Biblical Context:
The narrative of Balak summoning Balaam is found in the Book of Numbers, chapters 22 to 24. This account occurs during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, as they approach the Promised Land. The Israelites had recently defeated the Amorites and were encamped in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan River, opposite Jericho.

Historical Background:
Balak, the son of Zippor, was the king of Moab during this period. The Moabites, descendants of Lot, were historically related to the Israelites but often found themselves in conflict with them. As the Israelites encamped near Moab, Balak became exceedingly fearful of their numbers and their recent military successes.

Biblical Account:
In Numbers 22:2-4 , it is recorded: "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." In response to this fear, Balak sought a means to weaken the Israelites, turning to spiritual warfare by summoning Balaam, a renowned diviner from Pethor, near the Euphrates River.

Balaam's Summoning:
Balak sent messengers to Balaam with rewards for divination, requesting that he come and curse the Israelites. Numbers 22:6 states Balak's plea: "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."

Divine Intervention:
Balaam, though a pagan diviner, was aware of the God of Israel. When the messengers arrived, Balaam sought God's guidance. God instructed Balaam not to go with the men and not to curse the Israelites, for they were blessed (Numbers 22:12). Despite this clear directive, Balak persisted, sending more distinguished officials with promises of greater rewards.

Balaam's Journey:
Eventually, God permitted Balaam to go with Balak's officials but only to speak what God commanded (Numbers 22:20). On his journey, Balaam encountered the Angel of the LORD, who stood as an adversary in his path. This encounter, involving Balaam's donkey, served as a divine warning and a reminder of God's sovereignty over Balaam's words.

Prophetic Oracles:
Upon arrival, Balaam was taken to various high places to view the Israelites and attempt to curse them. However, each time Balaam opened his mouth, he could only pronounce blessings over Israel. 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?"

Significance:
The account of Balak summoning Balaam underscores several theological themes. It highlights God's protective hand over Israel, ensuring that no curse could prevail against His chosen people. It also demonstrates God's sovereignty, as He uses even a pagan diviner to proclaim His blessings. Furthermore, it serves as a testament to the futility of opposing God's will, as Balak's efforts to curse Israel were repeatedly thwarted.

Legacy:
The account of Balak and Balaam is referenced in later biblical texts as a cautionary tale against idolatry and the seduction of false teachings (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14). Balaam's eventual counsel to Balak, which led to Israel's sin at Peor, is remembered as a grave transgression, illustrating the dangers of compromising with pagan practices.