CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 22:4 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,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/04_Num_22_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:4 - Balak Summons Balaam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/22-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/22-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/22-3.htm" title="Numbers 22:3">◄</a> Numbers 22:4 <a href="/numbers/22-5.htm" title="Numbers 22:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/numbers/22.htm">New International Version</a> The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, &#8220This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.&#8221 So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, <a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> The king of Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This mob will devour everything in sight, like an ox devours grass in the field!” So Balak, king of Moab, <a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” So Balak the son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, <a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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, <a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a> So Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will eat up all that is around us, as the ox eats up the grass of the field!” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. <a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> Moab said to the elders of Midian, &#8220Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.&#8221 And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. <a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this assembly will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. <a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will lick up all that is around us, just as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was the king of Moab at that time. <a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us like an ox eats up the green plants in the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was Moab’s king at that time, <a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, &#8220This horde will devour everything around us like an ox eats up the green plants in the field.&#8221 Since Balak son of Zippor was Moab&#8217s king at that time, <a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They said to the Midianite leaders, "That huge mob of Israelites will wipe out everything in sight, like a bull eating grass in a field." So King Balak <a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall 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. <a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So the Moabites said to the leaders of Midian, "All those people will eventually eat up everything around us the same way an ox eats up the grass in a field." At that time Balak, son of Zippor, was king of Moab. <a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Moabites said to the leaders of the Midianites, "This horde will soon destroy everything around us, like a bull eating the grass in a pasture." So King Balak <a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> the Moabites told the elders of Midian, "This horde of people is about to lick up everything around us, like an ox licks up the green ground." At that time, Zippor's son Balak was the king of Moab. <a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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, <a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a> So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, "Now this mass of people will lick up everything around us, as the bull devours the grass of the field. Now Balak son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at this time. <a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Moab says to [the] elderly of Midian, “Now the assembly licks up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the green thing of the field.” And Balak son of Zippor [is] king of Moab at that time, <a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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, <a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Moab will say to the old men of Midian, Now this gathering will lick up all round about us, as the ox licking up the green of the field. And Balak, son of Zippor, the king of Moab in that time.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> said to those greater by birth of Midian: “So will this people wipe away all those who are dwelling within our borders, in the same way that the ox is accustomed to tear out grass, all the way to the roots.” At that time, he was king of Moab. <a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a> So Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this horde will devour everything around us as an ox devours the grass of the field.” At that time Balak, son of Zippor, was king of Moab; <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Now Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now this multitude is licking up all that are around about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Moab said to the Elders of Midian: “Therefore this multitude are chewing up all who are around us as a bull chews up the grass of the field”; and Balaq was the son of Tsephor, the King of the Moabites at that time.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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.-- <a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Moab said to the elders of Madiam, Now shall this assembly lick up all that are round about us, as a calf would lick up the green herbs of the field: - and Balac son of Sepphor was king of Moab at that time. <a href="/parallel/numbers/22-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6846" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Balak Summons Balaam</a> …3and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites. 4<a href="/hebrew/4124.htm" title="4124: mō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Lot, also his desc. and the territory where they settled. ">So the Moabites</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/4080.htm" title="4080: miḏ·yān (N-proper-ms) -- The same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and his descendants.">of Midian,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6951.htm" title="6951: haq·qā·hāl (Art:: N-ms) -- Assembly, convocation, congregation. From qahal; assemblage.">“This horde</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3897.htm" title="3897: yə·la·ḥă·ḵū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To lick. A primitive root; to lick.">will devour</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">everything</a> <a href="/hebrew/5439.htm" title="5439: sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯê·nū (Adv:: 1cp) -- Circuit, round about. Or cbiybah; from cabab; a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly around.">around us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7794.htm" title="7794: haš·šō·wr (Art:: N-ms) -- A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.). From shuwr; a bullock.">as an ox</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3897.htm" title="3897: kil·ḥōḵ (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To lick. A primitive root; to lick.">licks up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3418.htm" title="3418: ye·req (N-msc) -- From yaraq; properly, pallor, i.e. Hence, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation; concretely, verdure, i.e. Grass or vegetation.">the grass</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: haś·śā·ḏeh (Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">of the field.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: ū·ḇā·lāq (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">Since Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/6834.htm" title="6834: ṣip·pō·wr (N-proper-ms) -- Bird, father of Balak. The same as tsippowr; Tsippor, a Moabite.">of Zippor</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">was king</a> <a href="/hebrew/4124.htm" title="4124: lə·mō·w·’āḇ (Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- A son of Lot, also his desc. and the territory where they settled. ">of Moab</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hi·w (Art:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">at that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: bā·‘êṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">time,</a> 5he 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a> 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, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand. <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/judges/11-25.htm">Judges 11:25</a> Are you now so much better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or fight against them? <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a> 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.’” <a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a> because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). <a href="/psalms/83-4.htm">Psalm 83:4-8</a> saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” / For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— / the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, ... <a href="/exodus/15-15.htm">Exodus 15:15</a> Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, <a href="/joshua/2-9.htm">Joshua 2:9-11</a> and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. <a href="/joshua/9-1.htm">Joshua 9:1-2</a> Now when news of this reached all the kings west of the Jordan—those in the hill country, the foothills, and all along the coast of the Great Sea toward Lebanon (the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites)— / they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel. <a href="/1_samuel/4-7.htm">1 Samuel 4:7-8</a> the Philistines were afraid. “The gods have entered their camp!” they said. “Woe to us, for nothing like this has happened before. / Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness. <a href="/isaiah/7-2.htm">Isaiah 7:2</a> When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. <a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Isaiah 14:29-31</a> Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg. / Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain. / Wail, O gate! Cry out, O city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For a cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there are no stragglers in its ranks. <a href="/jeremiah/48-27.htm">Jeremiah 48:27</a> Was not Israel your object of ridicule? Was he ever found among thieves? For whenever you speak of him you shake your head. <a href="/ezekiel/25-8.htm">Ezekiel 25:8-11</a> This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” / therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land. / I will give it along with the Ammonites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Ammonites will no longer be remembered among the nations. ... <a href="/amos/1-13.htm">Amos 1:13</a> This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.elders<a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Numbers 22:7</a> And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.<a href="/numbers/25-15.htm">Numbers 25:15-18</a> And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian… <a href="/numbers/31-8.htm">Numbers 31:8</a> And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.now shall<a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17</a> I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.<a href="/jeremiah/48-38.htm">Jeremiah 48:38</a> There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD.and Balak<a href="/numbers/22-2.htm">Numbers 22:2</a> And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.<a href="/judges/11-25.htm">Judges 11:25</a> And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/20-29.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/15-34.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/numbers/20-29.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/21-30.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/numbers/16-25.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/exodus/10-15.htm">Herb</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-9.htm">Horde</a> <a href="/micah/7-17.htm">Lick</a> <a href="/numbers/21-27.htm">Making</a> <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/genesis/19-37.htm">Moabites</a> <a href="/numbers/11-4.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/numbers/18-17.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/numbers/18-23.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Round</a> <a href="/numbers/20-15.htm">Time</a> <a href="/numbers/22-2.htm">Zippor</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/25-7.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/24-14.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/numbers/25-7.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-2.htm">Herb</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-7.htm">Horde</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-38.htm">Lick</a> <a href="/numbers/22-21.htm">Making</a> <a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-9.htm">Moabites</a> <a href="/numbers/32-1.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/numbers/23-2.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/numbers/22-7.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/numbers/32-33.htm">Round</a> <a href="/numbers/23-23.htm">Time</a> <a href="/numbers/22-10.htm">Zippor</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div>1. <a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a> 15. <a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a> 22. <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a> 36. <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian The Moabites and Midianites were neighboring tribes with a history of both conflict and cooperation. The Moabites, descendants of Lot, and the Midianites, descendants of Abraham through Keturah, shared a common ancestry but often found themselves in opposition to Israel. This alliance reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice where tribes would unite against a perceived common threat. The elders of Midian were likely influential leaders, suggesting a formal diplomatic engagement between the two groups.“This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” The imagery of an ox licking up grass is a vivid metaphor for total consumption and destruction. This reflects the Moabites' fear of the Israelites, who had recently defeated the Amorites. The comparison to an ox, a common agricultural animal, emphasizes the thoroughness and inevitability of the threat. This fear is rooted in the Israelites' growing reputation as a powerful force, as seen in their victories over other nations, which is documented in the preceding chapters of Numbers.Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time Balak, the son of Zippor, is introduced as the reigning monarch of Moab. His leadership is significant in the narrative, as he seeks to counter the perceived threat of Israel through unconventional means, namely hiring Balaam to curse them. The mention of his lineage, "son of Zippor," is typical of biblical genealogical references, establishing his legitimacy and authority. Balak's actions set the stage for the subsequent events involving Balaam, which highlight themes of divine sovereignty and the futility of opposing God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moabites.htm">Moabites</a> A nation descended from Moab, the son of Lot. They were often in conflict with Israel and were concerned about the Israelites' presence. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elders_of_midian.htm">Elders of Midian</a> Leaders of the Midianites, a nomadic people who had interactions with Israel, sometimes as allies and other times as adversaries. 3. <a href="/topical/b/balak_son_of_zippor.htm">Balak son of Zippor</a> The king of Moab during this time, who was alarmed by the Israelites' encampment near his territory. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of God, who were journeying to the Promised Land and had recently defeated the Amorites, causing fear among neighboring nations. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_horde.htm">The Horde</a> Refers to the Israelites, who were numerous and seen as a threat by the Moabites and Midianites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_god's_people.htm">Fear of God's People</a> The Moabites' fear of Israel reflects how God's presence with His people can cause fear among those who oppose Him. Believers today should be aware of the spiritual impact they have on the world around them. <a href="/topical/p/perception_vs._reality.htm">Perception vs. Reality</a> The Moabites perceived Israel as a threat, yet they misunderstood God's purpose for His people. Christians should strive to understand God's intentions and not be swayed by fear or misconceptions. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_counsel.htm">Seeking Counsel</a> Balak sought advice from the Midianite elders, showing the importance of seeking counsel. However, believers should seek godly counsel that aligns with Scripture. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the Moabites' fear and plans, God's sovereign will for Israel prevailed. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst external threats. <a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_influence.htm">Intercession and Influence</a> The Moabites' response to Israel's presence highlights the importance of intercession. Believers are called to pray for those who fear or oppose them, seeking God's intervention and influence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a> <a href="/q/who_was_balak_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balak in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_blame_balaam_alone_for_midian's_fate.htm">Numbers 31:15-16: Why is Balaam's influence singled out as the sole reason for divine judgment on Midian, given previous chapters mention other deeds?</a> <a href="/q/are_2_peter_2_15_and_numbers_22-24_inconsistent.htm">2 Peter 2:15 references Balaam; are there inconsistencies compared to his Old Testament narrative in Numbers 22-24?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_the_donkey_see_the_angel_first.htm">Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23-25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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. <a href="/numbers/21-26.htm" title="For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even to Arnon.">Numbers 21:26</a>.) 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.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Moab said unto the elders of Midian. The Midianites were descended from Abraham and Keturah (<a href="/genesis/25-2.htm">Genesis 25:2, 4</a>), and were thus more nearly of kin to Israel than to Moab. They lived a semi-nomadic life on the steppes to the east of Moab and Ammon (cf. <a href="/genesis/36-35.htm">Genesis 36:35</a>), supporting themselves partly by grazing, and partly by the caravan trade (<a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a>). Their institutions were no doubt patriarchal, like those of the modern Bedawin, and the "elders" were the sheiks of their tribes. As the ox licketh up the grass of the field. The strong, scythe-like sweep of the ox's tongue was a simile admirable in itself, and most suitable to pastoral Moab and Midian. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So the Moabites מוֹאָ֜ב (mō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4124.htm">Strong's 4124: </a> Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the elders זִקְנֵ֣י (ziq·nê) Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> Old of Midian, מִדְיָ֗ן (miḏ·yān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled “This horde הַקָּהָל֙ (haq·qā·hāl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6951.htm">Strong's 6951: </a> Assembly, convocation, congregation will devour יְלַחֲכ֤וּ (yə·la·ḥă·ḵū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3897.htm">Strong's 3897: </a> To lick everything כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every around us, סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔ינוּ (sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯê·nū) Adverb | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5439.htm">Strong's 5439: </a> A circle, neighbour, environs, around as an ox הַשּׁ֔וֹר (haš·šō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7794.htm">Strong's 7794: </a> A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) licks up כִּלְחֹ֣ךְ (kil·ḥōḵ) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3897.htm">Strong's 3897: </a> To lick the grass יֶ֣רֶק (ye·req) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3418.htm">Strong's 3418: </a> Pallor, the yellowish green of young and sickly vegetation, verdure, grass, vegetation of the field.” הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה (haś·śā·ḏeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land Since Balak וּבָלָ֧ק (ū·ḇā·lāq) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1111.htm">Strong's 1111: </a> Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Zippor צִפּ֛וֹר (ṣip·pō·wr) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6834.htm">Strong's 6834: </a> Zippor -- 'bird', father of Balak was king מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Moab לְמוֹאָ֖ב (lə·mō·w·’āḇ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4124.htm">Strong's 4124: </a> Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled at that הַהִֽוא׃ (ha·hi·w) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are time, בָּעֵ֥ת (bā·‘êṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/22-4.htm">Numbers 22:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:4 Moab said to the elders of Midian (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>