MPV Commentary

1. Israel had pitched in the plains of Moab, a region previously inhabited by the Moabites but taken from them by Sihon. This area was a dry and sunken desert on the east side of the Jordan valley, opposite Jericho.

2. Balak, whose name means "empty," was terrified at the approach of such a vast multitude and did not dare to confront them in battle. Instead, he decided to seek their destruction through other means.

3. He sent messengers to Balaam, who was a renowned soothsayer from Pethor, a city on the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia. The name "Balaam" means "lord" or "devourer," and his father's name was Beor, which can also be translated as "destruction."

4. Balaam was summoned to come and curse this people for Balak. In ancient cultures, it was believed that prayers for evil or curses could be heard by supernatural powers when offered by a prophet or priest and accompanied by specific rituals.

5. The elders of Moab and Midian set out with the rewards they would receive for their divination services, which were likely substantial due to their royal connections.

6-8. Balak instructed Balaam to lodge overnight and return the next day with a message from God. This was a common practice in ancient times, where people believed that God often revealed His will through visions and dreams.

9-14. Balaam's background and residence in Mesopotamia may have influenced his knowledge of the true God. Some have debated whether he was a saint, an irreligious charlatan, or simply a novice in the faith who struggled with his passions.

13-15. The Lord refused to allow Balaam to accompany Balak's messengers, but this answer seemed benevolent and hinted at Balaam's own willingness to go if permitted. Balak sent another delegation, offering more enticing prospects for Balaam's avarice and ambition.

19-20. Balak asked the messengers to wait overnight so that he could learn what the Lord would say to him next. This was an attempt to persuade God to change His mind, as Balak had already manipulated his own conscience to align with his desires for power and wealth.