Joshua 24:9-10
Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. And he sent and invited Balaam the son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to see Balak's actions as a direct military assault, but the text highlights that his "war" was waged through "crafty counsel and wicked devices," specifically by hiring Balaam. This reveals that spiritual warfare and manipulation were considered just as potent as physical combat by Israel's enemies.
In Joshua's final address to Israel, he recounts God's mighty acts on their behalf, reminding them of His faithfulness from Abraham's time. This specific verse highlights an act of aggression by Balak, king of Moab, who, threatened by Israel's presence, not only prepared for war but also hired the prophet Balaam to curse them. Joshua emphasizes that this hostile plot, though wicked, ultimately failed as God turned the intended curse into a blessing, further demonstrating His protection over His people.
We often think of war as swords clashing and armies marching. But sometimes, the greatest battles are fought in unseen realms.
In Joshua 24:9, the Bible describes Balak, king of Moab, 'warring' against Israel. Yet, the context reveals this wasn't a traditional military engagement. Instead, Balak's 'warfare' involved 'crafty counsel and warlike stratagems' and, most notably, hiring the prophet Balaam to curse Israel.
This shows us that spiritual warfare is a real and significant aspect of God's people's journey. Enemies may not always attack with brute force. They might resort to deception, manipulation, or even attempts to undermine us through words and curses. God's people are called to recognize these subtle attacks and stand firm, knowing that God's protection extends beyond physical defenses.
Even when enemies plot destruction, God has a plan to protect and even bless His people.
The account of Balak and Balaam, referenced in Joshua 24:9, is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and protective care. Balak's desperate attempt to curse Israel through Balaam was a direct assault on God's chosen people. However, the narrative unfolds with God intervening to thwart Balak's plans.
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Joshua reminds the people that God 'would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still' (referencing Numbers 22:12, though not explicitly in Joshua 24:9). This demonstrates that God is not passive in the face of opposition. He actively works to protect His people, turning potential curses into blessings. This should instill deep confidence in us, knowing that no scheme devised against us by spiritual enemies can ultimately succeed if we remain in God's favor.
Understand the original words
arar · Hebrew Verb
To invoke divine judgment or harm upon a person or group. Biblically, a curse is an expression of judgment or separation from blessing, which can be thwarted by God’s sovereign protection.
barak · Hebrew Verb
To bestow favor, prosperity, or divine privilege upon someone. A blessing from God signifies His enabling power, multiplication, and favor upon His people, overriding human attempts to harm them.
natsal · Hebrew Verb
To set free, rescue, or provide safety from danger. Biblically, God is the ultimate Deliverer who intervenes to save His people from enemies and oppression.
Balak's 'war' against Israel wasn't a direct military engagement but a spiritual one, employing magical curses. This highlights how ancient peoples wielded spiritual warfare alongside physical conflict.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites cross Red Sea and wander
After escaping slavery in Egypt, Israel journeys through the wilderness. This event alarms neighboring nations, including Moab.
c. 1400 BC
Moab and Amorites defeated
Israel defeats Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, who had occupied territory Moab considered theirs. This victory directly threatened Moab's borders and security.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Balak hires Balaam to curse Israel
Alarmed by Israel's proximity and military success, Balak, king of Moab, hires the prophet Balaam to curse Israel, hoping to weaken them before battle.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's curses turn to blessings
Despite Balak's intent, Balaam is compelled by God to bless Israel instead of cursing them, uttering prophecies of Israel's future dominance.
c. 1400 BC
Israelite settlement of Canaan
Following years in the wilderness and conquering the land east of the Jordan, Israel begins its conquest and settlement of Canaan.
This passage directly describes King Balak's fear of Israel and his plot to hire Balaam to curse them, providing the historical context for Joshua's recounting of the event.
Numbers 25:1-3This passage shows the consequence of Balaam's failed curse and wicked counsel; he advised Balak to entice Israel into sin, leading to God's wrath, which directly relates to the spiritual warfare Joshua is referencing.
Deuteronomy 23:3-5This passage highlights the historical animosity of Moab and Ammon towards Israel, explaining why Balak would seek to curse Israel and showing God's protective hand even against such opposition.
Micah 6:5This verse directly references the incident with Balaam and Balak, urging Israel to remember God's intervention and His faithfulness, reinforcing the significance of this event in Israel's spiritual history.
wesleyJoshua 24:9: "Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:"
24:9 Balak warred - Balak warred, tho' not by open force, yet by crafty counsel and warlike stratagems, by wicked devices.
calvinJoshua 24:1-14: "And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God."
And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.
Congregavit itaque [194] Josue omnes tribus Israel in Sichem, vocavi…
It's easy to see Balak's actions as a direct military assault, but the text highlights that his "war" was waged through "crafty counsel and wicked devices," specifically by hiring Balaam. This reveals that spiritual warfare and manipulation were considered just as potent as physical combat by Israel's enemies.
In Joshua's final address to Israel, he recounts God's mighty acts on their behalf, reminding them of His faithfulness from Abraham's time. This specific verse highlights an act of aggression by Balak, king of Moab, who, threatened by Israel's presence, not only prepared for war but also hired the prophet Balaam to curse them. Joshua emphasizes that this hostile plot, though wicked, ultimately failed as God turned the intended curse into a blessing, further demonstrating His protection over His people.
In Joshua's final address to Israel, he recounts God's mighty acts on their behalf, reminding them of His faithfulness from Abraham's time. This specific verse highlights an act of aggression by Balak, king of Moab, who, threatened by Israel's presence, not only prepared for war but also hired the prophet Balaam to curse them. Joshua emphasizes that this hostile plot, though wicked, ultimately failed as God turned the intended curse into a blessing, further demonstrating His protection over His people.
"Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. And he sent and invited Balaam the son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to Balaam. Indeed, he blessed you. So I delivered you out of his hand." — It's easy to see Balak's actions as a direct military assault, but the text highlights that his "war" was waged through "crafty counsel and wicked devices," specifically by hiring Balaam. This reveal…
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