Balak
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Role: King of Moab
- Family: King of Moab during Israel’s wilderness wanderings
- Key Books: Numbers
Biography
Balak was the king of Moab who became terrified as the Israelites camped on Moab’s border after defeating Sihon and Og. Seeing that Israel was too strong to fight, Balak hired the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. He offered Balaam great wealth and honor in exchange for a curse, but God repeatedly prevented Balaam from cursing Israel. Instead, Balaam blessed Israel three times, pronouncing some of the most beautiful prophecy in the Old Testament, including “There is no sorcerer like the God of Jacob” (Numbers 23:23). Balak grew angry with Balaam when the blessings continued, and eventually Balaam counseled Balak to corrupt Israel through sexual immorality and idolatry, which succeeded where the curses failed (Numbers 31:16).
Key Events
- Balaam’s Donkey — Hired Balaam who encountered the talking donkey
- Balaam’s blessings of Israel — Three oracles blessing Israel instead of cursing
- Corruption of Israel at Shittim — Followed Balaam’s advice to lead Israel into idolatry
Relationships
Important Verses
- Numbers 22:6 — “Come now, therefore, I pray thee, curse me now this people; for they are too mighty for me.”
Cross-References
- Mentioned in: Numbers, Deuteronomy, Psalms 106, 2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14
- NT connection: Balaam’s counsel condemned in the New Testament
Notes
Balak represents the futility of opposing God’s purposes. What he wanted most (Israel’s destruction through curse) was impossible, so he tried corruption instead.