Numbers 22:36

KJV

¶ And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which [is] in the border of Arnon, which [is] in the utmost coast.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Balak {H1111} heard {H8085} that Balaam {H1109} was come {H935}, he went out {H3318} to meet {H7125} him unto a city {H5892} of Moab {H4124}, which is in the border {H1366} of Arnon {H769}, which is in the utmost {H7097} coast {H1366}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Balak heard that Bil'am had come, he went out to meet him in the city of Mo'av at the Arnon border, in the farthest reaches of the territory.

Berean Standard Bible

When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite city on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory.

American Standard Version

And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto the City of Moab, which is on the border of the Arnon, which is in the utmost part of the border.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:36 marks the highly anticipated and dramatically charged encounter between Balak, the fearful king of Moab, and Balaam, the renowned Mesopotamian diviner. This pivotal verse sets the stage for the unfolding narrative, highlighting Balak's intense desperation and the strategic significance of this initial meeting at the very edge of his kingdom, near the crucial Arnon River border, as he seeks to employ Balaam's prophetic powers to curse the advancing Israelites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 22:36 serves as the culmination of a significant narrative arc within the book of Numbers. The preceding chapters detail Israel's victorious journey through the wilderness, including their decisive defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites ([Numbers 21:21-32 "Numbers 21:21-32 - Defeat of Sihon"]), and Og, king of Bashan ([Numbers 21:33-35 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Defeat of Og"]). These conquests have brought the vast Israelite encampment to the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho ([Numbers 22:1 "Numbers 22:1 - Israel in the Plains of Moab"]). Balak, king of Moab, witnessing Israel's immense numbers and recent triumphs, becomes deeply terrified ([Numbers 22:3-4 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Balak's Fear"]). In his desperation, he dispatches messengers to Balaam, a respected diviner from Pethor in Mesopotamia, imploring him to come and curse the Israelites ([Numbers 22:5-6 "Numbers 22:5-6 - Balak Sends for Balaam"]). The narrative then meticulously details Balaam's initial reluctance due to God's prohibition, his subsequent permission (with strict divine limitations), and the dramatic encounter with the angel of the Lord on his journey ([Numbers 22:7-35 "Numbers 22:7-35 - Balaam's Journey and the Angel"]). Verse 36, therefore, signifies the long-awaited arrival of Balaam and the beginning of the direct confrontation between Balak's human schemes and God's divine will, immediately preceding the series of divinely compelled oracles.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of seeking out revered diviners or prophets to invoke powerful curses or blessings was a widespread and deeply ingrained cultural norm. These figures were believed to possess unique access to the divine realm, capable of influencing the outcomes of battles, the prosperity of nations, or the fate of individuals. Balak's actions in seeking Balaam reflect this common practice and the prevailing worldview of the time, where spiritual power was considered a tangible force. Moab, a kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, frequently engaged in complex and often hostile relationships with its neighbors, including the nascent nation of Israel. The Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) served as a significant geographical and political boundary, frequently referenced in biblical texts as a key border marker ([Numbers 21:13 "Numbers 21:13 - Arnon as Border"]). Balak's decision to personally meet Balaam at this specific border point underscores his profound urgency and his desire to intercept the diviner immediately upon his entry into Moabite territory, highlighting the perceived immediacy of the threat from Israel and the critical importance of Balaam's mission to the survival of his kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and powerfully reinforces several key theological and narrative themes that permeate the Balaam narrative and the broader book of Numbers. Firstly, it vividly illustrates the **sovereignty of God** over human intentions and schemes. Balak's desperate attempt to curse Israel ultimately becomes an occasion for God to pronounce blessings upon His people, demonstrating that divine will cannot be manipulated or thwarted by human machinations ([Numbers 23:8-12 "Numbers 23:8-12 - Balaam's First Oracle"]). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine protection and faithfulness** to the covenant with Israel, demonstrating that no human or spiritual force can successfully thwart God's purposes for His chosen nation ([Numbers 23:23 "Numbers 23:23 - No Sorcery Against Jacob"]). Thirdly, the narrative explores the **nature of true prophecy**, contrasting Balaam's initial mercenary motives with the divine compulsion that forces him to speak God's word, even against his own will and Balak's desires ([Numbers 24:13 "Numbers 24:13 - Balaam Cannot Transgress God's Word"]). Finally, Balak's palpable fear and desperation serve as a stark foil to God's calm and unwavering control, emphasizing that human fear often leads to futile attempts to manipulate divine power, which God ultimately overrules for His glory and the good of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Balak (Hebrew, _Bâlâq'_):** (H1111) Derived from a root meaning "waster," Balak is identified as the Moabitish king. His name, perhaps ironically, suggests destruction, which he attempts to bring upon Israel through Balaam. His actions in this narrative are driven by intense fear and a desire to "waste" or destroy the Israelite threat, underscoring his role as the primary human antagonist who seeks to oppose God's plan for His people.
* **Balaam (Hebrew, _Bilʻâm'_):** (H1109) Probably meaning "not (of the) people" or "foreigner," Balaam is a Mesopotamian prophet or diviner. His foreign origin is significant, as he is not an Israelite prophet, yet God chooses to speak through him. His character is complex: he acknowledges God's authority but is also tempted by Balak's rewards, representing the tension between divine will and human ambition, and foreshadowing his eventual downfall due to his counsel to Israel to sin ([Numbers 31:16 "Numbers 31:16 - Balaam's Counsel"]).
* **border/coast (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** (H1366) This term, appearing twice in the verse, signifies a "boundary," "limit," or "territory enclosed." Its repetition emphasizes the precise geographical location of the meeting—at the very edge of Moabite territory. This detail highlights Balak's extreme eagerness and the critical nature of the meeting; he is so desperate that he personally travels to the furthest accessible point of his kingdom to intercept Balaam, underscoring the perceived immediacy of the threat and the strategic importance of this initial encounter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Balak heard that Balaam was come":** This opening clause immediately establishes the king's active anticipation and the profound significance of Balaam's arrival. The news of Balaam's presence in Moabite territory triggers Balak's immediate and decisive response, demonstrating his deep concern and the high stakes he perceived in this encounter. It highlights the culmination of Balak's persistent efforts to bring Balaam to curse Israel, following his initial messengers and their repeated requests, underscoring the king's unwavering focus on this objective.
* **"he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab":** This phrase emphasizes Balak's personal initiative and urgency. Rather than waiting for Balaam to come to him in the capital, the king himself travels to the border. This extraordinary action signifies the paramount importance Balak placed on this meeting and his desperation to secure Balaam's services. It reflects a royal gesture of both honor and urgency, indicating that the king considered this matter critical to the immediate security and future of his kingdom, willing to humble himself to ensure the meeting occurred without delay.
* **"which [is] in the border of Arnon":** This precise geographical detail locates the meeting point. The Arnon River was a well-known and significant boundary, often marking the northern extent of Moabite territory. Meeting Balaam at this specific border city underscores Balak's eagerness to intercept him as soon as he crossed into Moab, signifying his desire to immediately engage the diviner for his intended purpose. It also subtly highlights the proximity of the Israelite encampment, which would have been south of the Arnon, further emphasizing Balak's fear and the perceived immediacy of the threat.
* **"which [is] in the utmost coast":** This final descriptive phrase reiterates and intensifies the previous geographical marker. The "utmost coast" (Hebrew: *qâtseh* for utmost, *gᵉbûwl* for coast/border) signifies the extreme edge or furthest point of the territory. This repetition emphasizes Balak's extraordinary effort and the strategic significance of the meeting location. It paints a vivid picture of a king so consumed by fear and urgency that he would personally journey to the very periphery of his kingdom to welcome the man he believed could save his nation from the perceived Israelite threat, underscoring the depth of his anxiety and the lengths he would go to.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Numbers 22:36 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey Balak's intense state. The immediate and personal action of Balak, "he went out to meet him," serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, signaling the high stakes and the dramatic events that are about to unfold, particularly the confrontation between human will and divine purpose. Balak's journey to the "utmost coast" and "border of Arnon" is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, exaggerating his eagerness and desperation, thereby amplifying the perceived threat of Israel and the critical importance of Balaam's mission. The detailed geographical markers provide a strong sense of **Setting** and **Realism**, grounding the supernatural events that follow in a tangible, historical context. Furthermore, the king's personal journey to the border, rather than waiting in his capital, acts as a form of **Characterization**, revealing Balak as a ruler consumed by fear and willing to go to extraordinary lengths to protect his kingdom, contrasting sharply with the divine control that will soon be revealed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:36, though seemingly a simple logistical detail, serves as a crucial theological hinge. It marks the moment where human fear and cunning, embodied by Balak's desperate scheme, directly confront divine sovereignty and protection. The king's elaborate efforts to secure a curse against Israel underscore the ancient world's belief in the efficacy of such pronouncements, yet the subsequent narrative powerfully demonstrates that God's plan for His people cannot be manipulated or thwarted by human or demonic forces. This verse initiates a profound lesson in God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, illustrating that even when adversaries plot harm, the Lord can turn intended curses into blessings, thereby affirming His ultimate control over all circumstances and His steadfast commitment to His chosen nation.

* [Deuteronomy 23:4-5](/deuteronomy/23-4-5 "Deuteronomy 23:4-5 - Balaam's Attempted Curse Turned into Blessing")
* [Nehemiah 13:2](/nehemiah/13-2 "Nehemiah 13:2 - God Turned the Curse into a Blessing")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:36, while describing an ancient encounter, offers timeless principles for reflection and application in our lives. Balak's overwhelming fear of the Israelites led him to desperate measures, seeking supernatural intervention to control a situation he perceived as uncontrollable. This mirrors our own human tendency to react to perceived threats with anxiety, attempting to manipulate circumstances or seek solutions outside of God's sovereign will. The subsequent narrative, initiated by this meeting, reveals that Balak's elaborate plans were ultimately futile because God's purposes for His people are unshakeable. For us, this means that even when we face formidable opposition, overwhelming challenges, or the schemes of adversaries, our ultimate trust must rest in God's unfailing protection and His ability to turn what is intended for harm into good. It encourages us to surrender our fears and anxieties to the One who holds all power, recognizing that His faithfulness is far greater than any human or spiritual opposition. This story calls us to cultivate a posture of trust, knowing that God is actively working on behalf of His people, even when we cannot see His hand, and that His blessings cannot be overturned by any curse.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "threats" or "overwhelming situations" in your life tempt you to react out of fear, rather than trust in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does Balak's desperate pursuit of Balaam challenge your own tendency to seek human solutions or control over divine will?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God turning a difficult or seemingly cursed situation into a blessing in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why was Balak so desperate to meet Balaam at the border?**

Answer: Balak's desperation stemmed from his immense fear of the Israelites, who had just defeated powerful kingdoms like the Amorites and Bashan and were encamped on his border ([Numbers 21:21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel's Victories"]). He perceived their vast numbers as an existential threat to his kingdom ([Numbers 22:3-4 "Numbers 22:3-4 - Balak's Fear"]). In the ancient Near East, it was believed that a powerful diviner or prophet could invoke curses that would weaken or defeat an enemy. By meeting Balaam at the "utmost coast" of Arnon, Balak demonstrated his extreme urgency and his desire to immediately engage Balaam's services upon his entry into Moabite territory, hoping to prevent any further advance of the Israelites. His personal journey to the border underscored the critical importance he placed on this mission.

**What is the significance of the Arnon River in this context?**

Answer: The Arnon River (Wadi Mujib) was a major geographical feature and a well-known natural boundary in the Transjordan region. It often served as a border between different territories, including Moab, Ammon, and the Amorites. In the context of Numbers, it is specifically identified as the border of Moab ([Numbers 21:13 "Numbers 21:13 - Arnon as Moab's Border"]). Meeting Balaam at a city "in the border of Arnon" meant Balak intercepted him at the very edge of his kingdom, emphasizing the strategic location and the king's eagerness. It also highlighted the proximity of the Israelite encampment, which was typically south of the Arnon, making the threat feel immediate and pressing to Balak and underscoring the urgency of the situation from his perspective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 22:36, depicting Balak's desperate attempt to curse Israel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's revelation of God's unassailable plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. Just as Balak's schemes to curse God's chosen people were utterly thwarted and turned into blessings by divine intervention, so too were all the forces of sin, death, and the devil ultimately defeated by Christ's sacrificial work on the cross. The "curse" of sin and the Law, which humanity could not overcome, was absorbed and nullified by Jesus, who "became a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse"]). The Balaam narrative foreshadows the truth that no weapon formed against God's people will ultimately prosper ([Isaiah 54:17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper"]), culminating in the victory of Christ, who disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"]). Furthermore, Balaam's unwilling prophecy of a "star out of Jacob" and a "scepter out of Israel" ([Numbers 24:17 "Numbers 24:17 - Prophecy of the Star from Jacob"]) directly points to the coming Messiah, Jesus, the "bright morning star" ([Revelation 22:16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright Morning Star"]), whose kingdom and reign are eternal and against whom no curse, human scheme, or spiritual opposition can prevail. Thus, Balak's futile efforts serve as a powerful Old Testament testament to the invincible sovereignty of God, perfectly fulfilled in the triumph of His Son, Jesus Christ, who secures eternal blessing for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 28:15

And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

Isaiah 16:2

For it shall be, [that], as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.

Jeremiah 48:20

Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,

Genesis 18:2

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

Deuteronomy 2:24

¶ Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle.

Numbers 21:13

From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which [is] in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon [is] the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

Numbers 21:14

Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,