Balak, the son of Zippor, was the king of Moab during the time when the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. Balak's anger is a significant theme in this narrative, as it highlights his fear and hostility towards the Israelites and his subsequent actions to curse them.

Context and Background

The Israelites, having been delivered from Egypt, were making their way through the territories east of the Jordan River. As they camped in the plains of Moab, Balak observed their vast numbers and became exceedingly fearful. The Moabites were greatly distressed because of the Israelites, as they had heard of their previous victories over the Amorites and other nations. Balak's fear quickly turned into anger and desperation, prompting him to seek a supernatural means to combat the perceived threat.

Balak's Request to Balaam

In his anger and fear, Balak sent messengers to Balaam, a renowned prophet, to come and curse the Israelites. Balak believed that a curse from Balaam would weaken the Israelites and enable him to defeat them. Numbers 22:6 records Balak's plea: "Please come now and curse this people for me, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed."

Balaam's Response and Balak's Persistence

Initially, God instructed Balaam not to go with Balak's messengers and not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12). Balaam relayed this message to Balak's officials, but Balak, undeterred, sent more distinguished officials with promises of great reward. Balak's persistence in the face of divine opposition underscores his anger and determination to see the Israelites cursed.

Balak's Anger Intensifies

Despite Balaam's eventual arrival, Balak's anger only grew as Balaam, under God's direction, blessed the Israelites instead of cursing them. Numbers 23:11 captures Balak's frustration: "What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have only blessed them!" Balak's anger is further inflamed as Balaam continues to pronounce blessings over Israel in subsequent oracles.

The Climax of Balak's Anger

Balak's anger reaches its peak in Numbers 24:10 : "Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to him, 'I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.'" Balak's reaction is one of exasperation and indignation, as his plans are thwarted by the divine will.

Theological Implications

Balak's anger serves as a narrative device to contrast human intentions with divine sovereignty. Despite Balak's efforts and anger, God's purpose for Israel prevails. This account demonstrates the futility of opposing God's will and the protection He affords His chosen people. Balak's anger, rooted in fear and pride, ultimately leads to his own frustration and failure, highlighting the biblical theme that no weapon formed against God's people shall prosper.