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<!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 22:3 and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/04_Num_22_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:3 - Balak Summons Balaam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. 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Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And when the people of Moab saw how many Israelites there were, they were terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they <i>were</i> many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they <i>were</i> many, and Moab was sick with dread because of the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Moab was terrified because of the people, for they were numerous. Moab was overcome with fear because of the sons of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous, and Moab dreaded the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous, and Moab dreaded the Israelites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Moabites were very afraid because there were so many Israelites. Besides, the Moabites couldn't stand these people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />he and all his people became terrified. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As a result, Moab greatly feared the people, because they were so numerous. Because a sense of impending doom was afflicting the Moabites as they faced the Israelis, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And the Moabites were greatly afraid of the people, because they were so numerous. The Moabites were sick with fear because of the Israelites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Moab was greatly afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many. Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Moab is exceedingly afraid of the presence of the people, for it [is] numerous; and Moab is distressed by the presence of the sons of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Moab is exceedingly afraid of the presence of the people, for it is numerous; and Moab is vexed by the presence of the sons of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Moab will be afraid from before the people greatly, for they were many; and Moab will feel disgust from the face of the sons of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And that the Moabites were in great fear of him, and were not able to sustain his assault, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and that the Moabites had great fear of him, and that they were not able to bear his assault,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and Moab feared the Israelites greatly because they were numerous. Moab was in dread of the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were so numerous; Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the Moabites were in great fear of the people because they were many; and Moab was distressed at the presence of the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Moabites were very afraid before the people because they were very many, and it distressed the Moabites before the children of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many; and Moab was overcome with dread because of the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />then Moab feared the people exceedingly because they were many; and Moab was grieved before the face of the children of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6838" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Balak Summons Balaam</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><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. ">and Moab</a> <a href="/hebrew/1481.htm" title="1481: way·yā·ḡār (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to turn aside from the road, i.e. Sojourn; also to shrink, fear; also to gather for hostility.">was terrified</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pə·nê (Prep-m:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: raḇ- (Adj-ms) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">were numerous.</a> <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. ">Indeed, Moab</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pə·nê (Prep-m:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6973.htm" title="6973: way·yā·qāṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To feel a loathing, abhorrence, or sickening dread. A primitive root (compare quwt); to be disgusted or anxious.">dreaded</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the Israelites.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>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,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/2-9.htm">Joshua 2:9-11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-14.htm">Exodus 15:14-16</a></span><br />The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. / Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, / and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Deuteronomy 2:25</a></span><br />This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/9-24.htm">Joshua 9:24</a></span><br />The Gibeonites answered, “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/5-1.htm">Joshua 5:1</a></span><br />Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/11-25.htm">Deuteronomy 11:25</a></span><br />No man will be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the fear and dread of you upon all the land, wherever you set foot, as He has promised you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/48-4.htm">Psalm 48:4-6</a></span><br />For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. / They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. / Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/23-5.htm">Isaiah 23:5</a></span><br />When the report reaches Egypt, they will writhe in agony over the news of Tyre.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-14.htm">Isaiah 33:14</a></span><br />The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling grips the ungodly: “Who of us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting flames?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/49-23.htm">Jeremiah 49:23</a></span><br />Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-10.htm">Revelation 18:10</a></span><br />In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-15.htm">Revelation 18:15</a></span><br />The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-17.htm">Revelation 18:17</a></span><br />For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-26.htm">Luke 21:26</a></span><br />Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">Matthew 2:3</a></span><br />When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/15-15.htm">Exodus 15:15</a></b></br> Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/2-25.htm">Deuteronomy 2:25</a></b></br> This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations <i>that are</i> under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/2-10.htm">Joshua 2:10,11,24</a></b></br> For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that <i>were</i> on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/21-34.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/numbers/9-11.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/exodus/23-22.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/exodus/15-16.htm">Dread</a> <a href="/numbers/14-39.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/numbers/21-2.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/numbers/22-2.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/exodus/23-29.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/numbers/20-9.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-22.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/exodus/15-15.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/numbers/20-15.htm">Vexed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/1-17.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-53.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/33-55.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-29.htm">Dread</a> <a href="/numbers/32-1.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/numbers/22-17.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/25-8.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/26-54.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/numbers/22-33.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-22.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-29.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/judges/2-18.htm">Vexed</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a></span><br></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'; 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The fear of Moab is rooted in the recent victories of the Israelites over the Amorites, as recorded in the preceding chapters. This fear is not just a military concern but also a spiritual one, as the Moabites were aware of the divine favor upon Israel. The terror of Moab reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to make Israel a formidable nation (<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a>).<p><b>because they were numerous.</b><br>The Israelites' large numbers were a sign of God's blessing and fulfillment of His promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (<a href="/genesis/15-5.htm">Genesis 15:5</a>). This numerical strength was intimidating to surrounding nations, who saw it as a potential threat to their own security and resources. The census in <a href="/numbers/1.htm">Numbers 1 and 26</a> highlights the vast population of Israel, emphasizing their growth during the wilderness period.<p><b>Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.</b><br>The dread of Moab is not merely a fear of military defeat but also an existential threat to their way of life and religious practices. The Moabites worshiped Chemosh, and the presence of a monotheistic people with a powerful God challenged their beliefs. This dread foreshadows the spiritual battles that Israel would face in maintaining their covenant identity amidst pagan nations. The Moabites' fear also sets the stage for the subsequent narrative involving Balaam, where spiritual warfare is waged through curses and blessings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>A nation descended from Lot, located east of the Dead Sea. Historically, Moab had a complicated relationship with Israel, often characterized by fear and hostility.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At this point in the account, they are journeying towards the Promised Land, having recently defeated the Amorites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab during this time, who becomes a central figure in the subsequent account as he seeks to curse the Israelites through Balaam.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_exodus.htm">The Exodus</a></b><br>The broader event of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_amorites.htm">The Amorites</a></b><br>A powerful group defeated by the Israelites, which contributed to Moab's fear of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_god's_people.htm">Fear of God's People</a></b><br>The fear that Moab experiences is a testament to God's power and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. As believers, we can trust that God is faithful to His word and will protect and guide His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The account underscores God's control over nations and events. Despite Moab's fear and subsequent actions, God's plan for Israel remains unthwarted. This reminds us to trust in God's overarching plan for our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_god's_work.htm">The Impact of God's Work</a></b><br>The fear of Moab reflects the visible impact of God's work through His people. As Christians, our lives should similarly reflect God's presence, prompting others to recognize His power and authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_fear.htm">Responding to Fear</a></b><br>Moab's response to fear was to seek a curse against Israel. In contrast, believers are called to respond to fear with faith and reliance on God, seeking His guidance and peace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_balak_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balak in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_moabites_in_the_bible.htm">Who were the Moabites in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_micah_6_5_align_with_other_balaam_accounts.htm">How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_one_act_bar_moses_from_canaan.htm">Numbers 20:12 - Why would a single act of disobedience prevent Moses and Aaron from entering the Promised Land, despite their lifelong dedication?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">And Moab was sore afraid of the people.--</span>There was no ground for this apprehension, inasmuch as the Divine command given to Moses was "Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle" (<a href="/deuteronomy/2-9.htm" title="And the LORD said to me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give you of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession.">Deuteronomy 2:9</a>). It does not appear, however, that Balak was aware of the prohibition; and the recent conquests of the Israelites naturally filled the Moabites with alarm, especially inasmuch as when the Israelites sent to the King of Moab to ask permission to pass through his land he did not consent (<a href="/judges/11-17.htm" title="Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray you, pass through your land: but the king of Edom would not listen thereto. And in like manner they sent to the king of Moab: but he would not consent: and Israel stayed in Kadesh.">Judges 11:17</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Moab was sore afraid of the people.</span> While the Israelites had moved along their eastern and north-eastern border, the Moabites supplied them with provisions (<a href="/deuteronomy/2-29.htm">Deuteronomy 2:29</a>), desiring, no doubt, to be rid of them, but not disdaining to make some profit by their presence. But after the sudden defeat and overthrow of their own Amorite conquerors, their terror and uneasiness forced them to take some action, although they dared not commence open hostilities. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and Moab</span><br /><span class="heb">מוֹאָ֜ב</span> <span class="translit">(mō·w·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4124.htm">Strong's 4124: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was terrified</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֨גָר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḡār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1481.htm">Strong's 1481: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפְּנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֑וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were numerous.</span><br /><span class="heb">רַב־</span> <span class="translit">(raḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Indeed, Moab</span><br /><span class="heb">מוֹאָ֔ב</span> <span class="translit">(mō·w·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4124.htm">Strong's 4124: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dreaded</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֣קָץ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·qāṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6973.htm">Strong's 6973: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feel a loathing, abhorrence, or sickening dread</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Israelites.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-3.htm">Numbers 22:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-3.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:3 Moab was sore afraid of the people (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:4" /></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>