Topical Encyclopedia Balak, the son of Zippor, was the king of Moab during the time when the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. His reign is most notably chronicled in the Book of Numbers, where he plays a central role in the narrative concerning the prophet Balaam.Historical Context Balak's kingdom, Moab, was situated east of the Dead Sea, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and thus had a distant kinship with the Israelites. Despite this connection, the relationship between Moab and Israel was often fraught with tension and hostility. Biblical Account The primary biblical account of Balak is found in Numbers 22-24. As the Israelites encamped in the plains of Moab, Balak became alarmed by their sheer numbers and the reports of their victories over other nations. Fearing that his own kingdom would be overrun, Balak sought to counter this perceived threat through spiritual means. The Summoning of Balaam In an attempt to curse the Israelites, Balak sent messengers to Balaam, a renowned prophet, who resided near the Euphrates River. Balak's message was clear: "Come now, curse this people for me, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land" (Numbers 22:6). Despite Balak's promises of great reward, Balaam initially refused, stating that he could only speak what the LORD commanded. Divine Intervention God intervened directly in this narrative, instructing Balaam not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed. Despite Balak's repeated attempts and offers of greater honor and wealth, Balaam remained bound by God's directive. In a dramatic turn of events, Balaam's donkey, seeing an angel of the LORD, refused to proceed, leading to a divine encounter where Balaam's eyes were opened to the angel's presence. Balaam's Oracles Balak took Balaam to several high places, hoping that a change of location might alter the divine message. However, each time Balaam spoke, he pronounced blessings over Israel instead of curses. In one of his oracles, Balaam declared, "How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!" (Numbers 24:5). Balak's frustration grew with each blessing, culminating in his anger and dismissal of Balaam. Legacy and Later References Balak's account is a testament to the futility of opposing God's will. Despite his efforts, he could not alter the divine plan for Israel. The narrative underscores the sovereignty of God and His protection over His chosen people. Balak is later mentioned in the Book of Judges, where the Moabites, under King Eglon, oppressed Israel for eighteen years (Judges 3:12-14). Additionally, the prophet Micah references Balak in a rhetorical question, reminding Israel of God's past deliverance: "My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered" (Micah 6:5). Theological Significance Balak's account highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of human schemes against God's purposes. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to use even reluctant prophets to fulfill His will. Balak's narrative also illustrates the spiritual warfare that often accompanies the physical struggles of God's people, emphasizing the need for reliance on divine guidance and protection. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 22:4And 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. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 24:9 Judges 11:25 Micah 6:5 Greek 904. Balak -- Balak, a king of the Moabites ... Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Balak Phonetic Spelling: (bal-ak') Short Definition: Balak Definition: Balak, son of Zippor, King of Moab. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/904.htm - 6k Library Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ... Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ... The Witness of Balaam to Israel "On Conscience" From Kadesh to the Death of Moses. Balaam Thankfulness to God. Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love. The Lord's Controversy Before the Mountains Numbers Resources What is the doctrine of Balaam? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Shittim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Midian in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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