The Star out of Jacob

Week 1, Day 2 Devotional

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Theme: The Star out of Jacob

Day’s Reading: Numbers 24:17

Key Scriptures

• Numbers 24:17

• Matthew 2:2

• Revelation 22:16

Introduction

In the most unlikely of places—amidst the oracles of a pagan prophet hired to curse Israel—comes one of the clearest Messianic prophecies in the Torah. Balaam, compelled by the Spirit of God, declared:

“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob, a Scepter shall rise out of Israel…” (Numbers 24:17)

The “Star” represents both the glory and guiding light of the Messiah, while the “Scepter” speaks of His authority and kingship. This prophecy anticipated a coming ruler—one who would rise not only for Israel, but for all nations.

Centuries later, a star would appear in the sky, and wise men from the East would come asking:

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East…” (Matthew 2:2)

The One seen from afar had come near.

Insight

The Hebrew word for “star” (kokhav) often symbolizes rulers or angelic beings in Scripture, but here it refers prophetically to a future Redeemer. The early rabbis interpreted this passage with Messianic expectation, and many in Israel connected the appearing of a literal star to the arrival of the King.

The journey of the Magi in Matthew 2 is not random—it is a direct response to Balaam’s ancient prophecy. These Eastern sages likely had access to Jewish texts through the Babylonian exile and were awaiting celestial confirmation of a great King’s birth.

As Leon Morris notes, “The appearance of the star was not only a sign to the Magi, but a signal that the long-awaited ruler of Israel had come to extend His reign beyond borders.”¹

Jesus later affirms this imagery when He declares, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16)—fulfilling the ancient prophecy as both the descendant of Jacob and the dawning light of a new era.

Reflection

- Have you lost sight of the “star” God set before you? What does His guidance look like in this season?

- Like the Magi, are you willing to follow divine signs beyond your comfort zone to seek the King?

- In what ways is Christ your “Morning Star” today—bringing clarity, guidance, and hope?

Strategic Prayer Points

1. Worship Christ as the Bright Morning Star—thank Him for shining His light in your darkness.

2. Pray for seekers around the world who are looking for meaning; ask that God would reveal His Son to them.

3. Intercede for leaders and those in authority—that the scepter of Christ’s righteousness would influence governance and justice.

My Faith Confession

Jesus, You are the Star that rose out of Jacob. You are my Morning Light and Eternal King. I follow Your guidance, I trust in Your kingship, and I bow before Your glory.

Final Prayer

Father, thank You for sending the Star who rose out of Jacob. You’ve given us a light to follow and a King to worship. Let my eyes be fixed on Christ, and may I walk in the path illuminated by His presence. Reveal Him to nations still seeking, and may the brightness of His rising reach every heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Endnotes

1. Leon Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew (Eerdmans, 1992), p. 41.

2. Michael Green, Matthew for Today (Hodder & Stoughton, 1988), p. 29.

3. F.F. Bruce, The Hard Sayings of Jesus (IVP, 1983), p. 188.