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Numbers 22:4

BalakMidianMoabZipporMidianMoab

2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,

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

So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time,

5 he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.

6 So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”

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Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time,
KJV
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.
WEB
Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
ASV
And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
DARBY
And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now will this company lick up all that is round about us, as an ox licks up the green herb of the field. Now Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.
BLB
And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the green of the field.” And Balak son of Zippor [was] king of the Moabites at that time.
ÅB
Og Moab sa til de eldste i Midian: Nå vil denne store flokk spise opp alt det som er her rundt omkring oss, slik som oksen spiser opp markens grønne urter. - På den tid var Balak, Sippors sønn, konge i Moab.
OTB
Moabittene sa til de eldste i Midjan: «Denne flokken vil fortære alt rundt oss, slik en okse eter opp gresset på marken.» Balak, Sippors sønn, var konge i Moab på den tiden.
B1930
Og Moab sa til de eldste i Midian: Nu vil denne store flokk ete op alt det som er her rundt omkring oss, likesom oksen eter op markens grønne urter. - På den tid var Balak, Sippors sønn, konge i Moab.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Numbers 25:15–18

    And the name of the slain Midianite woman was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur, a tribal chief of a Midianite family.

    Read in context

  • Numbers 31:8

    Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.

    Read in context

  • Jeremiah 48:38

    On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD.

    Read in context

  • Numbers 22:2

    Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,

    Read in context

  • Joshua 13:21–22

    all the cities of the plateau and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon until Moses killed him and the chiefs of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), the princes of Sihon who lived in the land.

    Read in context

  • Numbers 24:17

    I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.

    Read in context

  • Numbers 22:7

    The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.

    Read in context

  • Judges 11:25

    Are you now so much better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or fight against them?

    Read in context