King James Version
What Does Numbers 22:2 Mean?
“And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.”
Numbers 22:2 · KJV
Context
1
And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
2
And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
3
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBalak 'saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,' prompting fear that led to hiring Balaam. When military options fail, enemies resort to spiritual weapons. Balak's attempt to curse Israel demonstrated recognition that Israel's power was supernatural, not merely military. This acknowledges (though perverts) the truth that spiritual realities determine material outcomes.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Israel's victories over Sihon and Og, the Amorite kings (21:21-35), demonstrated God's power and struck fear into neighboring nations. Balak's resort to hiring a diviner showed both recognition of Israel's divine favor and attempt to counter it through spiritual means.
Reflection Questions
- How do your spiritual victories provoke enemy attempts at spiritual counterattack?
- What does enemy resort to spiritual warfare reveal about your effectiveness for God's kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוַיַּ֥רְא1 of 10
“saw”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בֶּן3 of 10
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֵ֛ת5 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל6 of 10
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר7 of 10
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל9 of 10
“all that Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 22:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 22:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge