Text: Numbers 24:9
OT Text Referred to: Genesis 27:29
Subject: Blessing-Curse Formula
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Longitudinal Theme
Significance: Isaac's blessing in Genesis 27:29 concludes with the formula "May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed" (אֹרְרֶיךָ אָרוּר וּמְבָרְכֶיךָ בָּרוּךְ), echoing the Abrahamic blessing of Genesis 12:3. Balaam's oracle in Numbers 24:9 repeats this formula almost verbatim: "Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you" (מְבָרְכֶיךָ בָרוּךְ וְאֹרְרֶיךָ אָרוּר). The reversal of word order (curse-bless in Genesis, bless-curse in Numbers) is significant: Balaam, hired to curse, can only confirm the blessing. By placing the patriarchal blessing formula in the mouth of a foreign diviner compelled by God's Spirit, the narrative demonstrates that the covenantal protection promised to Abraham's line operates irrespective of human opposition.