Old Testament
Numbers 22:36
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Balak, the king of Moab, learns that Balaam, a well-known prophet, is on his way to meet him.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at a Moabite city on the border of the Arnon River, at the far edge of his territory.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Balak, the king of Moab, learns that Balaam, a well-known prophet, is on his way to meet him. Balak is anxious about the Israelites, who are encamped nearby, and he believes that Balaam can help him by cursing them. The meeting takes place at a city located on the border of the Arnon River, which marks the edge of Balak's territory. This location is significant as it represents the boundary of Moab and the potential threat posed by the Israelites. Balak's actions show his desperation and fear, as he seeks out Balaam to gain an advantage over the Israelites. This encounter sets the stage for the unfolding events where Balak attempts to manipulate Balaam's prophetic gifts for his own purposes, highlighting the tension between divine will and human ambition.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 22:36 to your life
This verse reminds us of the lengths people will go to when they feel threatened. It encourages us to trust in God's protection rather than resorting to manipulation or fear. We should seek God's guidance in our decisions, especially when facing challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 22:36 mean?
Numbers 22:36 describes Balak, the king of Moab, meeting Balaam, a prophet, as he arrives. Balak is worried about the Israelites nearby and believes Balaam can help him by cursing them. This meeting highlights Balak's desperation and the significance of the location at the border of his territory.
What is the significance of the Arnon River in Numbers 22:36?
The Arnon River marks the boundary of Moab's territory, making it a significant location in Numbers 22:36. It symbolizes the edge of Balak's kingdom and the perceived threat from the Israelites, emphasizing the stakes of Balak's meeting with Balaam.
Why did Balak want to meet Balaam in Numbers 22:36?
Balak wanted to meet Balaam because he believed the prophet could curse the Israelites, whom he feared. This meeting was driven by Balak's anxiety over the Israelite presence and his desire to gain an advantage against them.
What themes are present in Numbers 22:36?
Key themes in Numbers 22:36 include divine intervention, fear and anxiety, manipulation, prophecy, and the significance of boundaries and territories. These themes reflect the tension between human ambition and divine will in the narrative.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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