Numbers 22:3
New International Version
and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites.

New Living Translation
And when the people of Moab saw how many Israelites there were, they were terrified.

English Standard Version
And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.

King James Bible
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

New King James Version
And Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was sick with dread because of the children of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.

NASB 1995
So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.

NASB 1977
So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Moab was in great fear because of the people, for they were numerous; and Moab was in dread of the sons of Israel.

Amplified Bible
So Moab was terrified because of the people, for they were numerous. Moab was overcome with fear because of the sons of Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous, and Moab dreaded the Israelites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous, and Moab dreaded the Israelites.

American Standard Version
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

English Revised Version
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Moabites were very afraid because there were so many Israelites. Besides, the Moabites couldn't stand these people.

Good News Translation
he and all his people became terrified.

International Standard Version
As a result, Moab greatly feared the people, because they were so numerous. Because a sense of impending doom was afflicting the Moabites as they faced the Israelis,

Majority Standard Bible
and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.

NET Bible
And the Moabites were greatly afraid of the people, because they were so numerous. The Moabites were sick with fear because of the Israelites.

New Heart English Bible
Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moab was greatly afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

World English Bible
Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many. Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Moab is exceedingly afraid of the presence of the people, for it [is] numerous; and Moab is distressed by the presence of the sons of Israel,

Young's Literal Translation
and Moab is exceedingly afraid of the presence of the people, for it is numerous; and Moab is vexed by the presence of the sons of Israel,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moab will be afraid from before the people greatly, for they were many; and Moab will feel disgust from the face of the sons of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And that the Moabites were in great fear of him, and were not able to sustain his assault,

Catholic Public Domain Version
and that the Moabites had great fear of him, and that they were not able to bear his assault,

New American Bible
and Moab feared the Israelites greatly because they were numerous. Moab was in dread of the Israelites.

New Revised Standard Version
Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were so numerous; Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the Moabites were in great fear of the people because they were many; and Moab was distressed at the presence of the children of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Moabites were very afraid before the people because they were very many, and it distressed the Moabites before the children of Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many; and Moab was overcome with dread because of the children of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
then Moab feared the people exceedingly because they were many; and Moab was grieved before the face of the children of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Balak Summons Balaam
2Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, 3and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites. 4So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time,…

Cross References
Joshua 2:9-11
and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.

Exodus 15:14-16
The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. / Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, / and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by.

Deuteronomy 2:25
This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.”

Joshua 9:24
The Gibeonites answered, “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this.

Joshua 5:1
Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 11:25
No man will be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the fear and dread of you upon all the land, wherever you set foot, as He has promised you.

Psalm 48:4-6
For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. / They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. / Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.

Isaiah 23:5
When the report reaches Egypt, they will writhe in agony over the news of Tyre.

Isaiah 33:14
The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling grips the ungodly: “Who of us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting flames?”

Jeremiah 49:23
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed.

Revelation 18:10
In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

Revelation 18:15
The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn,

Revelation 18:17
For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance

Luke 21:26
Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Matthew 2:3
When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.


Treasury of Scripture

And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

Exodus 15:15
Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

Deuteronomy 2:25
This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

Joshua 2:10,11,24
For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed…

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Afraid Bitter Children Distressed Dread Exceedingly Indeed Israel Israelites Numbers Numerous Overcome Presence Sore Terrified Vexed
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Afraid Bitter Children Distressed Dread Exceedingly Indeed Israel Israelites Numbers Numerous Overcome Presence Sore Terrified Vexed
Numbers 22
1. Balak's first message for Balaam is refused
15. His second message obtains him
22. An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey
36. Balak entertains him














And Moab
The mention of Moab here refers to the descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, through his eldest daughter. Moab was a nation located east of the Dead Sea. Historically, the Moabites had a complex relationship with the Israelites, often characterized by conflict and tension. The Moabites were known for their worship of Chemosh, a god that demanded human sacrifices, which starkly contrasted with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites.

was terrified
The Hebrew root for "terrified" is "yāgûr," which conveys a deep sense of fear and anxiety. This fear was not just a passing emotion but a profound dread that gripped the Moabites. The historical context reveals that the Israelites had recently defeated the Amorites, a powerful people, which would have heightened Moab's fear of this seemingly unstoppable force.

of the people
This phrase refers to the Israelites, who were journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. The Israelites were a large group, organized into twelve tribes, each with its own leaders and structure. Their sheer numbers and recent military successes made them a formidable presence in the region.

because they were numerous
The Hebrew word for "numerous" is "rabbîm," indicating a vast multitude. The Israelites' large population was a source of intimidation for the Moabites. This multitude was not just a wandering group but a divinely guided nation with a clear purpose and destiny, as promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Indeed, Moab dreaded
The repetition of Moab's fear emphasizes the intensity of their dread. The word "dreaded" comes from the Hebrew "qûṣ," which implies a loathing or abhorrence. This dread was not only due to the Israelites' numbers but also their divine backing, which Moab recognized as a significant threat.

the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This name carries the weight of God's covenant promises, which included the land of Canaan. The Israelites were not just any people; they were God's chosen nation, set apart for His purposes. Their identity was deeply rooted in their relationship with Yahweh, which was evident in their laws, customs, and worship practices.

(3) And Moab was sore afraid of the people.--There was no ground for this apprehension, inasmuch as the Divine command given to Moses was "Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle" (Deuteronomy 2:9). It does not appear, however, that Balak was aware of the prohibition; and the recent conquests of the Israelites naturally filled the Moabites with alarm, especially inasmuch as when the Israelites sent to the King of Moab to ask permission to pass through his land he did not consent (Judges 11:17).

Verse 3. - Moab was sore afraid of the people. While the Israelites had moved along their eastern and north-eastern border, the Moabites supplied them with provisions (Deuteronomy 2:29), desiring, no doubt, to be rid of them, but not disdaining to make some profit by their presence. But after the sudden defeat and overthrow of their own Amorite conquerors, their terror and uneasiness forced them to take some action, although they dared not commence open hostilities.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and Moab
מוֹאָ֜ב (mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled

was terrified
וַיָּ֨גָר (way·yā·ḡār)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1481: To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility

of
מִפְּנֵ֥י (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the people
הָעָ֛ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

because
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they
ה֑וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

were numerous.
רַב־ (raḇ-)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

Indeed, Moab
מוֹאָ֔ב (mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled

dreaded
וַיָּ֣קָץ (way·yā·qāṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6973: To feel a loathing, abhorrence, or sickening dread

the Israelites.
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT Law: Numbers 22:3 Moab was sore afraid of the people (Nu Num.)
Numbers 22:2
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