Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, New Living Translation The king of Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This mob will devour everything in sight, like an ox devours grass in the field!” So Balak, king of Moab, English Standard Version And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” So Balak the son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, Berean Standard Bible So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, King James Bible 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. New King James Version So Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. New American Standard Bible Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will eat up all that is around us, as the ox eats up the grass of the field!” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. NASB 1995 Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. NASB 1977 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. Legacy Standard Bible Then Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this assembly will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. Amplified Bible Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, just as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was the king of Moab at that time. Christian Standard Bible So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us like an ox eats up the green plants in the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was Moab’s king at that time, Holman Christian Standard Bible So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us like an ox eats up the green plants in the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was Moab’s king at that time, American Standard Version And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. Contemporary English Version They said to the Midianite leaders, "That huge mob of Israelites will wipe out everything in sight, like a bull eating grass in a field." So King Balak English Revised Version And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. GOD'S WORD® Translation So the Moabites said to the leaders of Midian, "All those people will eventually eat up everything around us the same way an ox eats up the grass in a field." At that time Balak, son of Zippor, was king of Moab. Good News Translation The Moabites said to the leaders of the Midianites, "This horde will soon destroy everything around us, like a bull eating the grass in a pasture." So King Balak International Standard Version the Moabites told the elders of Midian, "This horde of people is about to lick up everything around us, like an ox licks up the green ground." At that time, Zippor's son Balak was the king of Moab. NET Bible So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, "Now this mass of people will lick up everything around us, as the bull devours the grass of the field. Now Balak son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at this time. New Heart English Bible Moab said to the elders of Midian, "Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field." Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. Webster's Bible Translation And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are around 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, World English Bible Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Moab says to [the] elderly of Midian, “Now the assembly licks up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the green thing of the field.” And Balak son of Zippor [is] king of Moab at that time, Young's Literal Translation and Moab saith unto the elders of Midian, 'Now doth the assembly lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the green thing of the field.' And Balak son of Zippor is king of Moab at that time, Smith's Literal Translation And Moab will say to the old men of Midian, Now this gathering will lick up all round about us, as the ox licking up the green of the field. And Balak, son of Zippor, the king of Moab in that time. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe said to the elders of Madian: So will this people destroy all that dwell in our borders, as the ox is wont to eat the grass to the very roots. Now he was at that time king in Moab. Catholic Public Domain Version said to those greater by birth of Midian: “So will this people wipe away all those who are dwelling within our borders, in the same way that the ox is accustomed to tear out grass, all the way to the roots.” At that time, he was king of Moab. New American Bible So Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will devour everything around us as an ox devours the grass of the field.” At that time Balak, son of Zippor, was king of Moab; New Revised Standard Version And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Now Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now this multitude is licking up all that are around about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Moab said to the Elders of Midian: “Therefore this multitude are chewing up all who are around us as a bull chews up the grass of the field”; and Balaq was the son of Tsephor, the King of the Moabites at that time. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Moab said unto the elders of Midian: 'Now will this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field.'--And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation And Moab said to the elders of Madiam, Now shall this assembly lick up all that are round about us, as a calf would lick up the green herbs of the field: - and Balac son of Sepphor was king of Moab at that time. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Balak Summons Balaam…3and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites. 4So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, 5he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.… Cross References Joshua 24:9-10 Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand. Deuteronomy 23:4-5 For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you. Judges 11:25 Are you now so much better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or fight against them? Micah 6:5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” Nehemiah 13:2 because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). Psalm 83:4-8 saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” / For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— / the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, ... Exodus 15:15 Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, Joshua 2:9-11 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. Joshua 9:1-2 Now when news of this reached all the kings west of the Jordan—those in the hill country, the foothills, and all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon (the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites)— / they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel. 1 Samuel 4:7-8 the Philistines were afraid. “The gods have entered their camp!” they said. “Woe to us, for nothing like this has happened before. / Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness. Isaiah 7:2 When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. Isaiah 14:29-31 Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg. / Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain. / Wail, O gate! Cry out, O city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For a cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there are no stragglers in its ranks. Jeremiah 48:27 Was not Israel your object of ridicule? Was he ever found among thieves? For whenever you speak of him you shake your head. Ezekiel 25:8-11 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” / therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land. / I will give it along with the Ammonites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Ammonites will no longer be remembered among the nations. ... Amos 1:13 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory. Treasury of Scripture And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. elders Numbers 22:7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. Numbers 25:15-18 And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian… Numbers 31:8 And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword. now shall Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. Jeremiah 48:38 There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD. and Balak Numbers 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. Judges 11:25 And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them, Jump to Previous Assembly Balak Clear Company Destruction Elders Herb Horde Lick Making Midian Mid'ian Moabites Multitude Ox Responsible Round Time ZipporJump to Next Assembly Balak Clear Company Destruction Elders Herb Horde Lick Making Midian Mid'ian Moabites Multitude Ox Responsible Round Time ZipporNumbers 22 1. Balak's first message for Balaam is refused15. His second message obtains him 22. An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey 36. Balak entertains him So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian The Moabites and Midianites were neighboring tribes with a history of both conflict and cooperation. The Moabites, descendants of Lot, and the Midianites, descendants of Abraham through Keturah, shared a common ancestry but often found themselves in opposition to Israel. This alliance reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice where tribes would unite against a perceived common threat. The elders of Midian were likely influential leaders, suggesting a formal diplomatic engagement between the two groups. “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time Persons / Places / Events 1. MoabitesA nation descended from Moab, the son of Lot. They were often in conflict with Israel and were concerned about the Israelites' presence. 2. Elders of Midian Leaders of the Midianites, a nomadic people who had interactions with Israel, sometimes as allies and other times as adversaries. 3. Balak son of Zippor The king of Moab during this time, who was alarmed by the Israelites' encampment near his territory. 4. Israelites The people of God, who were journeying to the Promised Land and had recently defeated the Amorites, causing fear among neighboring nations. 5. The Horde Refers to the Israelites, who were numerous and seen as a threat by the Moabites and Midianites. Teaching Points Fear of God's PeopleThe Moabites' fear of Israel reflects how God's presence with His people can cause fear among those who oppose Him. Believers today should be aware of the spiritual impact they have on the world around them. Perception vs. Reality The Moabites perceived Israel as a threat, yet they misunderstood God's purpose for His people. Christians should strive to understand God's intentions and not be swayed by fear or misconceptions. Seeking Counsel Balak sought advice from the Midianite elders, showing the importance of seeking counsel. However, believers should seek godly counsel that aligns with Scripture. God's Sovereignty Despite the Moabites' fear and plans, God's sovereign will for Israel prevailed. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst external threats. Intercession and Influence The Moabites' response to Israel's presence highlights the importance of intercession. Believers are called to pray for those who fear or oppose them, seeking God's intervention and influence. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 22:4?2. How can we trust God when facing threats like Moab feared Israel's presence? 3. What does Numbers 22:4 teach about relying on God's protection over fear? 4. How does Moab's fear compare to Israel's trust in God in Exodus 14? 5. How can we avoid acting out of fear like Moab did in Numbers 22:4? 6. What strategies can Christians use to seek God's guidance in challenging situations? 7. Why did Balak fear the Israelites in Numbers 22:4? 8. How does Numbers 22:4 reflect God's protection over Israel? 9. What historical evidence supports the events in Numbers 22:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22? 11. Who was Balak in the Bible? 12. Numbers 31:15-16: Why is Balaam's influence singled out as the sole reason for divine judgment on Midian, given previous chapters mention other deeds? 13. 2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22-24? 14. Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23-25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet? What Does Numbers 22:4 Mean The Immediate Context• In the chapters just before this verse, Israel has moved north along the eastern side of the Jordan, defeating Sihon of the Amorites and Og of Bashan (Numbers 21:21-35; cf. Deuteronomy 2:31-3:3). • God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land (Genesis 15:18-21) is being fulfilled step by step, and every surrounding nation can see it. • Moab, camped along the plains facing Jericho, now watches a victorious Israel encamped on its very borders (Numbers 22:1). The Moabite Alarm “So the Moabites said…” • Moab’s panic is understandable: “Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous” (Numbers 22:3). • Earlier, Egypt’s fear of Israel led to oppression (Exodus 1:9-10). Here, Moab’s fear leads to a different strategy—spiritual opposition rather than open war. • Scripture consistently shows that when God’s people advance, the world feels threatened (cf. John 15:18-19). Turning to Midian for Help “…to the elders of Midian…” • Midianites were distant relatives of Israel through Abraham’s son Midian (Genesis 25:1-2). Family ties do not override political fears. • Midian had earlier provided refuge for Moses (Exodus 2:15), but now joins Moab against Israel, illustrating how alliances shift when God’s purposes move forward (Psalm 2:1-3). • By consulting Midian’s elders, Moab broadens its coalition, anticipating the joint action later led by Balak and the pagan prophet Balaam (Numbers 22:7). The Graphic Metaphor of Total Loss “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” • The picture is agricultural and immediate: an ox leaves nothing standing where it grazes. • Similar language appears when God describes locusts devouring Egypt (Exodus 10:15) or the Assyrians overrunning Judah (Isaiah 8:7-8). • Moab’s leaders interpret Israel’s victories as unstoppable, yet they overlook the covenant promise that Israel was to leave Edom, Moab, and Ammon untouched in terms of territory (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19). Fear clouds their discernment. Balak’s Ascendancy “Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time” • Balak’s name means “devastator,” and he embodies Moab’s anxiety. • As king, Balak will spearhead the plan to curse Israel (Numbers 22:5-6), demonstrating how civil authority can be used either to bless or to oppose God’s work (Romans 13:1-4; Acts 4:26-28). • Yet God remains sovereign; even through Balaam’s attempt to curse, the LORD will turn every intended curse into blessing (Numbers 23:11-12; 24:9-10). Spiritual Undercurrents • The real conflict is spiritual, not merely political (Ephesians 6:12). • Israel stands as the people of promise (Numbers 23:21-23); Moab and Midian represent the world’s resistance to God’s redemptive plan. • God’s faithfulness guarantees that no weapon—military or magical—will succeed against His covenant people (Isaiah 54:17). Summary Numbers 22:4 captures Moab’s fearful reaction to Israel’s divinely enabled advance. Convinced they will be wiped out like grass before an ox, the Moabites seek Midian’s support under King Balak. Their alarm sets the stage for Balaam’s attempted curses, yet God will turn every scheme into blessing, underscoring His unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. (4) And Moab said unto the elders of Midian.--It has been thought that Balak was a Midianite. who had been imposed upon the Moabites as their king by their Amoritish conquerors. (Comp. Numbers 21:26.) The concluding words of the verse may be understood as denoting a recent change in the dynasty.As the ox licketh up the grass of the field.--The comparison is one which well accords with the occupation of the Moabites as a pastoral people. Verse 4. - Moab said unto the elders of Midian. The Midianites were descended from Abraham and Keturah (Genesis 25:2, 4), and were thus more nearly of kin to Israel than to Moab. They lived a semi-nomadic life on the steppes to the east of Moab and Ammon (cf. Genesis 36:35), supporting themselves partly by grazing, and partly by the caravan trade (Genesis 37:28). Their institutions were no doubt patriarchal, like those of the modern Bedawin, and the "elders" were the sheiks of their tribes. As the ox licketh up the grass of the field. The strong, scythe-like sweep of the ox's tongue was a simile admirable in itself, and most suitable to pastoral Moab and Midian.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the Moabitesמוֹאָ֜ב (mō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the elders זִקְנֵ֣י (ziq·nê) Adjective - masculine plural construct Strong's 2205: Old of Midian, מִדְיָ֗ן (miḏ·yān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4080: Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled “This horde הַקָּהָל֙ (haq·qā·hāl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6951: Assembly, convocation, congregation will devour יְלַחֲכ֤וּ (yə·la·ḥă·ḵū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3897: To lick everything כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every around us, סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔ינוּ (sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯê·nū) Adverb | first person common plural Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around as an ox הַשּׁ֔וֹר (haš·šō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) licks up כִּלְחֹ֣ךְ (kil·ḥōḵ) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3897: To lick the grass יֶ֣רֶק (ye·req) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3418: Pallor, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation, verdure, grass, vegetation of the field.” הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה (haś·śā·ḏeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land Since Balak וּבָלָ֧ק (ū·ḇā·lāq) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1111: Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Zippor צִפּ֛וֹר (ṣip·pō·wr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6834: Zippor -- 'bird', father of Balak was king מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king of Moab לְמוֹאָ֖ב (lə·mō·w·’āḇ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled at that הַהִֽוא׃ (ha·hi·w) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are time, בָּעֵ֥ת (bā·‘êṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6256: Time, now, when Links Numbers 22:4 NIVNumbers 22:4 NLT Numbers 22:4 ESV Numbers 22:4 NASB Numbers 22:4 KJV Numbers 22:4 BibleApps.com Numbers 22:4 Biblia Paralela Numbers 22:4 Chinese Bible Numbers 22:4 French Bible Numbers 22:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 22:4 Moab said to the elders of Midian (Nu Num.) |
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