Introduction:
Balak, the son of Zippor, was the king of Moab during the time when the Israelites were journeying towards the Promised Land. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. Balak's frustration is a significant narrative that highlights the futility of opposing God's will and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations.

Context:
As the Israelites encamped in the plains of Moab, Balak observed their vast numbers and became exceedingly fearful. The Moabites were distressed because of the Israelites, as they had heard of their victories over the Amorites. Balak's fear was compounded by the belief that the Israelites would consume everything around them, as an ox licks up the grass of the field (Numbers 22:4).

Balak's Attempt to Curse Israel:
In an attempt to protect his kingdom, Balak sought the services of Balaam, a renowned prophet, to curse the Israelites. Balak sent messengers to Balaam with rewards for divination, hoping that Balaam's curse would weaken the Israelites and allow Moab to defeat them (Numbers 22:5-7).

Divine Intervention:
God intervened by instructing Balaam not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12). Despite Balak's persistent efforts, including sending more distinguished officials and offering greater rewards, Balaam was compelled to follow God's command. Balaam's journey to meet Balak was marked by the famous incident of the talking donkey, which further emphasized God's control over the situation (Numbers 22:21-35).

Balak's Frustration Intensified:
Upon Balaam's arrival, Balak took him to various high places, hoping that a change of location might influence the outcome. However, each time Balaam attempted to curse Israel, God put words of blessing in his mouth instead. Balaam declared, "How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?" (Numbers 23:8). This repeated blessing of Israel only served to heighten Balak's frustration.

The Oracles of Balaam:
Balaam delivered a series of oracles, each reinforcing the blessing upon Israel and the futility of Balak's desires. In one of the oracles, Balaam proclaimed, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19). These declarations underscored the unchangeable nature of God's promises to Israel.

Balak's Anger and Dismissal of Balaam:
Balak's frustration reached its peak when Balaam, instead of cursing, pronounced a blessing over Israel, stating, "May those who bless you be blessed, and those who curse you be cursed!" (Numbers 24:9). In anger, Balak dismissed Balaam without reward, lamenting that the LORD had kept Balaam from being honored (Numbers 24:10-11).

Theological Implications:
Balak's frustration serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of opposing God's will. Despite human efforts and desires, God's purposes prevail. The narrative illustrates the protection and blessing that God bestows upon His chosen people, Israel, and His sovereignty over all nations. Balak's inability to curse Israel highlights the divine promise given to Abraham: "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse" (Genesis 12:3).

Conclusion:
Balak's account is a testament to the enduring truth that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes. His frustration is emblematic of the broader biblical theme of God's ultimate authority and the assurance of His promises to His people.