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Item Numbers 24:17: A Messianic prophecy, or simply a reference to an earthly king?(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Blackman, Nelia; Smith, Kevin G.; Smith, Kevin G.The Balaam narratives are considered a source of fascination by many because of the comical tale of Balaam and his donkey. The narratives will however reveal more to the reader willing to engage with the text.May Balaam,despite his unsavoury reputation,be considered a real prophet and will this determination impact on the finding of verse 17 as a messianic prophecy? Current literary work and scholarly articles available were studied and dialogical and comparative methods used to summarise current views and debates relating to these questions. The research revealed that like the rest of the Pentateuchal writings, despite likely revisions and interpolation in certain passages, the bulk of the current text, may be considered an original composition from the hand of Moses.Although never called a prophet, Balaam does the work of a prophet, delivering oracles under divine inspiration. He is probably best described as a pagan diviner used by Yahweh to communicate his word rather than a "true prophet" or a "false prophet" in the usual sense of those terms. The oracles of Balaam reaffirm God’s promises first made to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 12:1-3 and repeated throughout the Pentateuch, namely, promises of land, descendants, and blessing. But it also alludes to much more, the final destruction of Israel's foes under the Messiah. As the text is read and interpreted as part of the tapestry of the whole of biblical theology,a fuller,Messianic, meaning becomes evident.The Balaam narratives serve as the theological hinge of the book of Numbers, recalling both the old generation of rebellion, and the new generation of hope that will re-enter the land of promise. Yahweh’s purpose to bless his people will not be thwarted by the intrigues of Israel’s enemies, or Israel’s past disobedience. This promise of blessing is not only limited to a generation but extends to the future, to the ultimate blessing, the Messiah as prophesied by Balaam in Numbers 24:17