We all know the story of Balaam—the greedy prophet and his talking donkey—but few understand it as ancient Israel did. In A Star and a Scepter, archaeologist and Bible scholar Clayton Van Huss looks beyond the familiar tale to reveal a powerful prophecy pointing to Israel’s Messiah. Drawing on the material culture of the Late Bronze Age, Clayton sheds new light on Numbers 24:17 and its promise of a coming Star and Scepter—bringing fresh insight and renewed hope to this ancient text.