Keraia
Numbers 22

Numbers 22:2

Balak Summons Balaam · Numbers 22:1–21
Read Numbers 22

Translations

Modern
Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,
Traditional
And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
Literal
And Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorite,
Latin
Videns autem Balac filius Sephor omnia quæ fecerat Israël Amorrhæo,

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,

Notes

Numbers 22:2–3

There is no mention of Balak outside of this event (Joshua 24:9; Judges 11:25; Micah 6:5; Revelation 2:14). Sihon, the Amorite king, had taken over his territory (Numbers 21:26). Israel had just defeated Sihon (21:21–31). Balak might have thought his small kingdom would be next.

Numbers 22:2–24:25

The story of Balak and Balaam marks an important turning point in Israel’s history. It includes humor, drama, and deep teaching about God.

The story makes one main point clear. The Lord’s will must be carried out. No one could stop his plan for Israel.

Theme notes and profiles

Balaam Moab and Ammon

People

Amorites: Canaanite people group, enemies of Israel Balak: King of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Zippor: Father of Balak, king of Moab

Glossary

Ammon, Ammonites Amorites Balaam Balak Curse, Cursed Deuteronomy, Book of False Prophets Jannes and Jambres Midian, Midianite Moab, Moabites Moses Numbers, Book of Prophets, False Shittim (Place) Zippor

Topics

Zippor: Father of Balak