Balak

Lore & Background

Balak, king of Moab, observed Israel's victory over the Amorites and feared that Israel would consume his land like an ox licks grass (Numbers 22:2, Numbers 22:4). He sent elders of Moab and Midian to Balaam with rewards of divination, asking Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22:7). When Balaam refused because the LORD would not let him go, Balak sent more honorable princes with a personal plea not to hinder Balaam from coming (Numbers 22:15-16). Balaam eventually came, and Balak met him at a city on the border of Arnon, expressing frustration that Balaam had not come earlier and promising to promote him to honor (Numbers 22:36-37). Balak then took Balaam to the high places of Baal to see the edge of Israel's camp (Numbers 22:41). At Balaam's instruction, Balak built seven altars and offered a bullock and a ram on each (Numbers 23:1-2). After Balaam blessed Israel instead of cursing them, Balak complained, 'What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether' (Numbers 23:11). He then took Balaam to another vantage point to see only part of Israel, hoping for a curse (Numbers 23:13). When Balaam again blessed Israel, Balak finally said, 'Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all' (Numbers 23:25).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Balak as a fearful and persistent king who relies on supernatural means to oppose Israel. His fear is evident from the start: he sees what Israel did to the Amorites and concludes that Israel will 'lick up all that are round about us' (Numbers 22:4). Rather than fight, he hires a diviner, Balaam, sending first a delegation with 'rewards of divination' (Numbers 22:7) and then a second, more honorable group when the first fails (Numbers 22:15). Balak's persistence shows his desperation; he personally meets Balaam and offers promotion to honor (Numbers 22:37). Balak's role is that of a frustrated patron. He provides the sacrificial animals for Balaam's rituals (Numbers 23:1-2) and moves Balaam to different locations to try to get a curse (Numbers 23:13). Each time Balaam blesses Israel, Balak expresses anger and confusion (Numbers 23:11). His final command—'Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all' (Numbers 23:25)—reveals his resignation. The passages never show Balak succeeding in his goal; he is a foil to Balaam's obedience to God's word.

Did You Know?

• Balak sent elders of Moab and Midian together to Balaam, indicating a coalition against Israel (Numbers 22:7).
• Balak offered oxen and sheep to Balaam and the princes after Balaam arrived (Numbers 22:40).
• Balak built seven altars and offered a bullock and a ram on each at Balaam's request (Numbers 23:1-2).
• Balak took Balaam to the high places of Baal to see the utmost part of Israel (Numbers 22:41).