Background and Context:
Balak, the son of Zippor, was the king of Moab during the time when the Israelites were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. The narrative of Balak's fear of Israel is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. This period marks a significant moment in Israel's wilderness wanderings, as they approached the borders of Moab after defeating the Amorites and the king of Bashan, Og. The Israelites' victories and their sheer numbers instilled fear in the surrounding nations, including Moab.

Scriptural Account:
The account begins with Balak observing the Israelites encamped on the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. Numbers 22:2-3 states, "Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites."

Balak's fear was not unfounded. The Israelites had already demonstrated their military prowess and divine favor by defeating powerful kings. The Moabites, aware of these events, were filled with dread, fearing that their own land and people would be overrun by the Israelites.

Balak's Response:
In response to this fear, Balak sought to employ supernatural means to counter the perceived threat. He sent messengers to Balaam, a renowned prophet, requesting that he come and curse the Israelites. Balak's message to Balaam, as recorded in Numbers 22:5-6 , was, "Look, a people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. So please come now and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful 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."

Balak's strategy reveals his belief in the power of spoken blessings and curses, a common belief in the ancient Near East. He hoped that a curse from Balaam would weaken the Israelites and enable Moab to defeat them.

Divine Intervention:
Despite Balak's persistent efforts, God intervened to protect Israel. Balaam, though initially willing to comply with Balak's request, was ultimately compelled by God to bless Israel instead of cursing them. Numbers 23:8 records Balaam's words, "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?"

Throughout the narrative, Balaam delivers a series of oracles that affirm God's blessing upon Israel and predict their future success. Balak's fear and attempts to manipulate spiritual forces against Israel were thwarted by God's sovereign will.

Theological Implications:
Balak's fear of Israel underscores the theme of divine protection and favor upon God's chosen people. Despite the intentions of their enemies, the Israelites were safeguarded by God's promises and power. This account serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the futility of opposing His divine plan.

The narrative also highlights the limitations of human power and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations. Balak's reliance on Balaam's curse reflects a misunderstanding of the true source of Israel's strength, which was not in numbers or military might, but in their covenant relationship with God.