Num 22:2-4 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 22:2-24:25: 22:2–24:25 The narrative of Balak and Balaam describes a pivotal moment in Israel’s history and contains humor, drama, and profound theological insights. The Lord’s will must be accomplished—nothing could thwart his plan for Israel. Summary for Num 22:2-3: 22:2-3 Balak is unknown outside of this incident (Josh 24:9 ; Judg 11:25 ; Mic 6:5 ; Rev 2:14 ). His territory had been seized by Sihon, the Amorite king (Num 21:26 ), whom Israel had just defeated (21:21-31 ). Balak may have imagined that his tiny kingdom was next.

a22:2–24:25►

b22:2-3►

cJosh 24:9►

dJudg 11:25►

eMic 6:5►

fRev 2:14►

gNum 21:26►

h21:21-31►

i22:4►

jGen 25:1-2►

kExod 2:15-16►

lNum 22:7►

m25:6►

n14-18►

o31:2-10►

pJudg 6–8►

‏ Numbers 22:2-4

Summary for Num 22:2-24:25: 22:2–24:25 ^a The narrative of Balak and Balaam describes a pivotal moment in Israel’s history and contains humor, drama, and profound theological insights. The Lord’s will must be accomplished—nothing could thwart his plan for Israel.
Summary for Num 22:2-3: 22:2-3 ^b Balak is unknown outside of this incident (Josh 24:9 ^c; Judg 11:25 ^d; Mic 6:5 ^e; Rev 2:14 ^f). His territory had been seized by Sihon, the Amorite king (Num 21:26 ^g), whom Israel had just defeated (21:21-31 ^h). Balak may have imagined that his tiny kingdom was next.
22:4 ⁱ Midian: This desert people was descended from Abraham (Gen 25:1-2 ^j; Exod 2:15-16 ^k). Their alliance with Moab was the beginning of their conflicts with Israel (Num 22:7 ^l; see 25:6 ^m, 14-18 ⁿ; 31:2-10 ^o; Judg 6–8 ^p).