Joshua 24:9

Joshua 24:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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,

King James Version KJV

Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:

American Standard Version ASV

Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel: and he sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Balak, the son of Zippor, king of Moab, went up to war against Israel; and he sent for Balaam, the son of Beor, to put a curse on you:

Free Bible Version FBV

When Balak, son of Zippor, the king of Moab, wanted to fight against Israel, he sent for Balaam, son of Beor, to come and curse you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also Balak the sonne of Zippor King of Moab arose and warred against Israel, and sent to call Balaam the sonne of Beor for to curse you,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, riseth and fighteth against Israel, and sendeth and calleth for Balaam son of Beor, to revile you,

World English Bible WEB

Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. He sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Balac son of Sephor king of Moab arose and fought against Israel. And he sent and called for Balaam son of Beor, to curse you:

Translation for Translators T4T

Then, Zippor’s son Balak, the King of Moab, ◄decided that his army would fight against/opposed► the Israelis. He summoned Beor’s son Balaam and asked him to curse you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 24:9

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 24:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּ֨קָם בָּלָ֤ק בֶּן צִפּוֹר֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ מוֹאָ֔ב וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֗ח וַ/יִּקְרָ֛א לְ/בִלְעָ֥ם בֶּן בְּע֖וֹר לְ/קַלֵּ֥ל אֶתְ/כֶֽם

וַ/יָּ֨קָם qûwm H6965 -kamai Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בָּלָ֤ק Bâlâq H1111 Balak N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

צִפּוֹר֙ Tsippôwr H6834 Zippor N-proper

מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

מוֹאָ֔ב Môwʼâb H4124 Moab N-proper

וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם lâcham H3898 to fight Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֗ח shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וַ/יִּקְרָ֛א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לְ/בִלְעָ֥ם Bilʻâm H1109 Balaam Prep | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

בְּע֖וֹר Bᵉʻôwr H1160 Beor N-proper

לְ/קַלֵּ֥ל qâlal H7043 to lighten Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

אֶתְ/כֶֽם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 24:9

וַ/יָּ֨קָם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

בָּלָ֤ק Bâlâq H1111 "Balak" N-proper

Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.

Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

צִפּוֹר֙ Tsippôwr H6834 "Zippor" N-proper

Zippor was a Moabite man, father of Balak, the king of Moab during the exodus, and his name means sparrow, as seen in Numbers 22:2.

Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; father of: Balak (H1111) § Zippor = "sparrow" father of Balak the king of Moab at the time of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Zippor. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 22:16; Judges 11:25.

מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

מוֹאָ֔ב Môwʼâb H4124 "Moab" N-proper

Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.

Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot

Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.

וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם lâcham H3898 "to fight" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.

Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֗ח shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

וַ/יִּקְרָ֛א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

לְ/בִלְעָ֥ם Bilʻâm H1109 "Balaam" Prep | N-proper

Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.

Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

בְּע֖וֹר Bᵉʻôwr H1160 "Beor" N-proper

Beor was a man in the Bible, the father of Balaam, a famous prophet, and also the father of Bela, an Edomite king. His name means 'burning' and he is mentioned in the book of Numbers. The KJV translates it as 'Beor'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; father of: Balaam (H1109A) Also named: Bosor, Beōr (Βοσόρ, Βεώρ "Beor" G1007) § Beor = "burning" 1) father of Balaam 2) father of Bela, king of Edom

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Beor. See also: Genesis 36:32; Deuteronomy 23:5; Micah 6:5.

לְ/קַלֵּ֥ל qâlal H7043 "to lighten" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro

Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.

אֶתְ/כֶֽם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

Study Notes — Joshua 24:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Joshua 24:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 24:9
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 24:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:9
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:9
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 24:9
Sermons on Joshua 24:9

Context — Joshua Reviews Israel’s History

7So your fathers cried out to the LORD, and He put darkness between you and the Egyptians, over whom He brought the sea and engulfed them. Your very eyes saw what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the wilderness for a long time. 8Later, I brought you to the land of the Amorites who lived beyond the Jordan. They fought against you, but I delivered them into your hand, that you should possess their land when I destroyed them before you.

9Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you,

10but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand. 11After this, you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The people of Jericho fought against you, as did the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I delivered them into your hand.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	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?
2	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.’”
3	Numbers 22:2	Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,
4	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.
5	Numbers 22:5–21	he 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. So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may 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.” The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak. “Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?” And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: ‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’” But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.” And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.” Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers. They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me, for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’” But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.” That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

Joshua 24:9 Summary

This verse tells us about a king named Balak who wanted to hurt the Israelites, so he hired a prophet named Balaam to curse them. But God had other plans, and He used Balaam to bless the Israelites instead, as seen in Joshua 24:10. This shows us that God is always in control and is working for the good of those who love Him, as seen in Romans 8:28. Just like the Israelites, we can trust in God's power and promises to protect and deliver us from our enemies, and we can have confidence in His goodness and love for us, as seen in Psalm 23:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Balak, the king of Moab, want to curse the Israelites?

Balak wanted to curse the Israelites because he was afraid of their power and the fact that they had been delivered by God from the Egyptians, as seen in Joshua 24:7, and he wanted to use Balaam's supposed magical powers to counter God's blessing on them, similar to the way the Egyptians tried to counter God's power in Exodus 7:11-12.

Who was Balaam and what was his role in this story?

Balaam was a prophet who was known for his ability to curse or bless people, and Balak hired him to curse the Israelites, but God intervened and caused Balaam to bless them instead, as seen in Joshua 24:10 and Numbers 22-24.

What does this verse reveal about God's relationship with the Israelites?

This verse shows that God was actively involved in the Israelites' lives, protecting them from their enemies and fulfilling His promises to them, as seen in Joshua 24:8 and Deuteronomy 7:6.

How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of Joshua 24?

This verse is part of a larger speech by Joshua, where he is reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness to them throughout their history, and encouraging them to remain faithful to God, as seen in Joshua 24:1-28 and Psalm 78:1-72.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I have seen God's protection and deliverance in my own life, similar to the Israelites' experiences?
How can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's power and promises when faced with challenges and enemies?
What are some ways that I can, like Joshua, remind myself and others of God's faithfulness and encourage faithfulness to Him?
How can I avoid being like Balak, who tried to use his own power and resources to counter God's blessing, and instead trust in God's sovereignty and goodness?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 24:9

Then Balak the son of Zippor, the king of Moab, arose,.... Being alarmed with what Israel had done to the two kings of the Amorites, and by their near approach to the borders of his kingdom: and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 24:9

I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 24:9

Balak warred against Israel. Quest. How is this true, when Balak did never fight against Israel, ? Answ. One prince may commence a war against another, though he never come to a battle, nor strike one stroke; so Balak warred, though not by open force, yet by crafty counsel and warlike stratagems, by magical arts, by wicked devices, by making bate betwixt them and God their confederate; or by warlike preparations, in case Balaam’ s charms had succeeded, as may be gathered from ; or at least by design or intention; things being oft said to be done both in Scripture and other authors which were only designed or intended, as here. ,33. And the old lawyers note, That he is rightly called a thief or an adulterer, & c., who wanted nothing but occasion to be so.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 24:9

Joshua 24:9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you: Ver. 9. Then Balak … arose and warred against Israel.] He did not actually war against them. Sed fieri dicitur quod tentatur aut intenditur, saith Ribera upon Amos 9:5. He did not, because he durst not. Howbeit, because he intended, if he could have compassed it, to fight with Israel, and prepared for that purpose, it is spoken of as a done thing. So Haman is said to have "laid his hands upon the Jews," because he attempted it; and the Jews to have stoned Christ, because they could have found in their hearts to have done it. “ Qui, quid non potuit, non facit, ille facit.”

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 24:9

(9) Warred against Israel.—The sending for Balaam was a distinct act of hostility. Whether Balak himself ever led an army against Israel we are not informed. In the war with the Midianites, Balaam was slain; and there may have been Moabites allied and acting with the Midianites in the war in Numbers 31.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 24:9

Verse 9. Then Balak - arose and warred against Israel] This circumstance is not related in Numbers 22:1-41, nor does it appear in that history that the Moabites attacked the Israelites; and probably the warring here mentioned means no more than his attempts to destroy them by the curses of Balaam, and the wiles of the Midianitish women.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 24:9

9. Then Balak the son of Zippor] He is also mentioned in Judges 11:25; Micah 6:5; Revelation 2:14. The Israelites were at this time encamped in the plains of Shittim, “the meadow of the Acacias.” and warred against Israel] In conjunction with the Midianites (Numbers 22:1 ss). sent and called Balaam] (Numbers 22:5) from Pethor, far away from the encampment of the Israelites, beyond the Euphrates, among the mountains of the east, whence his fame had spread, across the Assyrian desert, to the shores of the Dead Sea. “As warrior chief (by that combination of soldier and prophet already seen in Moses himself) he ranked with the five kings of Midian” (Numbers 31:8). to curse you] For he was regarded throughout the whole East as a Prophet, whose blessing or whose curse was irresistible. Balak, who lacked the courage to meet the Israelites in arms, thought to lay upon them the powerful ban of the mighty seer. “Even at the present day the pagan Orientals, in their wars, have always their magicians with them to curse their enemies, and to mutter incantations for their ruin. In our own war with the Burmese, the generals of the natives had several magicians with them, who were much engaged in cursing our troops.” Kitto’s Bible Illustr. ii. 214.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 24:9

9. Balak, king of the Moabites, wished to injure and destroy Israel, but there is no account of an actual attack by him. Numbers 23, 24; Judges 11:25.

Sermons on Joshua 24:9

	Sermon	Description
	Moab Exposed by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the arrival of the tilters and the impending arrival of Moab. He warns Tobiah to leave because his time is up and advises those who are not h
	A Sneak Attack (Part 3) by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing for Jesus and not giving in to temptation, even when others may mock or ridicule. The speaker encourages the audie
	2 Peter 2:15 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the dangers of forsaking the right way of the Lord, which is the path of truth and salvation through Christ. He warns against following the example of Balaam,

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