Balak sends for Balaam to curse Israel, but God’s blessing on His people cannot be undone.
Numbers 22:5 says, “So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the River, in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, ‘Behold, a people came out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me.’” (v.5). This verse introduces Balak, the king of Moab (Numbers 22:4), as he becomes alarmed at the vastness of the Israelites who have settled just outside his territory. Balak seeks a supernatural remedy for what he perceives to be an imminent threat, so he commissions messengers to summon a man named Balaam, “the son of Beor,” who was known both as a seer and a prophet-for-hire. Pethor was located near “the River,” which likely refers to the Euphrates in Mesopotamia around the region of modern-day Syria. This geographic detail underscores the distance Balak was willing to cover to enlist a diviner’s help.
Balaam’s reputation preceded him. He was considered to have influence in the spiritual realm, and Balak was desperate to thwart the expansion of the Israelites, who had been delivered from Egypt by the LORD’s power. Although Balaam was not an Israelite, his story highlights God’s sovereignty over all nations and spiritual powers. Later in this chapter, God famously uses a donkey to rebuke Balaam (Numbers 22:28). This incident reveals that neither diviners nor pagan kings can override God’s purposes. It also foreshadows the surprising ways in which the LORD guides and corrects humanity, even intervening through unexpected instruments.
Balak’s summons sets the stage for a spiritual showdown. By requesting Balaam’s help, Balak hopes to rely on pagan practices instead of seeking the true God. The verse reminds us that God’s redemptive plan for Israel was unstoppable, while it also warns us that seeking power outside of God’s will can lead to disaster.
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Numbers 22:5 meaning
Numbers 22:5 says, “So he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, at Pethor, which is near the River, in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, ‘Behold, a people came out of Egypt; behold, they cover the surface of the land, and they are living opposite me.’” (v.5). This verse introduces Balak, the king of Moab (Numbers 22:4), as he becomes alarmed at the vastness of the Israelites who have settled just outside his territory. Balak seeks a supernatural remedy for what he perceives to be an imminent threat, so he commissions messengers to summon a man named Balaam, “the son of Beor,” who was known both as a seer and a prophet-for-hire. Pethor was located near “the River,” which likely refers to the Euphrates in Mesopotamia around the region of modern-day Syria. This geographic detail underscores the distance Balak was willing to cover to enlist a diviner’s help.
Balaam’s reputation preceded him. He was considered to have influence in the spiritual realm, and Balak was desperate to thwart the expansion of the Israelites, who had been delivered from Egypt by the LORD’s power. Although Balaam was not an Israelite, his story highlights God’s sovereignty over all nations and spiritual powers. Later in this chapter, God famously uses a donkey to rebuke Balaam (Numbers 22:28). This incident reveals that neither diviners nor pagan kings can override God’s purposes. It also foreshadows the surprising ways in which the LORD guides and corrects humanity, even intervening through unexpected instruments.
Balak’s summons sets the stage for a spiritual showdown. By requesting Balaam’s help, Balak hopes to rely on pagan practices instead of seeking the true God. The verse reminds us that God’s redemptive plan for Israel was unstoppable, while it also warns us that seeking power outside of God’s will can lead to disaster.