Balak
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Balak in the Bible?
Balak was the king of Moab who hired the diviner Balaam to pronounce a curse on the Israelites. He is mentioned in connection with the story of Balaam and Balak (Numbers 22-24; compare Joshua 24:9; Judges 11:25; Micah 6:5; Revelation 2:14).
SIGNIFICANCE
Balak's narrative demonstrates the theme of divine sovereignty, showing how attempts to manipulate spiritual forces against the covenant community are ultimately thwarted, reinforcing the theological message that God's blessing cannot be reversed by human or magical intervention.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Balak reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Balak in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Balak clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Joshua 24:9Judges 11:25Micah 6:5Revelation 2:14
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Balak." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/balak/