Numbers 22:4-5
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, 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "lick up" paints a vivid, almost nonchalant picture of destruction, much like an animal grazing, suggesting the Moabites saw the approaching Israelites not just as a threat to conquer, but as an inevitable, sweeping force that would erase their existence. This imagery highlights their terror and their perception of overwhelming, unstoppable power.
As the Israelites settle on the plains of Moab, the Moabites, ruled by King Balak, feel an overwhelming sense of dread. Seeing the sheer size of the Israelite multitude, they fear being completely consumed, comparing their situation to grass being licked up by an ox. This fear prompts Balak to seek an alliance with the neighboring Midianites, initiating a desperate plan to curse Israel.
Imagine a powerful nation looking at an unstoppable force, and their only thought is how to survive. That's Moab's situation here.
When the Israelites, fresh from their triumphs over Sihon and Og, reached the borders of Moab, the Moabites were paralyzed by fear.
A king's job is to protect his people. But when facing an unstoppable divine force, what can a mortal king even do?
Balak, the king of Moab, is introduced as the central figure in this unfolding crisis. His fear and desperation drive the narrative forward.
Understand the original words
qahal · Hebrew Noun
A collective term used by enemies to describe the multitude or host of Israel. It implies a large, possibly overwhelming, gathering of people.
zaqen · Hebrew Noun
The leaders or authorized representatives of a community or tribe. In biblical tradition, elders were respected men responsible for decision-making and justice within their society.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A term often used in Scripture to describe a sovereign or chief ruler of a nation. Biblically, it carries the weight of authority and responsibility over a people.
Bil'am · Hebrew Proper Noun
A non-Israelite prophet or diviner. His narrative in the Bible is complex, highlighting the tension between the misuse of spiritual gifts and the sovereign power of God to control the speech of those who would curse His people.
This passage unfolds during Israel's final approach to the Promised Land. Having just conquered Amorite territory, their presence on Moab's doorstep triggers immense fear, leading to the infamous attempt to hire Balaam to curse them.
c. 1440 BC
Israel Departs Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites are miraculously delivered from Egypt under Moses' leadership.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Israel Wanders in the Wilderness
The Israelites spend 40 years wandering in the desert as a consequence of their unbelief, encountering and sometimes clashing with various peoples.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
The Israelites defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, taking possession of their lands east of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Israel Enters Plains of Moab
The Israelites set up camp in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, adjacent to Moabite territory.
c. 1400 BC
This passage mentions kings ruling in Edom, from the descendants of Esau, which can be thematically linked to the mention of kings like Balak in later narratives. It highlights the established political structures of the region.
Exodus 15:14-15This prophetic song of Moses speaks of the fear that surrounding nations would have of Israel's God due to His mighty acts. This directly reflects the fear and anxiety expressed by Moab in this verse.
Deuteronomy 2:9This verse records God's command to Israel to not harass or attack Moab, indicating a distinct relationship between Israel and Moab. This context helps understand Moab's reaction as a perceived threat rather than a response to aggression.
Judges 6:3-4This passage describes how the Midianites, along with other eastern peoples, oppressed Israel due to their sin. It shows the historical context of Midian as a people who could also be adversaries, mirroring their alliance with Moab here.
Joshua 13:21This verse lists the 'dukes of Sihon' and mentions the Midianites as being subject to them. This provides further geographical and political context for the alliance between Moab and Midian mentioned in Numbers 22.
calvinNumbers 22:1-41: "And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho."
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.
Dixit igitur Moab ad seniores Madian, Nunc lambet congregatio haec omnes circuitus nostros, quemadmodum lambit bos gramen agri. Porto Balac filius Sippor…
pooleNumbers 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."
The elders of Midian, called the kings of Midian , Numbers 31:8 , and princes of Midian , Joshua 13:21 ; who though divided into their kingdoms, yet were now unified upon the approach of the Israelites their common enemy; and being, as it seems, a potent and crafty peop…
The phrase "lick up" paints a vivid, almost nonchalant picture of destruction, much like an animal grazing, suggesting the Moabites saw the approaching Israelites not just as a threat to conquer, but as an inevitable, sweeping force that would erase their existence. This imagery highlights their terror and their perception of overwhelming, unstoppable power.
As the Israelites settle on the plains of Moab, the Moabites, ruled by King Balak, feel an overwhelming sense of dread. Seeing the sheer size of the Israelite multitude, they fear being completely consumed, comparing their situation to grass being licked up by an ox. This fear prompts Balak to seek an alliance with the neighboring Midianites, initiating a desperate plan to curse Israel.
As the Israelites settle on the plains of Moab, the Moabites, ruled by King Balak, feel an overwhelming sense of dread. Seeing the sheer size of the Israelite multitude, they fear being completely consumed, comparing their situation to grass being licked up by an ox. This fear prompts Balak to seek an alliance with the neighboring Midianites, initiating a desperate plan to curse Israel.
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Mitsrayim · Hebrew Proper Noun
A historical event of supreme significance in Scripture, representing God's act of redemption and deliverance for His people from slavery and divine judgment.
Moab Seeks Balaam's Curse
Fearing the vast Israelite population, Balak, king of Moab, allies with the Midianites and hires the prophet Balaam to curse Israel.
"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, sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor…" — The phrase "lick up" paints a vivid, almost nonchalant picture of destruction, much like an animal grazing, suggesting the Moabites saw the approaching Israelites not just as a threat to conquer, but…
