This verse reminds us that God protects His people, even when they do not see or understand all of the threats arrayed against them.
Joshua 24:9 recounts a pivotal event in Israel’s history during their journey to the Promised Land. The verse begins with the words, “Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel…” (v.9). Moab was a region located east of the Dead Sea, in the area now roughly corresponding to central Jordan. Its rugged terrain and strategic position on trade routes made Moab both a formidable neighbor and an influential kingdom in the region. Balak, a Moabite king who likely reigned sometime in the 15th century BC, is portrayed in this passage as actively opposing the newly emerging nation of Israel. His hostility highlights the deep-rooted tension that sometimes existed between God’s people and the surrounding nations, even before the Israelites fully settled in Canaan.
Following this hostile introduction, Joshua continues: “…and he sent and summoned Balaam the son of Beor to curse you.” (v.9). Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet who lived around the same period, is also mentioned in the Book of Numbers (Numbers 22-24) when Balak implored him to curse Israel. Historically, placing these figures in the mid-second millennium BC underscores the era after Israel’s Exodus from Egypt but before they were fully established in the Promised Land. Although summoned by Balak for malicious intent, Balaam’s attempt to curse Israel was divinely thwarted, reminding the Israelites that God’s covenant protection extended over them. This account foreshadows the theme of God’s faithful defense of His people—a concept later embodied in Christ’s protective care for His flock (John 10:27-28).
Joshua’s reference to Balak and Balaam in this verse underscores that Israel’s victories did not come solely through military strength but through God’s sustaining power and intervention. In remembering how even an enemy king’s plans were overturned for their benefit, the people of Israel were encouraged to remain faithful to the Lord. This reminder also ties into the broader biblical narrative of God reversing curses into blessings (Galatians 3:13-14), culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross for all who believe.
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Joshua 24:9 meaning
Joshua 24:9 recounts a pivotal event in Israel’s history during their journey to the Promised Land. The verse begins with the words, “Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel…” (v.9). Moab was a region located east of the Dead Sea, in the area now roughly corresponding to central Jordan. Its rugged terrain and strategic position on trade routes made Moab both a formidable neighbor and an influential kingdom in the region. Balak, a Moabite king who likely reigned sometime in the 15th century BC, is portrayed in this passage as actively opposing the newly emerging nation of Israel. His hostility highlights the deep-rooted tension that sometimes existed between God’s people and the surrounding nations, even before the Israelites fully settled in Canaan.
Following this hostile introduction, Joshua continues: “…and he sent and summoned Balaam the son of Beor to curse you.” (v.9). Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet who lived around the same period, is also mentioned in the Book of Numbers (Numbers 22-24) when Balak implored him to curse Israel. Historically, placing these figures in the mid-second millennium BC underscores the era after Israel’s Exodus from Egypt but before they were fully established in the Promised Land. Although summoned by Balak for malicious intent, Balaam’s attempt to curse Israel was divinely thwarted, reminding the Israelites that God’s covenant protection extended over them. This account foreshadows the theme of God’s faithful defense of His people—a concept later embodied in Christ’s protective care for His flock (John 10:27-28).
Joshua’s reference to Balak and Balaam in this verse underscores that Israel’s victories did not come solely through military strength but through God’s sustaining power and intervention. In remembering how even an enemy king’s plans were overturned for their benefit, the people of Israel were encouraged to remain faithful to the Lord. This reminder also ties into the broader biblical narrative of God reversing curses into blessings (Galatians 3:13-14), culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross for all who believe.