Numbers 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous… Balaam's character is a deep one — one of amazing power, of mixed good and evil, with a strife of elemental forces in his soul. The desire to die the death of the righteous is founded upon great intelligence, deep penetration into the ruling forces of the moral world, even if unaccompanied by the moral force to be righteous. 1. The highest knowledge of Divine things does not ensure salvation; one who knows what it is may fail of its light, peace, and final reward. 2. In all men this law of righteousness is found, as well as the consciousness that, if followed, it will lead to good. 3. All opposition to the Church or kingdom of God must fail, because the Church is founded on that law of righteousness or right which is the law of being and the very essence of God. 4. Death and its connection with righteousness, or what it opens to the righteous. (J. M. Hoppin, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! |
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