The Midianites and Moabites are two ancient peoples frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. Their interaction with the Israelites is particularly notable during the period of the Exodus, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. This entry focuses on the alliance between the Midianites and Moabites in their attempt to curse the Israelites through the prophet Balaam.

Historical Context

The Midianites were descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by his concubine Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). They were a nomadic people, often dwelling in the region east of the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula. The Moabites, on the other hand, were descendants of Moab, the son of Lot by his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37). They inhabited the land east of the Dead Sea.

During the time of the Exodus, the Israelites, having been delivered from Egypt, were journeying towards the Promised Land. As they encamped in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River opposite Jericho, their presence caused great fear among the neighboring nations, including the Moabites and Midianites.

The Alliance Against Israel

The Moabite king, Balak son of Zippor, was particularly alarmed by the Israelites' numbers and their recent victories over the Amorites. Recognizing the potential threat, Balak sought to form an alliance with the Midianites to counter the Israelites. This coalition aimed to weaken Israel through spiritual means, as they believed that a curse could diminish Israel's strength.

Balaam's Summoning

Balak sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor, a renowned prophet residing in Pethor, near the Euphrates River. Balaam was known for his ability to bless and curse, and Balak hoped that Balaam could invoke a curse upon Israel. Numbers 22:5-6 records Balak's message to Balaam: "A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. So please come now and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land."

Divine Intervention

Despite Balak's persistent requests and the promise of great rewards, Balaam was initially restrained by God from cursing Israel. God communicated to Balaam, saying, "You are not to go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed" (Numbers 22:12). However, after further entreaties and divine permission, Balaam set out to meet Balak, though God was displeased with his intentions.

Balaam's Oracles

Upon his arrival, Balaam was taken to various high places overlooking the Israelite camp, where he was expected to pronounce curses. Instead, under the influence of the Spirit of God, Balaam delivered a series of oracles that blessed Israel rather than cursed them. In one of his declarations, Balaam proclaimed, "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8).

Aftermath and Legacy

Despite Balaam's failure to curse Israel, the alliance between the Midianites and Moabites had lasting consequences. Balaam later advised the Moabites and Midianites to entice the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, leading to a plague among the Israelites (Numbers 25:1-9; 31:16). This incident underscores the persistent enmity between these nations and Israel.

The narrative of Balaam and the coalition of the Midianites and Moabites serves as a testament to God's sovereign protection over Israel. It highlights the futility of opposing God's chosen people and the ultimate triumph of divine blessing over human schemes.Numbers 22:5-7
He sent messengers therefore to 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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... of Edom where the spies had been sent out and ... idolatrous and impure festivals of
the Moabites (Num.25 ... 1) The sending of an expedition to destroy the Midianites. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

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