Numbers 22:4 - 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.
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What does "Numbers 22:4" mean?
This verse from Numbers 22:4 is setting the stage for a conflict. Let's break it down:
"Moab said to the elders of Midian..." This establishes a conversation between two nations, Moab and Midian. The elders, representing leadership, are discussing a threat.
"...“Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.”..." This is the key part. It's a metaphor comparing the Israelites (the "multitude") to a consuming force.
"Lick up all that is around us": This means to utterly devour or consume everything, leaving nothing behind. It's about complete subjugation and appropriation of resources.
"As the ox licks up the grass of the field": An ox thoroughly grazing a field leaves it bare. This reinforces the image of the Israelites as an overwhelming force that will strip the land bare of resources and possessions.
"Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time." This provides context, telling us who the ruler of Moab was when this perceived threat arose. It establishes that Balak is in a position of power and responsibility to act.
In essence, the verse means:
The Moabites, feeling threatened by the large number of Israelites camped on their border, are expressing their fear to the Midianites. They believe the Israelites will completely overwhelm them, consuming everything they have, just as an ox leaves a field bare after grazing. This fear and desperation are voiced by King Balak through his representatives.
Why is this important?
This verse sets the context for the rest of Numbers 22. Balak's fear leads him to seek a way to curse the Israelites, which results in him summoning the prophet Balaam. It highlights the perceived power and threat posed by the Israelites, and the fear it instilled in neighboring nations. It also introduces the key players, Balak and, soon after, Balaam, in this narrative. It is also the beginning of the story of the talking donkey.
Numbers 22:4 - 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.
What does "Numbers 22:4" mean?
This verse from Numbers 22:4 is setting the stage for a conflict. Let's break it down:
"Moab said to the elders of Midian..." This establishes a conversation between two nations, Moab and Midian. The elders, representing leadership, are discussing a threat.
"...“Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.”..." This is the key part. It's a metaphor comparing the Israelites (the "multitude") to a consuming force.
"Lick up all that is around us": This means to utterly devour or consume everything, leaving nothing behind. It's about complete subjugation and appropriation of resources.
"As the ox licks up the grass of the field": An ox thoroughly grazing a field leaves it bare. This reinforces the image of the Israelites as an overwhelming force that will strip the land bare of resources and possessions.
"Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time." This provides context, telling us who the ruler of Moab was when this perceived threat arose. It establishes that Balak is in a position of power and responsibility to act.
In essence, the verse means:
The Moabites, feeling threatened by the large number of Israelites camped on their border, are expressing their fear to the Midianites. They believe the Israelites will completely overwhelm them, consuming everything they have, just as an ox leaves a field bare after grazing. This fear and desperation are voiced by King Balak through his representatives.
Why is this important?
This verse sets the context for the rest of Numbers 22. Balak's fear leads him to seek a way to curse the Israelites, which results in him summoning the prophet Balaam. It highlights the perceived power and threat posed by the Israelites, and the fear it instilled in neighboring nations. It also introduces the key players, Balak and, soon after, Balaam, in this narrative. It is also the beginning of the story of the talking donkey.