Números 22

Números 22

Guzik points out that Israel had arrived here with "the blessing of victory, God preparing them to fight the mighty Canaanites by a series of battles against lesser peoples: the southern Canaanites (Numbers 21:1–3), the Amorites (Numbers 21:23–24), and the Bashanites (Numbers 21:33–35)." And camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan opposite Jericho - Beyond the Jordan River is obviously to the east of the Jordan. Picture the scene of from 1-2 million people spread over the plains of Moab. This would have been an intimidating sight to any non-Israelite. Related Resources: American Tract Society Jericho Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Jericho Easton's Bible Dictionary Jericho Fausset Bible Dictionary Jericho Holman Bible Dictionary Jericho Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Jericho International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Jericho Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Jericho McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Jericho (2) Jericho The Jewish Encyclopedia Jericho Numbers 22:2 Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. BGT Numbers 22:2 καὶ ἰδὼν Βαλακ υἱὸς Σεπφωρ πάντα ὅσα ἐποίησεν Ισραηλ τῷ Αμορραίῳ NET Numbers 22:2 Balak son of Zippor saw all that the Israelites had done to the Amorites. NLT Numbers 22:2 Balak son of Zippor, the Moabite king, had seen everything the Israelites did to the Amorites. ESV Numbers 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. NIV Numbers 22:2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, KJV Numbers 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. YLT Numbers 22:2 And Balak son of Zippor seeth all that Israel hath done to the Amorite, LXE Numbers 22:2 And when Balac son of Sepphor saw all that Israel did to the Amorite, ASV Numbers 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. CSB Numbers 22:2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. NKJ Numbers 22:2 Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. NRS Numbers 22:2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. NAB Numbers 22:2 Now Balak, son of Zippor, saw all that Israel did to the Amorites. NJB Numbers 22:2 Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, GWN Numbers 22:2 Balak, son of Zippor, saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. Nu 21:3,20-35 Jdg 11:25 Numbers 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BALAK RECOGNIZES ISRAEL'S POWER To help see this chapter in relation to the entire book of Numbers take a moment and observe the chart at the top of the page. Locate the number 22:2" in the chart directly above the designation "AT MOAB." Note the time is "A few Months" and the major mountain will prove to be "Mt Nebo" (others are mentioned even in the story of Balak and Balaam). Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites - Balak (means "devastator" or "waster" or "swallower of the people") witnessed the destruction of the powerful Amorites and knew he had to do something or he too would be defeated. Fausset Bible Dictionary Balak- Not hereditary king, but imposed on Moab by Sihon. (See BALAAM; HUR (2).) His employment of Balaam to curse Israel was near the close of Israel's journeying. His knowing as to the seer in Mesopotamia would imply a circulation of intelligence, great considering the times. Moab's descent from Lot, originally of Mesopotamia; also the merchant caravans passing across the deserts; also the advanced civilization of Moab in letters, proved by the Moabite stone some centuries later: all make it intelligible. Finding Israel "too mighty" for him (Numbers 22:6), and his hope of prevailing by Balaam's enchantments being disappointed, he let them alone thenceforth. His "warring against Israel" (Joshua 24:9-10) consisted not in "fighting," which is denied in Judges 11:25, but in hiring Balak against them. Balak - 43x in 40v - Nu 22:2,4; Nu 22:7; Nu 22:10; Nu 22:13; Nu 22:14; Nu 22:15; Nu 22:16; Nu 22:18; Nu 22:35; Nu 22:36; Nu 22:37; Nu 22:38; Nu 22:39; Nu 22:40; Nu 22:41; Nu 23:1; Nu 23:2; Nu 23:3; Nu 23:5; Nu 23:7; Nu 23:11; Nu 23:13; Nu 23:15; Nu 23:16; Nu 23:17; Nu 23:18; Nu 23:25; Nu 23:26; Nu 23:27; Nu 23:28; Nu 23:29; Nu 23:30; Nu 24:10; Nu 24:12; Nu 24:13; Nu 24:25; Jos 24:9; Jdg 11:25; Mic 6:5 Related Resources: American Tract Society Balak Easton's Bible Dictionary Balak Holman Bible Dictionary Balak Hitchcock Bible Names Balak Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Balak Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Balak International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Balak Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Balak The Jewish Encyclopedia Balak Question: Who was Balak in the Bible? Answer: Balak was a king of Moab who appears in the Old Testament in Numbers 22-24. His story is in the context of the time of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. Moab, the land that Balak ruled, lay on the east side of the Dead Sea. As the Israelites traveled to Canaan, their reputation preceded them, and the Moabites were well aware of the miracles that had accompanied Israel’s exodus from Egypt. The inhabitants of the cities in Israel’s path knew God was on the Israelites’ side. King Balak had witnessed the Israelites’ destruction of the Amorites, and the entire region of Moab grew afraid as the Israelites approached (Numbers 22:2–3). When the Israelites encamped in territory that had once been Moab’s, the king decided it was time to act. Balak and the elders of Moab colluded with the neighboring Midianites to summon a prophet named Balaam to put a curse on God’s people (verse 6). Ironically, Balaam went to God and asked Him for guidance before he would agree to Balak’s plan. God’s answer to Balaam was, of course, a resounding “no” (Nu 22:12). Following God’s command, Balaam refused Balak’s offer. But Balak would not be put off—he sent even more powerful men and sweetened the deal to tempt Balaam into agreeing to the plan (verse 15). Balaam eventually set out to meet Balak, and during his journey the famous incident of the talking donkey occurred—God’s message to Balaam that he should not curse the Israelites (Numbers 22:21–35). When Balaam stood before Balak, the king likely believed he had won and that the Israelites would soon be cursed. But instead of cursing the Israelites, Balaam blessed them three times. Balak’s “anger burned against Balaam” (Numbers 24:10), and he sent Balaam away without a reward. Balak’s plot to curse Israel through a hired prophet failed, but that was not the end of Moabite opposition. Later, the men of Israel were judged by God for idolatry and committing fornication with Moabite women (Numbers 25:1–9). As it turned out, this was the result of a plot from Balaam and Balak to corrupt Israel from within (see Revelation 2:14). What can we learn from Balak’s story? First of all, it is important to recognize Israel’s place as God’s chosen people. He has promised to bless those who bless them and curse those who curse them (Genesis 12:3). King Balak of Moab chose to curse Israel, but the curses were thwarted and turned into a blessing in Balaam’s mouth. God’s ultimate plan is to bring the remnant of Israel to Himself during the future seven-year tribulation (see Romans 11:26; Jeremiah 33:8). Second, Balak’s story is a wonderful proof of God’s sovereignty over all. No plans made by men—even the most powerful and influential men—will prosper without the Lord’s permission. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). GotQuestions.org Wenham (TOTC-Nu) has an excellent summary of the time sequence and Balaam's encounters with God DAYS 1-2 Introduction Balaam's First Encounter with God DAYS 3-4 Balaam's Second Encounter Balaam's Third Encounter Nu 21:22-23 Donkey sees Angel -1 Nu 21:24-25 Donkey sees Angel -2 Nu 21:26-35 Donkey sees Angel -3 Nu 22:36-24:25 DAYS 5-6 Introduction Nu 22:41-23:12 First Blessing of Israel Second Blessing of Israel Nu 23:27-24:25 Third Blessing Nu 24:3-9 Blessing #3 Nu 24:15-19 Blessing #4 Nu 24:20-24 Three Numbers 22:3 So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel. BGT Numbers 22:3 καὶ ἐφοβήθη Μωαβ τὸν λαὸν σφόδρα ὅτι πολλοὶ ἦσαν καὶ προσώχθισεν Μωαβ ἀπὸ προσώπου υἱῶν Ισραηλ NET Numbers 22:3 And the Moabites were greatly afraid of the people, because they were so numerous. The Moabites were sick with fear because of the Israelites. NLT Numbers 22:3 And when the people of Moab saw how many Israelites there were, they were terrified. ESV Numbers 22:3 And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel. NIV Numbers 22:3 and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites. KJV Numbers 22:3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. YLT Numbers 22:3 and Moab is exceedingly afraid of the presence of the people, for it is numerous; and Moab is vexed by the presence of the sons of Israel, LXE Numbers 22:3 then Moab feared the people exceedingly because they were many; and Moab was grieved before the face of the children of Israel. ASV Numbers 22:3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. CSB Numbers 22:3 Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous, and Moab dreaded the Israelites. NKJ Numbers 22:3 And Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was sick with dread because of the children of Israel. NRS Numbers 22:3 Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were so numerous; Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel. NAB Numbers 22:3 Indeed, Moab feared the Israelites greatly because of their numbers, and detested them. NJB Numbers 22:3 and Moab was terrified of the people, because there were so many of them. Moab was afraid of the Israelites; GWN Numbers 22:3 The Moabites were very afraid because there were so many Israelites. Besides, the Moabites couldn't stand these people. Ex 15:15 De 2:25 Jos 2:10,11,24 9:24 Ps 53:5 Isa 23:5 Numbers 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Resources: Deuteronomy 2:24-25 ‘Arise, set out, and pass through the valley of Arnon. Look! I have given Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land into your hand; begin to take possession and contend with him in battle.‘This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples everywhere under the heavens, who, when they hear the report of you, will tremble and be in anguish because of you.’ THE SONS OF ISRAEL WERE NUMEROUS MOAB FEARS ISRAEL So - Term of conclusion - Based on what they saw Israel do to their adversaries, they naturally became fearful. Moab was in great fear because of the people, for (term of explanation) they were numerous - Moab was in fear because of the great number of Israelites. There were 1-2 million Israelites spread out on the plain of Moab. And Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel - YLT - "vexed by the presence of the sons of Israel." The Hebrew word for dread (qut) is translated in the Lxx with prosochthizo which means to be very upset over something someone has done, to be angry, offended or provoked and is this same verb describing Yahweh's reaction to Israel in Hebrews 3:10+ and Hebrews 3:17+! Dread (loathe)(06973)(qut) means to be or make disgusted, to loathe, to be sick of. It denotes deep emotional reaction of issuing in a desired repulsion (or destruction) of the object abhorred. Quts refers to God's revulsion toward pagan practices (Lev. 20:23); by Israel toward manna (ungratefully and wrongly) after eating it for years (Nu 21:5; cf. Ps. 78:22-25); by Rebekah toward her Hittite daughters-in-law (Gen. 27:46); and by Solomon's son toward the Lord's rebuke (Pr. 3:11). It also signified the loathing felt by enemies toward Israel's prosperity (Ex. 1:12; Num. 22:3). In Isaiah 7:6, the causative sense means to vex. By taking over, the enemies planned to cause Judah to abhor them. Numbers 22:4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, "Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field." And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. BGT Numbers 22:4 καὶ εἶπεν Μωαβ τῇ γερουσίᾳ Μαδιαμ νῦν ἐκλείξει ἡ συναγωγὴ αὕτη πάντας τοὺς κύκλῳ ἡμῶν ὡς ἐκλείξαι ὁ μόσχος τὰ χλωρὰ ἐκ τοῦ πεδίου καὶ Βαλακ υἱὸς Σεπφωρ βασιλεὺς Μωαβ ἦν κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον NET Numbers 22:4 So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, "Now this mass of people will lick up everything around us, as the bull devours the grass of the field. Now Balak son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at this time. NLT Numbers 22:4 The king of Moab said to the elders of Midian, "This mob will devour everything in sight, like an ox devours grass in the field!" So Balak, king of Moab, ESV Numbers 22:4 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, "This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field." So Balak the son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, NIV Numbers 22:4 The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, "This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field." So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, KJV Numbers 22:4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. YLT Numbers 22:4 and Moab saith unto the elders of Midian, 'Now doth the assembly lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the green thing of the field.' And Balak son of Zippor is king of Moab at that time, LXE Numbers 22:4 And Moab said to the elders of Madiam, Now shall this assembly lick up all that are round about us, as a calf would lick up the green herbs of the field:-- and Balac son of Sepphor was king of Moab at that time. ASV Numbers 22:4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. CSB Numbers 22:4 So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, "This horde will devour everything around us like an ox eats up the green plants in the field." Since Balak son of Zippor was Moab's king at that time, NKJ Numbers 22:4 So Moab said to the elders of Midian, "Now this company will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field." And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. NRS Numbers 22:4 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, "This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field." Now Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. NAB Numbers 22:4 So Moab said to the elders of Midian, "Soon this horde will devour all the country around us as an ox devours the grass of the field." And Balak, Zippor's son, who was king of Moab at that time, NJB Numbers 22:4 he said to the elders of Midian, 'This horde will soon have cropped everything round us as closely as an ox crops grass in the countryside.' Now Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at the time. GWN Numbers 22:4 So the Moabites said to the leaders of Midian, "All those people will eventually eat up everything around us the same way an ox eats up the grass in a field." At that time Balak, son of Zippor, was king of Moab. elders: Nu 22:7 25:15-18 31:8 Jos 13:21,22 this horde will lick up Nu 24:17 Jer 48:38 And Balak: Nu 22:2 Jdg 11:25 Numbers 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MOAB FEARS COMPLETE DESTRUCTION BY ISRAEL Moab said to the elders of Midian - Moab could be the Moabites (as in Nu 22:5NIV) or could be the King of Moab (as in Nu 22:5NLT). Elders of Midian were those who lived both in Sinai (see map) and in the deserts East of the Jordan (Ex 2:1-22; Jdg 6:1-40). Gotquestions (excerpt) on Midianites - Abraham had more sons than just Isaac (by Sarah) and Ishmael (by Hagar). He also had six sons by Keturah, his wife after the death of Sarah: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah (Genesis 25:2). The Midianites were the descendants of Midian and therefore children of Abraham. They settled in “the land of the east” (Genesis 25:6). Most scholars believe the land of Midian was officially on both sides of the Gulf of Aqaba, although the Midianites showed nomadic tendencies later in their history (see Habakkuk 3:7, ESV). When Moses fled the wrath of Pharaoh, he traveled to Midian (Exodus 2:15). There, Moses met and married his wife, Zipporah, and served his father-in-law, Jethro, as a shepherd for forty years. The fact that Jethro was “a priest of Midian” (Exodus 2:16) indicates that the Midianites, at least during Moses’ time, still retained the knowledge of the God of their father Abraham (cf. Jethro’s words and actions in Exodus 18). At the end of Moses’ time in Midian, God appeared to Moses—still in Midian—and commissioned him to lead the Israelites out of slavery (Ex 3:1-4:31).As the children of Israel traveled through the wilderness, they employed the services of a guide familiar with the desert—Moses’ Midianite brother-in-law, Hobab (Numbers 10:29). However, the relations between the Israelites and the Midianites began to sour when the Midianites joined forces with the Moabites in order to hire Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22). Later, when Israel fell into idolatry and sexual sin with the Moabite women (Numbers 25:1-18), we find that a prominent Midianite woman was also involved (Numbers 25:6). The Lord then told Moses to wage war against the Midianites: “Treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them. They treated you as enemies when they deceived you in the Peor incident involving their sister Kozbi, the daughter of a Midianite leader” (Numbers 25:17–19). The Israelites did eventually attack the Midianites, meting out divine retribution against their enemies (Numbers 31). Five kings of the Midianites were killed, as was Balaam (Numbers 31:8). This battle was one of the last things Moses accomplished as leader of the Israelites. (For full article see Who were the Midianites? | GotQuestions.org) Eugene Merrill - The fears of Balak were actually in vain, for the Moabites, as kinsmen of Israel (cf. Ge 19:26–37) like the Ammonites, were exempted from the attacks of Israel. In fact the Lord had explicitly revealed through Moses that Israel must assiduously avoid any harmful contact with the Edomites (Dt. 2:5–6), Moabites (Dt. 2:9), and Ammonites (Dt. 2:19). Even the Midianites were distantly related to Israel (Ge 25:1–4), and so presumably they had nothing to fear. (BKC) Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field." - NLT = "Now this mass of people will lick up everything around us, as the bull devours the grass of the field." Guzik - In one sense, Balak’s fear was completely logical. On the other hand, if he had only known and believed God’s word, he would have had nothing to fear. God commanded Israel to not harass Moab, because He did not intend to give Israel the land of the Moabites (Deuteronomy 2:9 = “Then the LORD said to me, ‘Do not harass Moab, nor provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot as a possession.’). And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time - This is almost identical to Nu 22:4b and serves to reiterate that Balak was the king of Moab and may be given to explain to whom the subject "Moab" at the beginning of the passage was referring. Numbers 22:5 So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the River, in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, "Behold, a people came out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me. BGT Numbers 22:5 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν πρέσβεις πρὸς Βαλααμ υἱὸν Βεωρ Φαθουρα ὅ ἐστιν ἐπὶ τοῦ ποταμοῦ γῆς υἱῶν λαοῦ αὐτοῦ καλέσαι αὐτὸν λέγων ἰδοὺ λαὸς ἐξελήλυθεν ἐξ Αἰγύπτου καὶ ἰδοὺ κατεκάλυψεν τὴν ὄψιν τῆς γῆς καὶ οὗτος ἐγκάθηται ἐχόμενός μου NET Numbers 22:5 And he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates River in the land of Amaw, to summon him, saying, "Look, a nation has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are settling next to me. NLT Numbers 22:5 sent messengers to call Balaam son of Beor, who was living in his native land of Pethor near the Euphrates River. His message said: "Look, a vast horde of people has arrived from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and are threatening me. ESV Numbers 22:5 sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the people of Amaw, to call him, saying, "Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me. NIV Numbers 22:5 sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor, near the River, in his native land. Balak said: "A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. KJV Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: YLT Numbers 22:5 and he sendeth messengers unto Balaam son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River of the land of the sons of his people, to call for him, saying, 'Lo, a people hath come out of Egypt; lo, it hath covered the eye of the land, and it is abiding over-against me; LXE Numbers 22:5 And he sent ambassadors to Balaam the son of Beor, to Phathura, which is on a river of the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, a people is come out of Egypt, and behold it has covered the face of the earth, and it has encamped close to me. ASV Numbers 22:5 And he sent messengers unto Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me. CSB Numbers 22:5 he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. Balak said to him: "Look, a people has come out of Egypt; they cover the surface of the land and are living right across from me. NKJ Numbers 22:5 Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: "Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! NRS Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is on the Euphrates, in the land of Amaw, to summon him, saying, "A people has come out of Egypt; they have spread over the face of the earth, and they have settled next to me. NAB Numbers 22:5 sent messengers to Balaam, son of Beor, at Pethor on the Euphrates, in the land of the Amawites, summoning him with these words, "A people has come here from Egypt who now cover the face of the earth and are settling down opposite us! sent: De 23:4 Jos 13:22 24:9 Ne 13:1,2 Mic 6:5 2Pe 2:15,16, son of Bosor, Jude 1:11 Rev 2:14 Pethor: Nu 23:7 De 23:4 they cover: Ge 13:16 Ex 1:7-10 Ps 105:24 Numbers 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Pethor on the Euphrates BALAK SENDS FOR BALAAM'S ASSISTANCE So - Term of conclusion. Based on the fears of sure and total defeat by Israel. He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the River (The Euphrates cf Ge 31:21, Ex 23:31, Josh 24:2), in the land of the sons of his people, to call him - Holman Bible Dictionary (and Smith's Dictionary) says Pethor means "soothsayer" (Easton says "interpretation of dreams"; early midrash says "dream interpreter") which is located in "upper Mesopotamia (map) identified with tell Ahmar, twelve miles south of Carchemish (map) near the confluence of the Sajur and Euphrates rivers." Apparently Balaam the son of Beor, the diviner (Joshua 13:33; sought omens in Nu 24:1) was well known for his skills of divination for Balak knew of him even though Balaam lived some 400 miles from Moab! That's quite a reputation in a day when there was no electronic communication! Baker has an informative note on diviner (for more see word study of qasam) - God had earlier established that He would guide His people through true prophets, not through diviners (Deut. 18:10, 14). Thus, the falsity of divination is repeatedly pointed out by the prophets (Jer. 29:8; Ezek. 13:9; 22:28; Zech. 10:2). Nevertheless, divination was a problem for Israel as well as for other nations (1 Sam. 6:2; 28:8; 2 Kgs. 17:17). This Hebrew term is broad enough to encompass necromancy, augury, and visions (1 Sa 28:8; Ezek. 21:21–29; Mic. 3:6, 7). Divination was quite profitable for some even in New Testament times (cf. Acts 16:16–18)." (WSOT - Dictionary) Eugene Merrill has an interesting note - Possibly Pethor was not far from the great city of Mari (see map) discovered in 1933 in the Euphrates Valley. The discovery of a vast number of cuneiform tablets at Mari, beginning in 1933, revealed among other things the existence of a complex cult of prophets and seers whose activities precisely resemble those of Balaam. The fact that he undoubtedly represented the prophetic customs and practices of Mari and vicinity makes possible a better understanding of Balaam’s narrative in Numbers. (BKC) Brian Bell on Balaam - What an enigma! 1. He’s from a heathen nation, yet he knew the true God. 2. He was a soothsayer, yet he was able to predict the future of Israel. 3. He listened to the Word of God, yet turned right around and led Israel into sin and judgement. Balaam is mentioned 63x in 59v in Old and New Testaments - Nu 22:5; Nu 22:7; Nu 22:8; Nu 22:9; Nu 22:10; Nu 22:12; Nu 22:13; Nu 22:14; Nu 22:16; Nu 22:18; Nu 22:20; Nu 22:21; Nu 22:23; Nu 22:25; Nu 22:27; Nu 22:28; Nu 22:29; Nu 22:30; Nu 22:31; Nu 22:34; Nu 22:35; Nu 22:36; Nu 22:37; Nu 22:38; Nu 22:39; Nu 22:40; Nu 22:41; Nu 23:1; Nu 23:2; Nu 23:3; Nu 23:4; Nu 23:5; Nu 23:11; Nu 23:16; Nu 23:25; Nu 23:26; Nu 23:27; Nu 23:28; Nu 23:29; Nu 23:30; Nu 24:1; Nu 24:2; Nu 24:3; Nu 24:10; Nu 24:12; Nu 24:15; Nu 24:25; Nu 31:8; Nu 31:16; Deut. 23:4; Deut. 23:5; Jos. 13:22; Jos. 24:9; Jos. 24:10; Neh. 13:2; Mic. 6:5; 2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 1:11; Rev. 2:14 Saying, Behold (hinneh) a people came out of Egypt - He does not mention their name, perhaps ignorance, perhaps arrogance. Behold , they cover the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me - He is saying Israel is like a "swarm of locusts" that cover the surface of the land they are occupying. Of course his major fear is that they are currently camped next to Moab. Milgrom -Literally, “it hides the eye of the earth”; by extension, “eye” can mean “appearance, view,” as in Nu 11:7 and Lev 13:55. Israel is clearly compared with a locust plague, a common simile for an invading army (cf. Jdg. 6:5; 7:12). NET NOTE - Balaam appears to be a pagan diviner who was of some reputation; he was called to curse the Israelites, but God intervened and gave him blessings only. The passage forms a nice complement to texts that deal with blessings and curses. It shows that no one can curse someone whom God has blessed. Related Resources: Meindert Dijkstra Is Balaam Also among the Prophets? Journal of Biblical Literature Vol. 114, No. 1 (Spring, 1995) J. A. Wharton, “The Command to Bless: An Exposition of Numbers 22:41–23:25,” Int 13 (1959): 37–48 P. C. Craigie, “The Conquest and Early Hebrew Poetry,” Tyndale Bulletin 20 (1969): 76–94 Question: Who was Balaam in the Bible? Answer: Balaam was a wicked prophet in the Bible and is noteworthy because, although he was a wicked prophet, he was not a false prophet. That is, Balaam did hear from God, and God did give him some true prophecies to speak. However, Balaam’s heart was not right with God, and eventually he showed his true colors by betraying Israel and leading them astray. In Numbers 22—24, we find the story about Balaam and the king of Moab, a man called Balak. King Balak wanted to weaken the children of Israel, who on their way to Canaan had moved in on his territory. Balak sent to Balaam, who lived in Mesopotamia along the Euphrates River (Numbers 22:5), and asked him to curse Israel in exchange for a reward. Balaam was apparently willing to do this but said he needed God’s permission (verse 8). Balaam, of course, had no power, in himself, to curse Israel, but, if God were willing to curse Israel, Balaam would be rewarded through Balak. God told Balaam, “You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed” (verse 12). King Balak then sent “other officials, more numerous and more distinguished than the first” (verse 16), promising a handsome reward. This time God said, “Go with them, but do only what I tell you” (verse 20). The next morning, Balaam saddled his donkey and left for Moab (Numbers 22:21). God sent an angel to oppose Balaam on the way. The donkey Balaam was riding could see the angel, but Balaam could not, and when the donkey three times moved to avoid the angel, Balaam was angry and beat the animal. “Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth” (verse 28), and it rebuked the prophet for the beatings. “Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn” (verse 31). The angel told Balaam that he certainly would have killed Balaam had not the donkey spared his life. Ironically, a dumb beast had more wisdom than God’s prophet. The angel then repeated to Balaam the instruction that he was only to speak what God told him to speak concerning the Hebrews (verses 33–35). In Moab, King Balak took the prophet Balaam up to a high place called Bamoth Baal and told him to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22:41). Balaam first offered fourteen sacrifices on seven altars and met with the Lord (Numbers 23:1–5). He then declared the message God gave him: a blessing on Israel: “How can I curse / those whom God has not cursed? / How can I denounce / those whom the Lord has not denounced?” (Nu 23:8). King Balak was upset that Balaam had pronounced a blessing on Israel rather than a curse, but he had him try again, this time from the top of Pisgah (Numbers 23:14). Balaam sacrificed another fourteen animals and met with the Lord. When he faced Israel, Balaam again spoke a blessing: “I have received a command to bless; / he has blessed, and I cannot change it” (Nu 23:20). King Balak told Balaam that, if he was going to keep blessing Israel, it was better for him to just shut up (Numbers 23:25). But the king decided to try one more time, taking Balaam to the top of Peor, overlooking the wasteland (verse 28). Again, Balaam offered fourteen animals on seven newly built altars (verse 29). Then “the Spirit of God came on him and he spoke his message” (Numbers 24:2–3). The third message was not what the Moabite king wanted to hear: “How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, / your dwelling places, Israel!” (verse 5). Balaam’s three prophecies of blessing on Israel infuriated the king of Moab, who told the prophet to go back home with no reward: “Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the Lord has kept you from being rewarded” (Numbers 24:11). Before he left, Balaam reminded the king that he had said from the very beginning he could only say what God told him to say. Then he gave the king four more prophecies, gratis. In the fourth prophecy, Balaam foretold of the Messiah: “A star will come out of Jacob; / a scepter will rise out of Israel. / He will crush the foreheads of Moab, / the skulls of all the people of Sheth” (verse 17). Balaam’s seven prophecies were seven blessings on God’s people; it was God’s enemies who were cursed. However, later on Balaam figured out a way to get his reward from Balak. Balaam advised the Moabites on how to entice the people of Israel with prostitutes and idolatry. He could not curse Israel directly, so he came up with a plan for Israel to bring a curse upon themselves. Balak followed Balaam’s advice, and Israel fell into sin, worshiping Baal of Peor and committing fornication with Midianite women. For this God plagued them, and 24,000 men died (Numbers 25:1–9; Deuteronomy 23:3–6). Balaam’s name and story became infamous, and he is referred to several times in the New Testament. Peter compares false teachers to Balaam, “who loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15). Jude echoes this sentiment, associating Balaam with the selling of one’s soul for financial gain (Jude 1:11). Finally, Jesus speaks of Balaam when He warns the church in Pergamum of their sin: “There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality” (Revelation 2:14). Satan’s tactics haven’t changed all that much. If he cannot curse God’s people directly, he will try the back-door approach, and idolatry and sexual immorality are his go-to temptations. GotQuestions.org Numbers 22:6 "Now, therefore, please come, curse this people for me since they are too mighty for me; perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed." BGT Numbers 22:6 καὶ νῦν δεῦρο ἄρασαί μοι τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον ὅτι ἰσχύει οὗτος ἢ ἡμεῖς ἐὰν δυνώμεθα πατάξαι ἐξ αὐτῶν καὶ ἐκβαλῶ αὐτοὺς ἐκ τῆς γῆς ὅτι οἶδα οὓς ἐὰν εὐλογήσῃς σύ εὐλόγηνται καὶ οὓς ἐὰν καταράσῃ σύ κεκατήρανται NET Numbers 22:6 So now, please come and curse this nation for me, for they are too powerful for me. Perhaps I will prevail so that we may conquer them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed." NLT Numbers 22:6 Please come and curse these people for me because they are too powerful for me. Then perhaps I will be able to conquer them and drive them from the land. I know that blessings fall on any people you bless, and curses fall on people you curse." ESV Numbers 22:6 Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed." NIV Numbers 22:6 Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed." KJV Numbers 22:6 Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. YLT Numbers 22:6 and now, come, I pray thee, curse for me this people, for it is mightier than I; it may be I prevail -- we smite it -- and I cast it out from the land; for I have known -- that which thou blessest is blessed, and that which thou cursest is cursed.' LXE Numbers 22:6 And now come, curse me this people, for it is stronger than we; if we may be able to smite some of them, and I will cast them out of the land: for I know that whomsoever thou dost bless, they are blessed, and whomsoever thou dost curse, they are cursed. ASV Numbers 22:6 Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. CSB Numbers 22:6 Please come and put a curse on these people for me because they are more powerful than I am. I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that those you bless are blessed and those you curse are cursed." NKJ Numbers 22:6 "Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed." NRS Numbers 22:6 Come now, curse this people for me, since they are stronger than I; perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land; for I know that whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed." NAB Numbers 22:6 Please come and curse this people for us; they are stronger than we are. We may then be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed and whoever you curse is cursed." curse me: Nu 23:7,8 24:9 Ge 12:3 27:29 De 23:4 Jos 24:9 1Sa 17:43 Ne 13:2 Ps 109:17,18 I know 1Ki 22:6,8,13 Ps 109:28 Pr 26:2 Isa 47:12,13 Eze 13:6 Ac 8:9,10 16:16 Numbers 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BALAK'S DEFENSE: COME AND CURSE! Now, therefore, please come, curse this people for me since they are too mighty for me - Apparently diviners were known to have the power to curse people. Merrill however points out that there "curses would of course be couched in such qualified language that they were bound to come to pass one way or the other." (BKC) Balak knew he could not defeat Israel with an army so he seeks a spiritual solution from Balaam. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land - If the curse weakened Israel, Balak saw a possibility of victory over them. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed - Somehow Balaam had this reputation for blessing and cursing others. This is a fascinating declaration for Balak in essence attributes to Balaam powers that in truth only God has. And specifically regarding Israel, in Genesis 12:3+ Yahweh promised Abram "I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse." So Yahweh had already decreed He would bless the seed of Abram and that lineage at this time was the nation of Israel. God is not a man that He should lie (Nu 23:19) and so no "curse" could subvert His covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Numbers 22:7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak's words to him. BGT Numbers 22:7 καὶ ἐπορεύθη ἡ γερουσία Μωαβ καὶ ἡ γερουσία Μαδιαμ καὶ τὰ μαντεῖα ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτῶν καὶ ἦλθον πρὸς Βαλααμ καὶ εἶπαν αὐτῷ τὰ ῥήματα Βαλακ NET Numbers 22:7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fee for divination in their hand. They came to Balaam and reported to him the words of Balak. NLT Numbers 22:7 Balak's messengers, who were elders of Moab and Midian, set out with money to pay Balaam to place a curse upon Israel. They went to Balaam and delivered Balak's message to him. ESV Numbers 22:7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand. And they came to Balaam and gave him Balak's message. NIV Numbers 22:7 The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination. When they came to Balaam, they told him what Balak had said. KJV Numbers 22:7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. YLT Numbers 22:7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian go, and divinations in their hand, and they come in unto Balaam, and speak unto him the words of Balak, LXE Numbers 22:7 And the elders of Moab went, and the elders of Madiam, and their divining instruments were in their hands; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balac. ASV Numbers 22:7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. CSB Numbers 22:7 The elders of Moab and Midian departed with fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and reported Balak's words to him. NKJ Numbers 22:7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner's fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak. NRS Numbers 22:7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and gave him Balak's message. NAB Numbers 22:7 Then the elders of Moab and of Midian left with the divination fee in hand and went to Balaam. When they had given him Balak's message, NJB Numbers 22:7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian set out, taking the fee for the divination with them. They found Balaam and gave him Balak's message. GWN Numbers 22:7 The leaders of Moab and Midian left, taking money with them to pay for Balaam's services. They came to Balaam and told him what Balak had said. fees for divination: 1Sa 9:7,8 Isa 56:11 Eze 13:19 Mic 3:11 Ro 16:18 1Ti 6:9,10 Tit 1:11 2Pe 2:15 Jude 1:11 Numbers 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries FEES FOR DIVINATION So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak's words to him - The journey to the Pethor is in the range of 400 miles (Milgrom) which in ancient times would taken at least 20 days (Milgrom) one way. They went with money and a message. The fees for divination in their hand would amount to payment/inducement to make a curse against Israel. The mention of the elders of Midian is not absolutely clear but suggests that the two nations indeed forged an alliance against Israel, whom they viewed as a common threat. Milgrom - If the identification (of location of Pethor) is correct, then the journey from Pethor to Moab, a distance of about 640 kilometers (400 mi.) would have taken at least twenty days. And since the text records four such journeys, three months would have been occupied in traveling. UBS Handbook - Rashi and Rashbam proposed that the Hebrew term here refers to divination tools, that is, representative models of omens, such as ceramic sheep livers found by archaeologists. If so, Balak would have been dissatisfied with the readings of his own diviners and would have sent the model of the divination results to Balaam for a second opinion, more favorable to what he wanted to hear Brian Bell on diviner's fee - The Diviners fee - everybody has a price...what would you sell your soul for? J