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.

And Moab {H4124} was sore {H3966} afraid {H1481} of {H6440} the people {H5971}, because they were many {H7227}: and Moab {H4124} was distressed {H6973} because of {H6440} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Mo'av was very afraid of the people, because there were so many of them; Mo'av was overcome with dread because of the people of Isra'el.

and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.

And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

Commentary

Numbers 22:3 describes the intense apprehension felt by the kingdom of Moab as the vast multitude of the Israelites approached their territory. This verse sets the stage for a pivotal narrative in the Book of Numbers, highlighting the Moabites' fear and distress concerning the powerful and numerous children of Israel.

Context

At this point in their journey, the Israelites had completed nearly 40 years of wilderness wandering and were encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. They were poised to enter the Promised Land. Moab, a descendant of Lot (see Genesis 19:37), was a neighboring kingdom with a history of strained relations with Israel. The Moabites had witnessed, or at least heard of, Israel's recent decisive victories over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og (as detailed in Numbers 21:21-35), which undoubtedly amplified their apprehension. Their fear was not just of invasion, but of being overwhelmed by the sheer size and apparent divine favor upon the Israelite nation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fear and Intimidation: The primary theme is the profound fear of Moab. The phrase "sore afraid" emphasizes a deep, visceral dread. This fear stems from the Israelites' overwhelming numbers, which the Moabites perceived as an existential threat.
  • Divine Presence and Power: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the underlying reason for Israel's formidable presence and strength is God's covenant faithfulness and protective hand over His people. The Moabites sensed an unstoppable force, a testament to God's blessing on the descendants of Abraham, who were promised to become a great nation (Genesis 12:2).
  • Catalyst for Conflict: This fear immediately leads to action. King Balak of Moab, driven by this distress, soon seeks to counter the perceived threat by hiring the prophet Balaam to curse Israel, initiating a significant portion of the Numbers 22-24 narrative.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrases "sore afraid" and "distressed" convey a strong sense of terror and vexation. The Hebrew word for "sore afraid" is gur (Χ’ΦΌΧ•ΦΌΧ¨), meaning to dread or be terrified, often implying a feeling of being overwhelmed. "Distressed" comes from the Hebrew quts (Χ§Χ•ΦΌΧ₯), which can mean to feel a loathing, to be vexed, or to be in dread of. Both terms together paint a vivid picture of a kingdom gripped by profound anxiety and a sense of impending doom in the face of Israel's presence.

Practical Application

The narrative of Moab's fear serves as a reminder that the presence of God's people, even when not actively hostile, can evoke strong reactions from those around them. Fear, when unchecked, can lead to irrational and desperate measures, as seen in Balak's attempts to curse Israel. For believers, this verse highlights the reality of God's protection and the power He bestows upon His people, often making them a force to be reckoned with, not by their own might, but by His. It encourages trust in God's leading, even when others around us are filled with dread or opposition.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 15:15

    Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

  • Isaiah 23:5

    As at the report concerning Egypt, [so] shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre.

  • Joshua 2:10

    For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

  • Joshua 2:11

    And as soon as we had heard [these things], our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he [is] God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

  • Joshua 2:24

    And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

  • Joshua 9:24

    And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.

  • Deuteronomy 2:25

    This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations [that are] under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.
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