Original Word: אֹבֵד
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: obed
Pronunciation: oh-BED
Phonetic Spelling: (o-bade')
KJV: perish
NASB: destruction
Word Origin: [active of participle of H6 (אָבַד - perish)]

1. (concretely) wretched
2. (abstractly) destruction

perish

Active of participle of 'abad; (concrete) wretched or (abstract) destructin -- perish.

see HEBREW 'abad

Word Origin
active participle of abad
Definition
destruction
NASB Translation
destruction (2).

אֹבֵד noun [masculine] destruction, ׳עֲדֵי א Numbers 24:20,24 (J E; on form with abstract sense see Ba^{NB 149}).

Semantic Range and Theological Emphasis

אֹבֵד depicts a present, ongoing state of perishing or destruction. While the root idea can be expressed in several Hebrew stems, this particular form concentrates on the certainty and irreversibility of ruin when God’s sentence has been pronounced. Throughout Scripture, the divine verdict of “perishing” is repeatedly contrasted with the life, blessing, and preservation granted to those in covenant obedience (compare Psalm 1:6; John 3:16).

Occurrences and Immediate Context (Numbers 24)

Balaam’s fourth and fifth oracles contain the only two occurrences of אֹבֵד.

• Numbers 24:20 – “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”
• Numbers 24:24 – “Ships will come from the coasts of Kittim; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will come to destruction.”

Both statements are prophetic, uttered by a Gentile seer compelled by the Spirit of God (Numbers 24:2). The term announces God’s final word on geopolitical powers that oppose His redemptive purposes through Israel.

Historical Backdrop: Amalek and Kittim

Amalek had attacked Israel shortly after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8–16), earning divine hostility “from generation to generation.” Although Amalek rose early to prominence (“first among the nations”), the oracle guarantees its extinction—fulfilled in stages through King Saul (1 Samuel 15), David (1 Samuel 30), Hezekiah’s day (1 Chronicles 4:41–43), and finally in the Persian era where the Amalekite Haman was defeated (Esther 3–9).

Kittim denotes western maritime peoples, initially Cyprus and later the wider Greek world. Balaam foresees their temporary success over Assyria and the peoples descending from Eber (a broad Semitic designation), yet even such formidable powers meet the same end—“destruction.”

Theological Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty over Nations: God appoints the rise and fall of kingdoms (Daniel 2:21). אֹבֵד reminds readers that no national pedigree or military prowess can shield a people from divine judgment.
2. Covenant Centrality: The prophecy safeguards Israel’s destiny. While Israel’s enemies are marked for destruction, God’s promises to Abraham remain unshaken (Genesis 12:3).
3. Moral Accountability: Amalek and Kittim are not condemned arbitrarily; they typify aggression, idolatry, and hostility toward God’s plan—sins that still warrant judgment (Romans 1:18).

Intertextual Echoes

Though אֹבֵד appears only twice, Scripture frequently echoes its theme:
• Deuteronomy 30:18 warns covenant breakers, “you will surely perish.”
• Proverbs 10:28 contrasts “the expectation of the wicked will perish.”
• Obadiah 1:8 speaks of Edom’s sages who “will be destroyed.”

Such passages deepen the theological trajectory introduced in Numbers 24: God consistently opposes proud, violent nations and individuals.

Prophetic Fulfillment and Eschatological Outlook

History confirms the downfall of Amalek and successive Mediterranean empires, validating Balaam’s words. Yet the prophecy also anticipates the ultimate defeat of every anti-God power at Christ’s return (2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 19:15). אֹבֵד thus forms an early strand in the biblical motif of final judgment leading to the everlasting kingdom of God.

Ministry and Devotional Applications

• Preaching: Balaam’s involuntary blessing of Israel and denunciation of her foes encourages believers to trust God’s faithfulness even when circumstances appear hostile.
• Missions: Nations still matter to God. The certainty of “perishing” without reconciliation through the gospel fuels evangelistic urgency (Acts 17:30–31).
• Pastoral Care: For those oppressed by seemingly invincible forces, אֹבֵד assures that God sees, remembers, and will act decisively.

Believers, then, stand in holy awe before the God who alone determines whether a people survives or perishes, while rejoicing that in Christ “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

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