Joshua 24:9
Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The Balaam incident occurred around 1406 BC as Israel camped on the plains of Moab, preparing to enter Canaan (Numbers 22:1). Balak, king of Moab, feared Israel after their defeat of the Amorites. Balaam, from Pethor near the Euphrates River (Numbers 22:5), was a renowned diviner. An archaeological inscription from Deir Alla (Jordan, 8th century BC) mentions 'Balaam son of Beor, the seer of the gods,' confirming his historical existence. Though initially prevented from cursing Israel, Balaam later advised Moab to seduce Israel into idolatry (Numbers 25:1-3, 31:16), leading to his death (Numbers 31:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Balak's hiring of Balaam reveal spiritual warfare beyond physical military threats?
- What does God's transformation of Balaam's intended curse into blessing teach about divine sovereignty over enemy schemes?
- How do the New Testament warnings about 'the way of Balaam' (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 11) apply to Christians today?
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Analysis & Commentary
Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab...sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you—this incident (Numbers 22-24) reveals spiritual warfare beyond military conflict. Balak (בָּלָק) hired the prophet-diviner Balaam (בִּלְעָם) to curse Israel, attempting to defeat them through supernatural means. The verb qara (קָרָא, to call/summon) indicates Balak's desperation—unable to defeat Israel militarily, he sought occult assistance.
Balaam's attempted curse represents satanic opposition to God's elect people. Though Balaam desired reward (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 11), God prevented him from cursing Israel. Instead, he prophesied blessing, including the Messianic oracle: 'There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel' (Numbers 24:17). This demonstrates that no weapon formed against God's people can prosper (Isaiah 54:17)—even enemy curses become blessings.