Numbers 22:36
And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
heard
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וַיֵּצֵ֨א
he went out
H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֨א
he went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 17
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לִקְרָאת֜וֹ
to meet
H7125
לִקְרָאת֜וֹ
to meet
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
7 of 17
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
עִ֣יר
him unto a city
H5892
עִ֣יר
him unto a city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 17
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מוֹאָ֗ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֗ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
10 of 17
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַגְּבֽוּל׃
coast
H1366
הַגְּבֽוּל׃
coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
אַרְנֹ֔ן
of Arnon
H769
אַרְנֹ֔ן
of Arnon
Strong's:
H769
Word #:
14 of 17
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Isaiah 16:2For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.Acts 28:15And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.Jeremiah 48:20Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,
Historical Context
Arnon (modern Wadi Mujib in Jordan) was the northern boundary of Moab, flowing west into the Dead Sea. Balak had recently lost territory north of Arnon to Israel, who defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. This meeting occurred circa 1406 BC, just before Israel entered Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Balak's personal journey to meet Balaam reveal about the intensity of fear that Israel's God can inspire?
- How does meeting at the site of Israel's recent victory ironically undermine Balak's entire plan?
- When have you sought human solutions at the very place where God has already proven His sovereignty?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When Balak heard that Balaam was come—After Balaam's difficult journey (the donkey incident just occurred), King Balak personally travels to the border city of Arnon to meet him. The location in the utmost coast (בִּקְצֵה גְבוּלוֹ, biqtseh g'vulo, "at the extremity of his border") emphasizes urgency and honor. Moabite kings didn't typically travel to border towns; Balak's desperation over Israel's proximity drove him to this unusual courtesy.
The meeting place at Arnon carries geographical and theological significance—this river marked the border between Moab and Amorite territory that Israel had just conquered (21:13-15). Balak met Balaam at the very boundary that proved Israel's unstoppable advance. The irony: Balak seeks a curse at the site of Israel's recent victory, where God has already demonstrated His power.