Numbers 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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Numbers 22:4 introduces the critical geopolitical tension that sets the stage for one of the Bible's most unique narratives: the story of Balaam.

Context

Following their victorious encounters with the Amorites and Og, king of Bashan (as detailed in Numbers chapter 21), the Israelites had encamped in the plains of Moab, on the east side of the Jordan River. Their immense numbers and recent successes instilled great fear in the surrounding nations. This verse highlights the immediate reaction of Moab, led by King Balak, who recognized the potential threat posed by this vast, migrating multitude. Moab, a descendant of Lot, and Midian, a descendant of Abraham through Keturah, were neighboring peoples who often had complex relationships, but here they form an alliance born of mutual apprehension.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Perceived Threat: The primary theme is the overwhelming fear felt by Moab and Midian. They see the Israelites not as weary travelers, but as a consuming force, likened to an ox devouring a field. This fear drives Balak's desperate decision to summon Balaam to curse Israel.
  • Strategic Alliance: The verse shows Moab reaching out to the elders of Midian, indicating a forming of a defensive alliance against a common perceived enemy. This alliance underscores the severity of their concern.
  • God's Presence (Implied): While 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.

Linguistic Insights

The vivid simile, "as the ox licketh up the grass of the field," is a powerful agricultural metaphor. The Hebrew verb for "lick up" (ืœึธื—ึทืšึฐ, lachakh) emphasizes a thorough, complete consumption, leaving nothing behind. This imagery conveys the Moabites' belief that the Israelites would utterly deplete their land and resources, leaving it barren. It paints a picture of total devastation and overwhelming force.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that fear often drives significant decisions, sometimes leading to irrational or desperate measures. Just as Balak's fear led him to oppose God's people, our own fears can sometimes lead us to make choices that are contrary to wisdom or faith. It also highlights how the collective presence and actions of God's people can have a profound impact on the world around them, often without direct intention. Even when facing opposition or fear from others, believers can trust in God's unwavering presence and protection, knowing that His plans for His people cannot be thwarted by human fear or strategic alliances.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 25:15 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    [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 (2 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 24:17 (2 votes)

    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.