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.
Original Language Analysis
לְמוֹאָ֖ב
And Moab
H4124
לְמוֹאָ֖ב
And Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
2 of 23
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
מִדְיָ֗ן
of Midian
H4080
מִדְיָ֗ן
of Midian
Strong's:
H4080
Word #:
5 of 23
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
עַתָּ֞ה
H6258
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔ינוּ
all that are round about
H5439
סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔ינוּ
all that are round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
11 of 23
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יֶ֣רֶק
the grass
H3418
יֶ֣רֶק
the grass
Strong's:
H3418
Word #:
15 of 23
properly, pallor, i.e., hence, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation; concretely, verdure, i.e., grass or vegetation
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
18 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמוֹאָ֖ב
And Moab
H4124
לְמוֹאָ֖ב
And Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
21 of 23
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
Historical Context
The alliance between Moab and Midian was unusual as these peoples were not typically united. Israel's presence created a coalition of enemies. The Midianites were descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). The coalition shows how threats to the world system can temporarily unite otherwise diverse opponents, as seen in the alliance of Herod and Pilate against Jesus (Luke 23:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's promises to bless His people necessarily threaten opposing forces?
- What does the formation of enemy coalitions teach about spiritual warfare?
- How does Christ's advancing kingdom unite diverse opponents today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Balak's message to Midian's elders uses the metaphor 'this company shall lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field.' This agricultural imagery portrays Israel as consuming everything in their path. The Hebrew lachak (lick up) suggests complete consumption. Ironically, Balak describes Israel exactly as God intended—a nation so blessed they would possess the land fully. What Balak feared, God had promised. This shows how God's promises to His people are threats to His enemies. Christ's kingdom similarly advances unstoppably (Daniel 2:44).