Numbers 22:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Balak consults with the Midianite elders, describing Israel as a locust plague that will consume everything.
The Context of Numbers 22:4
Balak compares Israel's threat to a grazing ox consuming everything.
What Does Numbers 22:4 Mean?
Balak uses vivid agricultural imagery to convey the threat: an ox grazing grass is quick and indiscriminate, leaving nothing. He metaphorically describes Israel as an unstoppable force that will devour the surrounding nations' resources, territory, and power.
This consultation between Moab and Midian shows their attempt to form an alliance against the common threat. Both nations recognize the gravity of Israel's position and seek collective action to counter it.
Numbers 22:4 in the Original Language
The metaphor of licking up grass evokes the scourge of locusts in Egyptian plagues—a biblical image of total devastation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 22:4
What does Numbers 22:4 mean?
Balak consults with the Midianite elders, describing Israel as a locust plague that will consume everything.
What is the context of Numbers 22:4?
Balak compares Israel's threat to a grazing ox consuming everything.