Numbers 22:2

And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

And Balak {H1111} the son {H1121} of Zippor {H6834} saw {H7200} all that Israel {H3478} had done {H6213} to the Amorites {H567}.

Now Balak the son of Tzippor saw all that Isra'el had done to the Emori.

Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,

And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 22:2 introduces King Balak of Moab, a pivotal figure in the narrative of Israel's wilderness journey. Following their decisive victories over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:21-35), Israel had become a formidable presence on the borders of Moab. This verse highlights Balak's immediate and fearful observation of Israel's recent military successes, setting the stage for his desperate attempt to counter their perceived threat by hiring the prophet Balaam.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Reaction: Balak's actions are driven by intense fear of Israel's growing power and proximity. His observation of what Israel "had done" implies a deep concern for his own kingdom's security. This fear is explicitly stated in Numbers 22:3.
  • Divine Providence and Human Response: While Balak perceives Israel's victories as purely military might, the biblical narrative consistently attributes Israel's success to God's hand, protecting His people and fulfilling His promises (e.g., Deuteronomy 2:30). Balak's response, however, is a human attempt to circumvent what he sees as an overwhelming force.
  • Setting the Stage for Balaam: This verse is the critical opening to the famous account of Balak and Balaam, where Balak seeks to curse Israel, but God intervenes to bless them instead. It establishes the initial motive for Balak's subsequent actions.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) used here implies more than mere visual observation; it suggests a deep perception or understanding. Balak didn't just physically see the battles; he grasped the full implication and significance of Israel's victories over the Amorites. This understanding of Israel's power filled him with dread.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that human leaders and nations often react out of fear when confronted with perceived threats, especially those they cannot control or understand. Balak's fear led him to seek supernatural means (through Balaam) to combat a divinely protected people. For believers, this narrative reinforces the understanding that God's plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human schemes or fear-driven opposition. It encourages trust in God's sovereign hand, even when facing formidable challenges or those who react against us out of their own anxieties.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 11:25 (5 votes)

    And now [art] thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,

  • Numbers 21:20 (3 votes)

    And from Bamoth [in] the valley, that [is] in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.

  • Numbers 21:35 (3 votes)

    So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.

  • Numbers 21:3 (2 votes)

    And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah.