In the fourth prophecy delivered by Balaam, the focus shifts to the distant future, emphasizing the end time and the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings. This oracle highlights His royal power to defeat and rule over the enemies of Israel, with Edom and Moab bearing the brunt of His wrath at His return. These nations symbolize all who oppose God, underscoring the long-range nature of this prophecy. The coming of the Messiah is described as not immediate, with symbols of a Star and a Scepter representing His monarchy and authority. The passage also points to a great Ruler who will possess and rule over all, leaving no one to escape His judgment. Specifically, concerning Esau, which relates to Edom, the prophecy foretells that the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, while the house of Esau shall be stubble, kindled and devoured with no survivor remaining. This vivid imagery reinforces the ultimate triumph and dominance of Israel over its adversaries as part of God's unyielding plan.

Isaac pronounces a prophetic blessing on Esau immediately after the deception that transfers the firstborn blessing to Jacob. In Genesis 27:40 Isaac declares that Esau will live by the sword, serve his brother, and eventually grow restless and break his brother's yoke from his neck. This statement contains the first biblical occurrence of the Hebrew word for yoke, denoting an imposed restraint upon the neck. The prophecy identifies Esau with the nation of Edom, notes his marriage to Ishmael's daughter, and foretells that the Edomites will dwell as neighbors and rivals to Israel, obtaining their livelihood through conquest rather than cultivation. It further indicates that Edom will remain under Israelite supremacy until the yoke is broken, an event recorded in II Kings 8. The account presents Isaac's calm acceptance of God's sovereign choice of Jacob despite personal betrayal, illustrating an inward restraint that anticipates the later theme of self-control. Paul's exposition in Galatians 4 and Romans 9 reinforces the distinction between the child of promise and the child of the flesh, showing that Esau's line remains outside the chosen seed. The prophecy thus introduces the yoke as an image of bondage that recurs throughout Scripture, ultimately contrasting with the voluntary, liberating yoke of Christ that enables believers to produce the fruit of the Spirit rather than the works of the flesh.