Balak
Who was Balak in the Bible?
The King of Moab who attempted to protect his kingdom from the advancing Israelites by hiring the prophet Balaam to curse them.
Balak, the son of Zippor, served as the King of Moab during the final stages of the Israelite journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. He is primarily known for his intense fear of the Hebrew people, whom he viewed as a destructive force capable of devouring his nation like an ox licks up the grass of the field. This fear prompted him to seek supernatural assistance rather than relying solely on conventional military strength.
His role in the biblical narrative is defined by his collaboration with the elders of Midian and his persistence in hiring the Mesopotamian seer Balaam. Despite his efforts to influence divine favor through elaborate sacrifices and multiple locations, Balak's intentions were repeatedly thwarted by the God of Israel, who turned his intended curses into blessings. His legacy remains a cautionary tale of a ruler attempting to manipulate the divine for political and military ends.
Background and Family
Balak is identified in the biblical record as the "son of Zippor" and the King of Moab (Numbers 22:2-4). The Moabites were descendants of Lot, the nephew of Abraham, and their territory was situated east of the Dead Sea. During the era of the Exodus and the subsequent wilderness wanderings, the region was in a state of high tension. The Israelites, having recently defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, had encamped in the plains of Moab across from Jericho.
While the text does not provide a detailed genealogy beyond his father’s name, Balak’s position was one of significant influence, as evidenced by his ability to summon the elders of Midian and send high-ranking princes as messengers to distant lands. His reign occurred during the "Egypt and Wilderness" era, a time when the geopolitics of the Levant were being reshaped by the migration of the Hebrews.
Major Life Events
The Summons of Balaam
Observed by the sheer number of Israelites, Balak was "filled with dread" (Numbers 22:3). Recognizing that the Israelites had overcome the Amorites, Balak concluded that physical warfare might not suffice. He sent messengers to Pethor to hire Balaam, a famous seer, saying, "a people has come out of Egypt... please come and curse this people for me" (Numbers 22:5-6).
When Balaam initially refused, Balak demonstrated his determination and wealth by sending a second, more distinguished delegation of princes, promising that he would "richly reward" the prophet (Numbers 22:17). Eventually, Balaam agreed to go, though he warned Balak that he could only speak what God commanded.
The Three Oracles at the Altars
Upon Balaam's arrival, Balak went to the border of his territory to meet him, expressing frustration that the prophet had not come sooner. The king then orchestrated three distinct attempts to secure a curse against Israel, moving to different vantage points in hopes that a change in location might change the divine outcome:
- Bamoth-baal: Balak built seven altars and sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. Instead of a curse, Balaam delivered an oracle blessing Israel.
- The Field of Zophim (Mount Pisgah): Balak, thinking perhaps the sight of the whole camp was too much, took Balaam to a place where only the outskirts were visible. Again, seven altars were built, and again, God commanded a blessing, emphasizing that "He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob" (Numbers 23:21).
- The Top of Peor: In a final desperate attempt, Balak took Balaam to a wasteland overlook. For the third time, the sacrifice was repeated, and for the third time, Balaam blessed Israel, even prophesying their future dominance over Moab (Numbers 24:17).
The Aftermath and Conflict
Following the third failure, Balak’s anger burned; he struck his hands together in fury and dismissed Balaam without the promised reward. While Numbers 24:25 suggests a peaceful parting where both went their separate ways, the book of Joshua notes that Balak actually "set out to fight against Israel" (Joshua 24:9), though the judge Jephthah later notes that Balak did not ultimately "contend" or succeed in a decisive battle that destroyed Israel (Judges 11:25).
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Balak’s primary relationship in the narrative is with Balaam son of Beor. The dynamic is one of a desperate client and a restricted prophet. Balak views the divine as something to be bargained with or bought, while Balaam—despite his own greed—finds himself unable to bypass the word of the LORD.
Balak also maintained a strategic alliance with the elders of Midian. This coalition was significant because it led to the events at Shittim, where the Midianites and Moabites successfully used their women to entice the Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality. The New Testament confirms that this was a result of the "teaching of Balaam," who advised Balak on how to trip up the Israelites since a direct curse had failed (Revelation 2:14).
Spiritual Significance
In the biblical tradition, Balak represents the futility of human opposition to divine purposes. He is the archetype of the worldly leader who attempts to use religion as a tool of statecraft. The prophet Micah uses the interaction between Balak and Balaam as a reminder to Israel of God’s "righteous acts," specifically how God protected them from unseen spiritual threats (Micah 6:5).
In the book of Revelation, the mention of Balak serves as a warning to the early church. It highlights the danger of "stumbling blocks"—strategies designed to lead the people of God into compromise and sin when direct confrontation fails. Balak’s legacy is thus not one of military might, but of spiritual opposition and the subsequent proof of God's sovereign protection over His people.
Balak is significant as the primary antagonist of the final stages of the wilderness journey, illustrating the transition from military threats to spiritual ones. He demonstrates the concept that the enemies of God’s people often recognize divine power even when they refuse to submit to it. His story establishes that God's blessing on His people is irrevocable by human or demonic agency.
Furthermore, the New Testament use of Balak's narrative (Revelation 2:14) provides a critical theological framework for understanding temptation. It teaches that when external curses fail, internal corruption through compromise is the enemy's secondary tactic. Balak remains a permanent scriptural example of how political fear can lead to spiritual desperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Balak's father?
Balak was the son of Zippor, as mentioned multiple times in the book of Numbers (e.g., Numbers 22:2, 22:4).
Was Balak successful in cursing Israel?
No. Despite his persistence and many sacrifices, every time he asked Balaam to curse Israel, God compelled the prophet to bless them instead.
What happened to Balak after Balaam left?
While Numbers 24:25 says he 'went on his way,' Joshua 24:9 indicates he prepared for war against Israel. However, he is remembered as a king who could not overcome them.
What is the 'stumbling block' Balak used against Israel?
According to Revelation 2:14, Balak followed Balaam’s advice to entice the Israelites into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols, which brought a plague upon the camp.
Which nation did Balak rule?
Balak was the king of Moab, a nation located to the east of the Dead Sea.
Family & Relationships
Parents
ZipporFatherNumbers 22:2Stated
BalakThis pageConnected Figures
Family
Father · Numbers 22:2
A Moabite leader during the Exodus era, primarily known as the father of King Balak, who sought to curse the Israelites.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: Numbers 22:27 versesPatriarch of the Moabite royal house
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Mentions by Book
- Numbers37
- Joshua1
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- Micah1
- Revelation1
Scripture References
All 41 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
- Numbers 22:2
Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,
- Numbers 22:4
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,
- 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.
- Numbers 22:10
And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:
- Numbers 22:13
So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.”
- Numbers 22:14
And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”
- Numbers 22:15
Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers.
- Numbers 22:16
They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me,
- Numbers 22:18Partial
But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.
- Numbers 22:35
But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
- Numbers 22:36
When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite city on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory.
- Numbers 22:37
And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to reward you richly?”
- Numbers 22:38
“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”
- Numbers 22:39
So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.
- Numbers 22:40
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.
- Numbers 22:41
The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.
- Numbers 23:1
Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”
- Numbers 23:2Partial
So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
- Numbers 23:3
“Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height,
- Numbers 23:5
Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.”
- Numbers 23:7
And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’
- Numbers 23:11
Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!”
- Numbers 23:13
Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.”
- Numbers 23:15
Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.”
- Numbers 23:16
And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.”
- Numbers 23:17
So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked.
- Numbers 23:18
Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.
- Numbers 23:25
Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”
- Numbers 23:26
But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?”
- Numbers 23:27
“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.”
- Numbers 23:28
And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland.
- Numbers 23:29
Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”
- Numbers 23:30
So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
- Numbers 24:10Partial
Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.
- Numbers 24:12
Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me
- Numbers 24:13
that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says.
- Numbers 24:25
Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.
- Joshua 24:9
Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you,
- 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?
- Micah 6:5
My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”
- Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.