The Moabites, descendants of Moab, the son of Lot and his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37), were a people often in conflict with the Israelites. The Moabites inhabited the region east of the Dead Sea, an area known for its rugged terrain and strategic significance. Their interactions with Israel are marked by both hostility and occasional alliances, as seen in various biblical narratives.

One of the most notable episodes involving the Moabites is their alliance with the Midianites to curse the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. As the Israelites encamped in the plains of Moab, Balak, the king of Moab, became alarmed by their numbers and the victories they had achieved over neighboring nations. Fearing that his own kingdom would be overrun, Balak sought the help of the Midianites, who shared his concern about the growing power of Israel.

Together, the Moabites and Midianites devised a plan to weaken Israel not through direct military confrontation, but through spiritual means. They decided to enlist the services of Balaam, a renowned prophet and diviner from Pethor, near the Euphrates River. Balak sent messengers to Balaam with the request: "Behold, 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 curse this people for me, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed" (Numbers 22:5-6).

Balaam's initial response was to seek the counsel of the LORD, who instructed him not to go with the Moabite messengers and not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12). Despite this divine directive, Balak persisted, sending more distinguished officials and offering greater rewards. Balaam, enticed by the promise of wealth and honor, sought the LORD's permission again. This time, God allowed Balaam to go with the men, but with the stipulation that he must only speak the words God would give him (Numbers 22:20).

As Balaam journeyed to meet Balak, he encountered the Angel of the LORD, who stood in his path as an adversary. This encounter, marked by the miraculous speech of Balaam's donkey, served as a divine warning to Balaam to adhere strictly to God's instructions (Numbers 22:22-35).

Upon his arrival, Balaam was taken to various high places overlooking the Israelite camp, where he was expected to pronounce curses. However, each time Balaam attempted to curse Israel, God intervened, compelling him to bless the nation instead. Balaam's oracles, recorded in Numbers 23 and 24, affirmed the divine favor upon Israel and foretold the downfall of their enemies. In his final oracle, Balaam prophesied the rise of a star out of Jacob, a messianic prophecy that has been interpreted as a reference to the coming of Christ (Numbers 24:17).

The alliance between Moab and Midian, and their attempt to curse Israel through Balaam, ultimately failed due to God's sovereign protection over His chosen people. This narrative highlights the futility of opposing God's will and the assurance of His promises to Israel. Despite the failure of their plan, the Moabites and Midianites later succeeded in leading Israel into sin through the seduction of their women, resulting in a plague that claimed many Israelite lives (Numbers 25:1-9).

The account of the Moabites and Midianites sending for Balaam underscores the spiritual warfare faced by Israel and the divine intervention that preserved them. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, even amidst the schemes of their adversaries.Numbers 22:1-24:25
And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

And ii.
... Moses, the Edomitic king, Hadad, smote Midian in the ... was conquered by the Edomites
and Moabites in common ... The people go to one another, and send messengers to ...
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