Balak

Balak is a figure in the Hebrew Bible, most prominently the king of Moab who appears in the Book of Numbers (chapters 22–24). In the narrative, Balak fears the Israelite settlement in the plains of Moab and seeks to weaken them by having Balaam the prophet curse Israel.

Balak sends dignitaries to Balaam, offering rewards if he will come and place a curse on the Israelites. Balaam asks God for guidance; God forbids him to go with Balak’s men and warns that he must speak only what God tells him. Balak sends a larger delegation and greater offers, and God allows Balaam to go but again commands that he speak only what God says. Balaam sets out, but an angel of the Lord blocks his path. After his donkey sees the angel and Balaam fails to, the animal speaks to him, and Balaam proceeds.

In the ensuing oracles, Balaam does not curse Israel; instead, he blesses them and pronounces prophecies about their future. The first two oracles bless Israel; the third oracle contains a messianic motif, often read as predicting a ruler arising from Jacob. Balak’s disappointment grows, but the text makes clear that God’s will overrides Balak’s plan. The narrative concludes with Balaam blessing Israel rather than cursing them, illustrating themes of divine sovereignty and the inadequacy of human schemes.

Balak’s role in biblical literature is that of a ruler trying to manipulate prophecy to harm Israel, a figure used to discuss the limits of political power against divine purpose. In later Jewish and Christian interpretations, Balak and Balaam are cited as exemplars in discussions of faith, greed, and prophetic responsibility.