Now Balak son of ZipporBalak was the king of Moab during the time of Israel's wilderness wanderings. His name means "devastator" or "waster," which may reflect his role or reputation. The mention of his father, Zippor, provides a genealogical context, which was important in ancient cultures for establishing legitimacy and authority. Moab was a nation descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew, which adds a layer of complexity to their relationship with Israel. The Moabites were often in conflict with Israel, as seen in other biblical accounts.
saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites
The Amorites were a powerful group of people living in Canaan and surrounding regions. Israel's victory over the Amorites, led by King Sihon and King Og, was significant because these kings were formidable opponents. This victory demonstrated God's power and favor towards Israel, instilling fear in surrounding nations. The Amorites' defeat is recounted inNumbers 21, where Israel, under God's guidance, conquered their lands. This event foreshadows the eventual conquest of Canaan and serves as a testament to God's promises to Israel. Balak's observation of these events likely caused him great concern, prompting his subsequent actions to seek Balaam's help to curse Israel.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
BalakThe son of Zippor, Balak is the king of Moab. He becomes fearful of the Israelites after witnessing their victories over the Amorites.
2.
IsraelThe nation chosen by God, led by Moses, who had recently defeated the Amorites, demonstrating God's power and favor upon them.
3.
AmoritesA group of people who were defeated by the Israelites. Their defeat serves as a catalyst for Balak's fear and subsequent actions.
4.
MoabThe land over which Balak ruled. It is located east of the Jordan River and north of the Dead Sea.
5.
ZipporThe father of Balak, mentioned to establish Balak's lineage and authority.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and ProtectionThe fear of Balak highlights God's power and protection over His people. Just as God protected Israel, He is sovereign over our lives and circumstances today.
Fear vs. FaithBalak's fear led him to seek out Balaam to curse Israel. In contrast, believers are called to respond to challenges with faith, trusting in God's promises and power.
The Impact of God's WorkThe victories of Israel over the Amorites were a testimony to God's work among them. Our lives should similarly reflect God's work, serving as a testimony to others.
The Consequences of Fearful LeadershipBalak's fear-driven leadership led to poor decisions. Leaders today should seek wisdom and guidance from God rather than acting out of fear.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 22:2?
2.How does Numbers 22:2 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and leaders?
3.What can we learn from Balak's fear about trusting God in difficult times?
4.How does Balak's reaction compare to other biblical leaders facing Israel's approach?
5.How should Christians respond when feeling threatened, as Balak did in Numbers 22:2?
6.What does Balak's fear teach about the power of God's people today?
7.Why did Balak fear the Israelites in Numbers 22:2?
8.How does Numbers 22:2 reflect God's protection over Israel?
9.What historical evidence supports the events in Numbers 22:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22?
11.What is the Doctrine of Balaam?
12.Who was Balak in the Bible?
13.2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22–24?
14.How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility?What Does Numbers 22:2 Mean
NowThe little word sets the scene. It ties directly to the fresh victories recorded inNumbers 21:21-35, where the LORD empowered Israel to defeat Sihon and Og.Deuteronomy 2:31-33 retells the same moment, confirming the chronology. “Now” reminds us we are watching God’s promise to Abraham unfold in real time (Genesis 15:18-21).
Balak son of ZipporScripture zooms in on a specific ruler—the newly crowned king of Moab (Numbers 22:4). His full name anchors him in history and accountability, just asJoshua 24:9,Judges 11:25, andMicah 6:5 later recall.Proverbs 21:1 hints that even this king’s heart is in the LORD’s hand.
sawBalak is not guessing; he is a witness. Like Rahab who “heard” and believed (Joshua 2:9-11), Balak “saw” but will choose fear.Psalm 2:2-4 shows the futility of rulers who observe God’s works yet rebel. His eyesight lacks insight.
all that Israel had doneThe report is comprehensive—every triumph, from Sihon (Numbers 21:24) to Og (Numbers 21:35).Exodus 15:14-16 foretold surrounding nations would tremble at such news.Deuteronomy 29:2-3 later reminds Israel of these same deeds as proof of covenant faithfulness.
to the AmoritesThis phrase spotlights a fulfilled prophecy. InGenesis 15:16-21 God promised judgment when “the iniquity of the Amorites” was full.Deuteronomy 3:8-11 highlights how formidable those Amorite kings were, underscoring the miracle.Leviticus 18:24-25 had warned that such nations would be driven out for their sin—exactly what Balak now fears for Moab.
summaryNumbers 22:2 strings together five simple pieces—timing, a Moabite king, his fearful observation, Israel’s undeniable victories, and the specific people judged. Together they explain Balak’s panic and his rush to seek Balaam’s help. The verse quietly proclaims that God’s promises are literal, His judgments are just, and His people are unstoppable when they walk in His covenant.
Verse 2. -
Balak the son of Zippor. The name Balak is connected with a word "to make waste," and "Zippor" is a small bird. Balak was, as is presently explained, the king of Moab at this time, but not the king from whom Sihon had wrested so much of his territory (
Numbers 21:26). He seems to be mentioned by name on a papyrus in the British Museum (see Brugseh, 'Geogr. Inschr.,' 2, page 32). The later Jews made him out to have been a Midianite, but this is nothing but the merest conjecture.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Now Balakבָּלָ֖ק(bā·lāq)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1111:Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite kingsonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Zipporצִפּ֑וֹר(ṣip·pō·wr)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6834:Zippor -- 'bird', father of Balaksawוַיַּ֥רְא(way·yar)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200:To seeallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythatאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatIsraelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his deschad doneעָשָׂ֥ה(‘ā·śāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, maketo the Amorites,לָֽאֱמֹרִֽי׃(lā·’ĕ·mō·rî)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 567:Amorites -- perhaps 'mountain dwellers', a Canaanite tribe
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 22:2 Balak the son of Zippor saw all (Nu Num.) 
