And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

NUMBERS 22:2KJV
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Numbers 22:2 (KJV)

What does Numbers 22:2 mean?

Numbers 22:2 describes how Balak, the son of Zippor, observed everything that Israel had done to the Amorites. This verse sets the stage for Balak’s reaction to Israel’s recent military victories.

Balak is the king of Moab, and he is watching the Israelites as they journey near his territory. The verse highlights that Balak is aware of Israel’s defeat of the Amorites, which causes him concern. This awareness is important because it explains why Balak will soon seek help to oppose Israel, leading into the story of Balaam.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 22:2

  • בָּלָק (Balak): This is the personal name of the Moabite king. The name itself means "devastator" or "one who lays waste," which may hint at his role or reputation.
  • רָאָה (ra'ah, "saw"): This word means to see or observe. The verse emphasizes Balak’s active attention to Israel’s actions, not just a passing notice.
  • יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, "Israel"): This refers to the nation of Israel. The focus is on the collective people, not just individuals.
  • עָשָׂה (asah, "done"): This word means to do or make. It points to the concrete actions Israel took against the Amorites, underlining their success and Balak’s reason for concern.
  • הָאֱמֹרִי (ha’Emori, "the Amorites"): This is the group Israel had just defeated. Mentioning them specifically shows the significance of Israel’s victory in the region.

Why Numbers 22:2 matters

  • This verse explains why Balak feels threatened and sets up his later actions to try to stop Israel, giving context to the story of Balaam that follows.
  • By mentioning Israel’s victory over the Amorites, the verse highlights Israel’s growing reputation and power, which is a key reason for the fear among neighboring nations.
  • The verse connects the narrative to earlier chapters, showing the ongoing impact of Israel’s journey and battles as they approach the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“Zippor” Hebrew H6834 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 22:4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
  • Numbers 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
  • Joshua 24:9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:

“Balak” Hebrew H1111 · used in 40 verses

  • Numbers 22:4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
  • Numbers 22:40 And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
  • Numbers 23:25 And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

“Amorites” Hebrew H567 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 10:16 And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,
  • Deuteronomy 1:44 And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.
  • Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.