Numbers 23:9

23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see them; 1 

from the hills I watch them. 2 

Indeed, a nation that lives alone,

and it will not be reckoned 3  among the nations.

1 tn Heb “him,” but here it refers to the Israelites (Israel).

2 sn Balaam reports his observation of the nation of Israel spread out below him in the valley. Based on that vision, and the Lord’s word, he announces the uniqueness of Israel – they are not just like one of the other nations. He was correct, of course; they were the only people linked with the living God by covenant.

3 tn The verb could also be taken as a reflexive – Israel does not consider itself as among the nations, meaning, they consider themselves to be unique.