Numbers 22:10
And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
unto God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
unto God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
9 of 11
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
Historical Context
Balaam accurately represents Balak's perspective: Israel appeared as an overwhelming force covering the land. The number 600,000 fighting men plus families (Exodus 12:37) made Israel one of the largest population groups in the region. Egypt, the ancient Near East's superpower, had spectacularly failed to retain them. Balak's fear was rational given the military defeats Israel had already inflicted on neighboring kingdoms.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing God's people from the world's perspective reveal their fear of His purposes?
- What does Balaam's knowledge of whom he was cursing reveal about degrees of culpability?
- How should we understand our identity as those whom the world cannot stop or contain?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam's response to God identifies Balak and his request: 'Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt' and they 'cover the face of the earth.' This description views Israel from Moab's terrified perspective—a vast, unstoppable multitude. Balaam's phrase 'come out from Egypt' unwittingly acknowledges God's redemptive work in the Exodus. His recitation of Balak's request for cursing reveals that he understands he's being hired to spiritually assault God's chosen people. This knowledge makes his initial willingness to go all the more culpable.