Numbers 22:4
Numbers 22:4 in Multiple Translations
So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time,
And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
Then Moab said to the responsible men of Midian, It is clear that this great people will be the destruction of everything round us, making a meal of us as the ox does of the grass of the field. At that time Balak, the son of Zippor, was king of Moab.
and told the leaders of Midian, “This horde will eat up everything we have, just like an ox eats up grass in the field!” (Balak son of Zippor, was king of Moab at that time.)
Therfore Moab said vnto the Elders of Midian, Nowe shall this multitude licke vp all that are round about vs, as an oxe licketh vp ye grasse of the fielde: and Balak the sonne of Zippor was King of the Moabites at that time.
and Moab saith unto the elders of Midian, 'Now doth the assembly lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the green thing of the field.' And Balak son of Zippor [is] king of Moab at that time,
Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are around us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
He said to the elders of Madian: So will this people destroy all that dwell in our borders, as the ox is wont to eat the grass to the very roots. Now he was at that time king in Moab.
So the king of Moab went to the leaders of the Midian people-group and said to them, “This huge group of Israelis will ◄wipe out/destroy► everything around them, like an ox devours grass!” Balak was the king of Moab.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:4
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.
Numbers 22:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
מוֹאָ֜ב
אֶל
זִקְנֵ֣י
מִדְיָ֗ן
עַתָּ֞ה
יְלַחֲכ֤וּ
הַ/קָּהָל֙
אֶת
כָּל
סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔י/נוּ
כִּ/לְחֹ֣ךְ
הַ/שּׁ֔וֹר
אֵ֖ת
יֶ֣רֶק
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
וּ/בָלָ֧ק
בֶּן
צִפּ֛וֹר
מֶ֥לֶךְ
לְ/מוֹאָ֖ב
בָּ/עֵ֥ת
הַ/הִֽוא
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מוֹאָ֜ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
זִקְנֵ֣י
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
מִדְיָ֗ן
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
עַתָּ֞ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
יְלַחֲכ֤וּ
lâchak
H3897
to lick
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
הַ/קָּהָל֙
qâhâl
H6951
assembly
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔י/נוּ
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp | Suff
כִּ/לְחֹ֣ךְ
lâchak
H3897
to lick
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/שּׁ֔וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
Art | N-ms
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יֶ֣רֶק
yereq
H3418
green
N-ms
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
וּ/בָלָ֧ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
Conj | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
צִפּ֛וֹר
Tsippôwr
H6834
Zippor
N-proper
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
לְ/מוֹאָ֖ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
Prep | N-proper
בָּ/עֵ֥ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs
הַ/הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:4
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מוֹאָ֜ב
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
זִקְנֵ֣י
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
מִדְיָ֗ן
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
עַתָּ֞ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
יְלַחֲכ֤וּ
lâchak
H3897
"to lick"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to lick, often referring to animals licking up food or water. It's used in various biblical stories to describe the actions of animals.
Definition: 1) to lick, lick up 1a) (Qal) to lick up 1b) (Piel) to lick up
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: lick (up). See also: Numbers 22:4; Psalms 72:9; Isaiah 49:23.
הַ/קָּהָל֙
qâhâl
H6951
"assembly"
Art | N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔י/נוּ
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
כִּ/לְחֹ֣ךְ
lâchak
H3897
"to lick"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to lick, often referring to animals licking up food or water. It's used in various biblical stories to describe the actions of animals.
Definition: 1) to lick, lick up 1a) (Qal) to lick up 1b) (Piel) to lick up
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: lick (up). See also: Numbers 22:4; Psalms 72:9; Isaiah 49:23.
הַ/שּׁ֔וֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
יֶ֣רֶק
yereq
H3418
"green"
N-ms
This Hebrew word describes the green color of plants and vegetation, like grass and young crops. It symbolizes new life and growth, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: green, greenness, green plants, greenery
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: grass, green (thing). See also: Genesis 1:30; Numbers 22:4; Psalms 37:2.
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וּ/בָלָ֧ק
Bâlâq
H1111
"Balak"
Conj | 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.
צִפּ֛וֹר
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.
מֶ֥לֶךְ
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.
לְ/מוֹאָ֖ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
Prep | 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.
בָּ/עֵ֥ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
הַ/הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:4
- Sermons on Numbers 22:4
Context — Balak Summons Balaam
2Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,
3and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.
4So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time,
5he sent messengers to summon 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. 6So 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 25:15–18 | And the name of the slain Midianite woman was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur, a tribal chief of a Midianite family. And the LORD said to Moses, “Attack the Midianites and strike them dead. For they assailed you deceitfully when they seduced you in the matter of Peor and their sister Cozbi, the daughter of the Midianite leader, the woman who was killed on the day the plague came because of Peor.” |
| 2 | Numbers 31:8 | Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. |
| 3 | Numbers 24:17 | I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 48:38 | On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD. |
| 5 | 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? |
| 6 | Joshua 13:21–22 | all the cities of the plateau and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon until Moses killed him and the chiefs of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), the princes of Sihon who lived in the land. The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword. |
| 7 | Numbers 22:7 | 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. |
| 8 | Numbers 22:2 | Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, |
Numbers 22:4 Summary
The Moabites were very afraid of the Israelites because they had seen how powerful they were in battle, as mentioned in Numbers 21:24-35. They thought the Israelites would destroy everything around them, like an ox eating all the grass in a field. This fear led them to try to find a way to stop the Israelites, which is why they went to Balaam for help, as seen in Numbers 22:5-6. Just like the Israelites were protected by God, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:30, we can trust that God is always with us and will take care of us, even when things seem scary or uncertain, as promised in Joshua 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Moabites and Midianites so afraid of the Israelites?
The Moabites and Midianites were terrified of the Israelites because of their large numbers and their recent victories over the Amorites, as seen in Numbers 22:3 and Numbers 21:24-35. This fear led them to seek a way to defeat the Israelites.
What does the comparison to an ox licking up the grass of the field mean?
The comparison of the Israelites to an ox licking up the grass of the field, as in Numbers 22:4, is a metaphor that highlights the thorough and complete way the Israelites were conquering and occupying the land, much like an ox would thoroughly graze a field. This emphasizes the Israelites' dominance and the Moabites' perception of them as a formidable force.
Who was Balak son of Zippor and what was his role in this story?
Balak son of Zippor was the king of Moab at the time, as mentioned in Numbers 22:4. He played a significant role in the story as he sought to hire Balaam to curse the Israelites, hoping to weaken them and drive them out of the land, as seen in Numbers 22:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's protection of the Israelites?
This verse relates to the broader theme of God's protection of the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:30 and Exodus 14:13-14, by showing how God's care for His people prompts fear and respect in the hearts of their enemies, setting the stage for the miraculous events that follow in the story of Balaam and the Israelites.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I perceive God's people as a threat or a blessing, and how does this impact my actions and attitudes towards them?
- How do the fears and perceptions of the Moabites and Midianites in this verse reflect my own fears and perceptions of those who are different from me or seem powerful?
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, as seen in the story of the Israelites, to my own life and challenges?
- In what ways can I be an instrument of God's blessing to those around me, rather than seeking to curse or harm them, as Balak sought to do to the Israelites?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:4
And Moab said unto the elders of Midian,.... Whom the king of Moab sent for to consult with what to do in the present case, for the good and safety of both people; for, according to the Targum of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:4
And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:4
The elders of Midian, called the kings of Midian, , and princes of Midian, ; who though divided into their kingdoms, yet were now unified upon the approach of the Israelites their common enemy; and being, as it seems, a potent and crafty people, and neighbours to the Moabites, these seek confederacy with them. We read of Midianites near Mount Sinai, Exodus 2 Exodus 3, which seem to have been a part or colony of this people that went out to seek new quarters, as the manner of those times was, but the body of that people were seated in those parts, as is evident from many scriptures. Lick up, i.e. consume and utterly destroy, in which sense the fire is said to lick up the water and sacrifices, . The meaning is, we can expect no mercy from them, they will utterly root us out as they did the Amorites, if we do not make a stout and timely opposition. All that are round about us, i.e. all our people, who lived in the country and territory adjoining to each city, where the princes resided.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:4
Numbers 22:4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all [that are] round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor [was] king of the Moabites at that time.Ver. 4. Unto the elders of Midian.] Their neighbours and confederates. These are called the dukes of Sihon, as having been subdued by his tyranny, whereof Israel had now freed them, and meant them no hurt. And Balak the son of Zippor.] A politic and potent prince, not more valiant than vigilant, ingeniose nequam, wittily wicked.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:4
(4) And Moab said unto the elders of Midian.—It has been thought that Balak was a Midianite. who had been imposed upon the Moabites as their king by their Amoritish conquerors. (Comp. Numbers 21:26.) The concluding words of the verse may be understood as denoting a recent change in the dynasty. As the ox licketh up the grass of the field.—The comparison is one which well accords with the occupation of the Moabites as a pastoral people.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:4
4. And Moab said] The people are represented in the person of their king. the elders of Midian] They are mentioned, in this story, only here and in Numbers 22:7. The Midianites may be supposed to have made common cause with the Moabites in fear of the formidable enemy. But if so, it is surprising that they are not named in Balaam’s utterances in ch. 24. Behind the present narrative there may lie some unknown tradition in J which formed the basis of P’s narrative in 31:161 [Note: Notice that Midian is geographically connected with the territory of Moab in Genesis 36:35 (J).] . Or perhaps, as some think, a late compiler has here introduced the Midianites in view of Num 31:16. And Balak … at that time] In Numbers 22:2 E has already mentioned Balak as a well-known person.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:4
4. Elders of Midian — Greek, “The senate of Madiam.” From the absence of any mention of a king of Midian at this time we infer that the people were governed by the body of elders or princes, and that
Sermons on Numbers 22:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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God at War With Flesh by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the battle between Joshua and Amalek. The preacher emphasizes that the outcome of the battle was not dependent on Joshua's abilities, but ra |
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The Doom of the Double-Hearted. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar warns against the fate of the double-hearted, exemplified by Balaam, who sought to serve both God and mammon, ultimately leading to his downfall. Balaam's life was m |
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(Genesis) Genesis 49:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17, which refers to a star. The preacher connects this prophecy to the coming of Christ, who is describ |
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God Gives Us a Heads Up by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of God giving us a heads up about His plans, focusing on the need for practical application of spiritual principles in our daily lives. It hig |
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A Faithful Ministry by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on his five years of ministry, emphasizing that faithful ministers preach Christ Jesus the Lord rather than themselves. He stresses the importance o |
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Shewing the Several Circumstances Which Attend the Messiah's Birth. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the various prophecies surrounding the birth of the Messiah, emphasizing how these prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus. He discusses the significance of the st |
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The Day of Jehovah by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the consistent prophecy throughout the Bible regarding the future day of Jehovah, a day of wrath, judgment, and the manifestation of God's glo |