He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. (Numbers 24:7)
The figure is that of a man carrying his pails of water and abundantly watering his garden, a picture of peace and prosperity. Thus it was to be with Israel.
His seed.
A reference to the prosperity of Israel in the Promised Land (see Deut. 8:7; 11:11), where they would be as treesplanted by the waters, and therefore prolific in fruit and seed (see Isa. 32:20; 44:4; 65: 22, 23).
Agag.
Possibly a general designation for the kings of the Amalekites, as Pharaoh was of the Egyptians, and Abimelech of the Philistines (see on Gen. 20:2). It is possible that Balaam (through the Spirit) had Saul’s conquest of Agag in mind as an example of the future greatness of Israel among the nations, if she would but remain true to God (see Gen. 17:6; 35:11; 1 Sam. 15).
Be exalted.
The supreme fulfillment of these words came during the days of David and Solomon, prefiguring the coming of the Messiah.