King James Version

What Does Numbers 22:4 Mean?

Numbers 22:4 in the King James Version says “And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh u...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 22:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: face: Heb. eye

6

Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

Read Numbers 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's promises to bless His people necessarily threaten opposing forces?
  2. What does the formation of enemy coalitions teach about spiritual warfare?
  3. How does Christ's advancing kingdom unite diverse opponents today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 23

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְמוֹאָ֖ב2 of 23

“And Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

אֶל3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זִקְנֵ֣י4 of 23

“unto the elders”

H2205

old

מִדְיָ֗ן5 of 23

“of Midian”

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

עַתָּ֞ה6 of 23
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

כִּלְחֹ֣ךְ7 of 23

“lick up”

H3897

to lick

הַקָּהָל֙8 of 23

“Now shall this company”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

אֶת9 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל10 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔ינוּ11 of 23

“all that are round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

כִּלְחֹ֣ךְ12 of 23

“lick up”

H3897

to lick

הַשּׁ֔וֹר13 of 23

“us as the ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

אֵ֖ת14 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יֶ֣רֶק15 of 23

“the grass”

H3418

properly, pallor, i.e., hence, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation; concretely, verdure, i.e., grass or vegetation

הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה16 of 23

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וּבָלָ֧ק17 of 23

“And Balak”

H1111

balak, a moabitish king

בֶּן18 of 23

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צִפּ֛וֹר19 of 23

“of Zippor”

H6834

tsippor, a moabite

מֶ֥לֶךְ20 of 23

“was king”

H4428

a king

לְמוֹאָ֖ב21 of 23

“And Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

בָּעֵ֥ת22 of 23

“at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִֽוא׃23 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

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 22:4 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 22:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 25:15-18Numbers 31:8Judges 11:25Joshua 13:21-22Numbers 22:7Jeremiah 48:38

Places in This Verse

MidianRegion · Modern: Al Bad · 28.49°N, 35.01°E51 verses across 11 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Numbers 22 →

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