Early Access: Sign up to unlock all Pro features free through the end of 2026.
Biblexika
EncyclopediaBalak
TheologyB

Balak

Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)· Public Domain

(spoiler), son of Zippor, king of the Moabites, who hired Balaam to curse the Israelites; but his designs were frustrated int he manner recorded in (Numbers 22:24) (B.C. 1451.)

Explore “Balak” in Scripture
Search for this term across Bible translations in the Biblexika reader.
Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources
Compare dictionaries

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on Balak

Balak ba'-ak balaq, "devastator" or "one who lays waste"): Mentioned in connection with the story of Balaam/Balak (Nu 22:1-41 through Nu 24:1-25; compare Jos 24:9; Jg 11:25; Mic 6:5; Re 2:14). He was the king of Moab who hired Balaam to pronounce a curse on the Israelites. ⇒See a list of verses on BALAK in the Bible. See BALAAM. ⇒See also the McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia.

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible on Balak

A king of Moab who, according to a story pre- served in Nu 22-24, hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites before their entry into Canaan. See Bala,vm. F. H. Woods.

Fausset's Bible Dictionary on Balak

("vain, empty, son of Zipper".) Not hereditary king, but imposed on Moab by Sihon. (See BALAAM; HUR (2).) His employment of Balaam to curse Israel was near the close of Israel's journeying. His knowing as to the seer in Mesopotamia would imply a circulation of intelligence, great considering the times. Moab's descent from Lot, originally of Mesopotamia; also the merchant caravans passing across the deserts; also the advanced civilization of Moab in letters, proved by the Moabite stone some centuries later: all make it intelligible. Finding Israel "too mighty" for him (Num 22:6), and his hope of prevailing by Balaam's enchantments being disappointed, he let them alone thenceforth. His "warring against Israel" (Jos 24:9-10) consisted not in "fighting," which is denied in Jdg 11:25, but in hiring Balak against them.

References

  1. Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
  2. Easton, M.G. (1893) Easton's Bible Dictionary. 3rd edn. Thomas Nelson. [Public Domain]
  3. Nave, O.J. (1897) Nave's Topical Bible. Topical Bible Publishing Co.. [Public Domain]
  4. Hastings, J. (ed.) (1909) A Dictionary of the Bible. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
  5. Smith, W. (ed.) (1884) Smith's Bible Dictionary. London: John Murray. [Public Domain]
  6. Fausset, A.R. (1878) Fausset's Bible Dictionary. [Public Domain]A Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopaedia

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →