Numbers 22:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moab {H4124} said {H559} unto the elders {H2205} of Midian {H4080}, Now shall this company {H6951} lick up {H3897} all that are round about {H5439} us, as the ox {H7794} licketh up {H3897} the grass {H3418} of the field {H7704}. And Balak {H1111} the son {H1121} of Zippor {H6834} was king {H4428} of the Moabites {H4124} at that time {H6256}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Mo'av said to the leaders of Midyan, "This horde will lick up everything around us, the way an ox licks up grass in the field." Balak the son of Tzippor was king of Mo'av at that time.

Berean Standard Bible

So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time,

American Standard Version

And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:4 introduces the intense geopolitical fear gripping Moab, as King Balak observes the vast Israelite encampment in his territory. Recognizing the overwhelming numbers and recent victories of the Israelites, Moab, in alliance with the elders of Midian, expresses a profound apprehension that this formidable "company" will utterly consume their land and resources, much like an ox devours a field. This verse thus establishes the critical tension and sets the stage for Balak's desperate, yet ultimately futile, attempt to counteract Israel's divinely protected presence through the prophet Balaam.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 22:4 marks a pivotal transition in the book of Numbers. Immediately preceding this verse, the Israelites have achieved significant victories over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, taking possession of their lands east of the Jordan River, as detailed in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Victories East of the Jordan"). Their encampment "in the plains of Moab, on the east side of the Jordan at Jericho" (cf. [Numbers 22:1](/numbers/22-1 "Numbers 22:1 - Israel Encamps in Moab")) directly threatens the Moabite kingdom. This verse, therefore, serves as the immediate narrative catalyst for the dramatic encounter between Balak and Balaam, which unfolds from [Numbers 22:5](/numbers/22-5 "Numbers 22:5 - Balak Summons Balaam") onward, providing the essential motivation for Balak's desperate actions. It highlights the perspective of Israel's adversaries, framing the subsequent prophetic narrative within a context of fear and perceived existential threat.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab and Midian were distinct but often interacting peoples in the Transjordan region. Moabites were descendants of Lot (cf. [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Moab, Son of Lot")), while Midianites descended from Abraham through Keturah (cf. [Genesis 25:2](/genesis/25-2 "Genesis 25:2 - Midian, Son of Abraham")). Despite their shared ancestral ties and occasional alliances, their relationship was complex, sometimes marked by conflict, but here united by a common, overwhelming fear of the encroaching Israelites. The "plains of Moab" were fertile lands, and the arrival of a vast, victorious, and mobile population like Israel's would have been perceived as an immediate threat to their agricultural resources, settled way of life, and territorial integrity. The mention of "elders of Midian" suggests a formal diplomatic or military alliance being forged, indicating the gravity of the perceived threat and the need for a united front against a superior force.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme emerging from this verse is the **overwhelming fear and perceived threat** that Israel's presence instilled in the surrounding nations. The vivid simile of an "ox licking up the grass" powerfully conveys the Moabites' belief that the Israelites would utterly consume and devastate their land and resources, leaving nothing behind. This existential dread is the driving force behind King Balak's subsequent actions, particularly his desperate attempt to employ a foreign prophet to curse Israel (cf. [Numbers 22:5-6](/numbers/22-5 "Numbers 22:5-6 - Balak's Plea to Balaam")). Another significant theme is the **strategic alliance** between Moab and Midian, born out of mutual apprehension, illustrating how common fear can unite disparate groups against a perceived common enemy. Finally, though not explicitly stated, the sheer, intimidating presence of Israel, which causes such panic, implicitly points to the **powerful hand of God** orchestrating their journey and protecting His people, even when they are feared. This divine presence underscores the futility of human efforts to thwart God's purposes, a theme that will be dramatically demonstrated throughout the Balaam narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"lick up" (Hebrew, לָחַךְ, _lachakh_):** This verb vividly describes the action of an animal consuming food with its tongue, emphasizing thoroughness and completeness. In the context of an ox licking up grass, it implies total consumption, leaving nothing remaining. Its use here by Moab conveys their absolute conviction that Israel's presence would result in the complete depletion of their land, resources, and perhaps even their very existence. It's a powerful image of devastation and overwhelming force.
* **"company" (Hebrew, קָהָל, _qahal_):** While often translated as "assembly" or "congregation," _qahal_ here refers to the vast multitude of Israelites. It can denote a formal gathering, but in this context, it highlights the sheer number and collective power of the Israelite people. For the Moabites, this was not just a collection of individuals but a formidable, organized body, perceived as a unified and consuming force. The term subtly foreshadows Israel's identity as God's chosen "assembly" or "congregation," whose movements are divinely directed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moab said unto the elders of Midian,"**: This opening clause establishes the diplomatic and strategic context. It reveals that Moab, under King Balak, initiated contact with the elders of Midian, signaling a formal appeal for an alliance. This was not a casual conversation but a weighty overture, indicating the severity of the perceived threat and the need for a united front against a common enemy. The "elders" suggest a council of leaders, highlighting the official nature of this desperate plea.
* **"Now shall this company lick up all [that are] round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field."**: This is the core expression of Moab's fear and their assessment of the Israelite threat. The phrase "this company" refers to the vast Israelite encampment. The vivid simile "as the ox licketh up the grass of the field" powerfully communicates their belief that the Israelites would utterly consume their land, resources, and everything in their path. It speaks to a fear of complete devastation, leaving nothing behind, reflecting a profound sense of vulnerability and impending ruin.
* **"And Balak the son of Zippor [was] king of the Moabites at that time."**: This concluding clause identifies the specific monarch leading Moab during this crisis. Balak's name is significant, as he will be the central human antagonist in the subsequent narrative, the one who initiates the summoning of Balaam. His kingship underscores the official and national nature of the fear and the desperate measures that will follow, rooting the narrative in the actions of a specific, authoritative figure.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 22:4 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Simile**: "as the ox licketh up the grass of the field." This vivid comparison immediately conjures an image of overwhelming, relentless consumption, emphasizing the Moabites' perception of Israel as an unstoppable force that would leave their land barren. The choice of an "ox" – a powerful, grazing animal – underscores the thoroughness and inevitability of the perceived destruction. Additionally, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the Moabites' assessment; while Israel was numerous and victorious, their immediate intention was not necessarily to "lick up" every surrounding nation in a literal sense, but to pass through or settle in specific territories. This exaggerated language reflects the profound fear and panic that had gripped Moab. The verse also functions as a crucial piece of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the entire Balaam narrative. It clearly establishes the motivation for Balak's desperate actions, hinting at the dramatic conflict and the divine intervention that will unfold as a result of this initial fear and perceived threat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:4 powerfully illustrates the recurring biblical theme of human opposition to God's chosen people, often stemming from fear and a misunderstanding of divine purposes. Moab's desperate alliance and their vivid imagery of consumption reveal a profound sense of vulnerability in the face of God's advancing plan. This fear, though rooted in a perceived military threat, implicitly acknowledges the extraordinary power accompanying Israel, a power ultimately derived from Yahweh. The futility of their attempts to thwart Israel's progress, as seen in the subsequent narrative of Balaam, underscores God's unwavering sovereignty and His commitment to His covenant people. Even when nations conspire against them, God's protective hand ensures His purposes are fulfilled, turning potential curses into blessings. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic demonstration that no human or demonic power can ultimately prevail against the divine will for Israel.

* [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Regarding Moab")
* [Exodus 15:15-16](/exodus/15-15 "Exodus 15:15-16 - Fear of Israel on Surrounding Nations")
* [Psalm 105:14-15](/psalm/105-14 "Psalm 105:14-15 - God Protects His Anointed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intense fear experienced by Moab and Midian in Numbers 22:4 serves as a potent reminder of how perceived threats can drive individuals and nations to desperate measures. Balak's reaction, born of overwhelming dread, illustrates a common human tendency: to resort to any means, even supernatural ones, to neutralize what we perceive as a danger to our security or way of life. For us today, this verse challenges us to examine the sources of our own fears. Do we, like Balak, allow anxieties about future uncertainties, economic instability, or social change to dictate our responses, leading us to act in ways that are contrary to faith or God's will? The presence of God's people, even without direct intention, can often provoke strong reactions in the world—sometimes admiration, sometimes fear or hostility. As believers, we are called to trust in God's unwavering sovereignty and protection, knowing that His plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human fear or strategic alliances. Our response to perceived threats should be rooted in faith, prayer, and adherence to God's commands, rather than succumbing to the same kind of panic that gripped Moab.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does fear influence our decisions, both individually and collectively, and what are the potential consequences of such fear-driven choices?**
* **In what ways might the presence and actions of the church, as God's people, be perceived by the world around us, and how should we respond to such perceptions?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and protection when faced with overwhelming challenges or perceived threats, rather than resorting to desperate human strategies?**

### FAQ

**Why were Moab and Midian specifically afraid of Israel?**

Answer: Moab and Midian were afraid of Israel primarily due to their immense numbers and recent, decisive military victories. [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Victories East of the Jordan") details Israel's conquest of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, demonstrating their formidable military strength. The sheer size of the Israelite encampment in the plains of Moab would have been an intimidating sight, suggesting an overwhelming force. The vivid simile used by Moab, "as the ox licketh up the grass of the field," underscores their fear of total consumption and depletion of their land and resources, indicating a perception of existential threat. They likely also knew of the divine power that accompanied Israel, as evidenced by earlier accounts of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings.

**What was the relationship between Moab and Midian, and why did they form an alliance here?**

Answer: Moab and Midian were distinct but neighboring peoples in the Transjordan region. Moabites were descendants of Lot, while Midianites descended from Abraham through Keturah. Their relationship was complex, sometimes marked by rivalry or conflict, but often intertwined through trade, intermarriage, and shared cultural elements. In Numbers 22:4, they form a strategic alliance born out of a common, overwhelming fear of the Israelite presence. The magnitude of the perceived threat from Israel was so great that it compelled these two nations to set aside any past differences and unite their efforts to counteract what they believed was an imminent danger to their survival and sovereignty. This alliance highlights the desperation of their situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fear of Moab and Midian in Numbers 22:4, and their subsequent futile efforts to curse Israel, foreshadow a profound truth about the ultimate "company" of God: the church, the body of Christ. Just as ancient Israel, by God's powerful presence, was an intimidating force that no human power could ultimately overcome or curse, so too is the church, empowered by the Spirit of God, a divine entity against which "the gates of Hades will not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hades Will Not Prevail")). Balak's desperate attempt to hire Balaam to curse Israel prefigures the world's ongoing attempts to oppose, undermine, or silence the people of God. However, just as Balaam was compelled to bless Israel, so too are all curses against Christ's followers rendered null and void through His finished work on the cross. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), has already "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Powers")). The "licking up" imagery, signifying overwhelming consumption, finds its ultimate fulfillment not in destruction, but in the triumphant reign of Christ, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The fear of Israel in Numbers 22:4 thus points forward to the glorious, unstoppable advance of God's kingdom through Christ, a kingdom that will ultimately consume all opposition, not through destructive force, but through redemptive power and sovereign authority.

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

Numbers 25:15

And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain [was] Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he [was] head over a people, [and] of a chief house in Midian.

Numbers 25:18

For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.

Numbers 31:8

And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; [namely], Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

Numbers 22:7

And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

Jeremiah 48:38

[There shall be] lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure, saith the LORD.

Judges 11:25

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 24:17

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.