Aside from the messianic prophecies that used the tree motif, the birth of Y’shua was prophesied in other ways. In Today’s Holy Nougat, two motifs of power confirm His identity and birth.
Numbers 24:17 CEB
[17] I see him, but not now; I look at him, but not nearby. A star comes from Jacob; a scepter arises from Israel, smashing Moab’s forehead, the head of all the Sethites.
Jacob’s Star; Israel’s Scepter 1
Pre-literate cultures sometimes used vivid symbolism to capture complex concepts for their people. Among those symbols, stars reflected both infinity and authority. Genesis offers references of Elohim assuring Abram of countless descendants. He was promised they would be like stars in the sky or sand on the seashore – too numerous to be counted. Today, one need only look at the Middle Eastern nations to see that it was an appropriate analogy.
Outside the Judaic faith traditions, stars represented divine authority. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America confirms that ‘_the star in the Ancient Near East was used to designate a god or deified king_’. It is a symbol of ultimate power. The article was referring to our Nougat in relation to the star followed by the Magi. Of course, as I type now, I’m thinking of how stars are used today to refer to persons with outstanding gifts.
Self-Check
How do we view the Messiah, as a deity or as a man who possessed supernatural qualities?
Application
For me, it is also interesting to note that this prophecy, given to a Gentile prophet in the middle of a battle during the Exodus, references one figure who is both a man and a nation. Jacob, the man, is Abram’s grandson – a direct descendant of God’s covenant promise. Israel, the nation, was forged from God’s covenant with Jacob. The motif of stars as descendants is validated through Balaam’s prophecy.
When we consider the setting of this prophecy, we realise that Balaam’s message was less for the benefit of the Moabites, as it was reassurance for the House of Israel. YHWH was assuring the descendants of Jacob that God Who fulfilled the promise to Abram had not forgotten the terms of God’s promises. Their numbers and God’s favour were deterrents to many on the Exodus journey.
But it wasn’t only an immediate promise. Balaam was clear, his vision was of the future, not then. There would arise a descendant of Abram and of Jacob who would not only be a king, but who would possess divine attributes. In our tradition, that points to only one Messiah: Y’shua.
Siblings, God’s sense of humour is uncanny. Isn’t it ironic that the Magi were stargazers who followed a star to find and worship Jacob’s Star which was prophesied about by another Gentile stargazer? We never know, the Magi might even have been Balaam’s descendants.
Each time I read and reflect on the first Advent, I remain convinced that nothing about Jesus’ birth was accidental. God had secured the event. I’m further convinced that if God so carefully orchestrated Y’shua’s first Advent, the second is also secure. Then however, He will come as the King of Righteousness, with scepter in hand, ready to judge the world.
Point to Ponder
Instead of wishing on a star, let’s allow ourselves to be reminded of Jacob’s Star. To Him we pray, Lord please make us ready for Your return.
—
May all we seek be found in Christ
