Numbers 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.

Ex 19:5,6; Ex 33:16; De 32:8; De 33:28; Ezr 9:2; Es 3:8; Jer 46:28; Am 9:9; Ro 15:8-10; 2Co 6:17; Eph 2:12-14; Tit 2:14; 1Pe 2:9

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.