Numbers 22:3

Translations

Modern

…and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.

Traditional

And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

Literal

…and Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people, because they were numerous. And Moab was sick with dread because of the sons of Israel.

Latin

…et quod pertimuissent eum Moabitæ, et impetum ejus ferre non possent,

Original

Hebrew

English

…and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.

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

Related verses

Exodus 15:15
Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,
Isaiah 23:5
When the report reaches Egypt, they will writhe in agony over the news of Tyre.
Psalm 53:5
There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.
Deuteronomy 2:25
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.”
Joshua 9:24
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.
Joshua 2:10–11
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.
Joshua 2:24
“The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands,” they said to Joshua. “Indeed, all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of us.”

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Places

Moab: Ancient kingdom east of the Dead Sea in Jordan

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

Armies: Fear Occasioned By Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Caused Universal Terror and Dismay Moabites: Alarmed at the Number of Israel

Numbers 22:3

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