Numbers 22 36

Numbers 22:36 kjv

And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.

Numbers 22:36 nkjv

Now when Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the city of Moab, which is on the border at the Arnon, the boundary of the territory.

Numbers 22:36 niv

When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite town on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory.

Numbers 22:36 esv

When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him at the city of Moab, on the border formed by the Arnon, at the extremity of the border.

Numbers 22:36 nlt

When King Balak heard that Balaam was on the way, he went out to meet him at a Moabite town on the Arnon River at the farthest border of his land.

Numbers 22 verses

Numbers 22 36 Meaning

Numbers 22:36 describes King Balak's eager and perhaps desperate act of going out to meet Balaam, the diviner whom he had summoned. Upon hearing of Balaam's arrival, Balak traveled to a city of Moab situated near the Arnon River's border, specifically at the furthest edge of his territory. This significant gesture underscores Balak's deep fear of the approaching Israelites and his high anticipation that Balaam's curses could avert the perceived threat. The meeting location highlights the critical geopolitical frontier where this spiritual confrontation was about to unfold.

Numbers 22 36 Context

Numbers 22:36 follows a series of pivotal events for the Israelites in their journey. Having defeated the Amorites, they are now poised on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. This proximity strikes immense fear into Balak, the king of Moab, who perceives the vast numbers of Israel as an overwhelming threat to his kingdom. Before this verse, Balak sends envoys to Balaam, a famous diviner, to hire him to curse Israel, believing spiritual warfare is his only hope. Critically, immediately preceding Balak's meeting, Balaam has a dramatic encounter with the Angel of the LORD, whose talking donkey saves him from death and rebukes him for his initial stubbornness against God's will. Balaam is warned to speak only what God permits. Balak, however, is completely unaware of this divine intervention, and his eagerly awaited meeting with Balaam carries a dramatic irony as the stage is set for God to subvert all his plans.

Historically, this episode highlights the consistent animosity of Moab towards Israel. The Arnon River served as a significant natural boundary, frequently contested and important for strategic control. Balak's decision to meet Balaam at this border emphasizes the urgency and severity of the perceived threat to his territorial integrity. It showcases ancient Near Eastern practices of employing diviners and curses as a form of warfare, contrasting with God's protection over Israel.

Numbers 22 36 Word analysis

• When Balak heard: (וַיִּשְׁמַע בָּלָק – vayyishma' Balaq).
  • heard (שָׁמַע – shama): To hear, listen, perceive, understand. Here, it denotes gaining knowledge of Balaam's proximity.
  • Balak (בָּלָק – Balaq): King of Moab. His name might mean "waster" or "empty," ironically descriptive of his futile efforts against Israel. He represents worldly power consumed by fear.
• that Balaam was coming: (כִּי בָא בִלְעָם – ki va Bil'am).
  • Balaam (בִּלְעָם – Bil'am): A non-Israelite diviner/prophet from Pethor. His name is debated, possibly meaning "swallower of people" or "not of the people." He is a complex figure driven by potential gain but restrained by God.
  • was coming (בָא – va): A verb indicating arrival or approach. This suggests news of his immediate presence.
• he went out to meet him: (וַיֵּצֵא לִקְרָאתוֹ – vayyētṣē' liq'ra'tô).
  • went out (יָצָא – yatza): To go forth, come out. Denotes intentional movement from a dwelling or encampment.
  • to meet him (לִקְרָאתוֹ – liq'ra'tô): A specific Hebrew construction signifying going out to encounter or welcome someone. For a king, this gesture implies high honor, respect, urgency, and desperation. It is a formal reception.
• at a city of Moab: (אֶל-עִיר מוֹאָב – 'el 'îr Mô'āv).
  • city (עִיר – 'îr): A fortified settlement.
  • Moab (מוֹאָב – Mo'av): The kingdom southeast of Israel, a traditional enemy. The precise city isn't specified in all texts but is commonly associated with Ar, a significant Moabite town.
• which is on the border of Arnon: (אֲשֶׁר עַל-גְּבוּל אַרְנוֹן – 'ăsher 'al-g'vûl 'Arnon).
  • border (גְּבוּל – g'vûl): A defined boundary or territory limit.
  • Arnon (אַרְנוֹן – 'Arnon): A significant river flowing into the Dead Sea, serving as a natural boundary, particularly between Moab and the defeated Amorites. This places the meeting on a critical geopolitical frontier, signifying the edge of Moabite influence towards the Israeli advance.
• which is in the outermost coast: (אֲשֶׁר בִּקְצֵה הַגְּבוּל – 'ăsher biqtsēh hag'vûl).
  • outermost coast (קְצֵה הַגְּבוּל – qetsēh hag'vûl): "End of the border," "edge of the territory." This phrase reinforces the idea that Balak traveled to the furthest point of his domain accessible for a meeting. It indicates his intense anticipation, profound respect for Balaam's abilities, and perhaps his fearful understanding that his kingdom was truly on the "edge" or brink of an invasion.

Numbers 22 36 Bonus section

• The detail of Balak going out to meet Balaam rather than having Balaam come directly to him (the King) indicates a level of perceived urgency, importance, and perhaps humility on Balak's part. It sets a formal and desperate tone for their encounter.
• The phrase "outermost coast" or "furthest point of the territory" not only marks a geographical limit but can also metaphorically represent Balak's "last resort" or standing at the brink of what he perceives as a national catastrophe.
• This meeting serves as a turning point; it's the prelude to Balaam's oracles which, despite Balak's efforts, turn into divine blessings for Israel, powerfully demonstrating God's unassailable covenant faithfulness.

Numbers 22 36 Commentary

Numbers 22:36 vividly illustrates King Balak's deep apprehension and immediate reaction to the impending Israelite presence. His act of traveling a significant distance to the very edge of his territory, at the border of the strategic Arnon River, to personally greet Balaam, highlights his desperation and the enormous significance he attributed to the diviner's power. This regal gesture transcends mere welcome; it's a plea for supernatural intervention against an existential threat. Unbeknownst to Balak, Balaam had just experienced a humbling divine encounter, dramatically shaping the true outcome of their anticipated meeting. The choice of location underscores the strategic vulnerability felt by Moab, literally positioning the consultation at the threshold of conflict, where worldly and spiritual forces were about to collide under God's ultimate sovereignty.