ca. 370–384
Num 24:17	Letter 77.7 · Jerome	allusion, medium confidence	ca. 370–419
Num 24:17	Letter 78.43 · Jerome	quotation, high confidence	ca. 370–419
Num 24:17	Liber Orsiesii 47 · Orsiesius	quotation, high confidence	ca. 380-390
Num 24:17	Carmina 4.96–125 · Orientius of Auch	echo, medium confidence	5th-6th century(?)
Num 24:17	Part 2, chapter 12 · Quodvultdeus of Carthage	quotation, high confidence	ca. 445-450
Num 24:17	Part 3, chapter 6 · Quodvultdeus of Carthage	quotation, high confidence	ca. 445-450

Numbers 24:18

Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:18–19	Homilies on Numbers 18.4 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:18	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.7 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:18–19	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.9 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324
Num 24:18	Letter 78.43 · Jerome	quotation, high confidence	ca. 370–419

Numbers 24:19

A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:19	Homilies on Numbers 18.1 · Origen	allusion, medium confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:19	Demonstration of the Gospel 9.1.10 · Eusebius of Caesarea	quotation, high confidence	ca. 314–324

Numbers 24:20

Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:20	Homilies on Numbers 19.1 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:20	Homilies on Numbers 19.2 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:20	Hexameron (Exameron) 1.14 · Ambrose	quotation, high confidence	ca. 387-390

Numbers 24:21

Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff.
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:21–22	Homilies on Numbers 19.3 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 24:21	Demonstration 14.11 · Aphrahat	quotation, high confidence	337-345
Num 24:21	Demonstration 16.6 · Aphrahat	allusion, high confidence	337-345

Numbers 24:23

Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?
BSB

Reference	Passage	Kind	Date
Num 24:23	Fragment 15 · Irenaeus of Lyons	quotation, high confidence	ca. 170–200
Num 24:23–24	Homilies on Numbers 19.4 · Origen	quotation, high confidence	ca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)