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 persistence is a significant theme in these chapters, as he repeatedly attempts to thwart the progress of the Israelites through supernatural means.

Context and Background

The Israelites, having been delivered from Egypt and having wandered in the wilderness for forty years, were approaching the borders of Moab. The Moabites, under the rule of Balak, were filled with dread because of the sheer number of Israelites and their recent victories over neighboring nations. Balak, recognizing the potential threat to his kingdom, sought to protect his people by enlisting the help of Balaam, a renowned prophet and diviner.

Balak's Initial Request

Balak sent messengers to Balaam with the request to come and curse the Israelites. He believed that a curse from Balaam would weaken the Israelites and enable the Moabites 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."

Divine Intervention

God intervened by instructing Balaam not to go with Balak's messengers and not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12). Despite this clear directive, Balak's persistence did not wane. He sent more distinguished officials with promises of great reward, hoping to persuade Balaam to change his mind.

Balak's Continued Efforts

Balak's persistence is further demonstrated when Balaam, after receiving permission from God to go but only to speak what God commands, arrives in Moab. Balak takes Balaam to several high places, hoping that a change of location might influence the outcome. Each time, Balaam seeks God's guidance and ends up blessing Israel instead of cursing them, much to Balak's frustration.

Numbers 23:11 captures Balak's exasperation: "What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have only blessed them!" Despite these setbacks, Balak does not relent. He takes Balaam to another location, hoping for a different result, demonstrating his unwavering determination to achieve his goal.

The Final Attempt

Balak's persistence culminates in a final attempt at Peor, where he again seeks a curse upon Israel. However, Balaam, under the influence of the Spirit of God, delivers a prophetic blessing instead, affirming the strength and future prosperity of Israel (Numbers 24:10). Balak's anger reaches its peak, and he dismisses Balaam without the desired curse.

Significance

Balak's persistence highlights the futility of opposing God's will. Despite his repeated efforts and the use of a renowned prophet, Balak could not alter the divine blessing upon Israel. His account serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the assurance that His purposes will prevail, regardless of human opposition.