Book of Numbers - Chapter 22 - Verse 36

When Balak, the king of Moab, learned that the prophet Balaam was approaching, he went out to meet him in a city on the border of Moab, near the Arnon River. This encounter took place in a significant location, as the city was situated on the utmost coast, representing the edge of Moab's territory. Balak's decision to personally greet Balaam underscores the urgency and importance of the situation at hand. By going out to meet the prophet, Balak demonstrated his desire to persuade Balaam to act in his favor. This event marked the beginning of a critical exchange between Balak and Balaam, which would ultimately shape the course of future events in the region. The specific location mentioned in the verse serves as a geographical marker, highlighting the proximity of the meeting to the border of Arnon and emphasizing the strategic significance of the encounter between Balak and Balaam.

When Balak heard that the prophet Balaam was approaching, he went out to meet him. This encounter took place in a city of Moab, located on the border of Arnon, which was considered to be the utmost coast at that time. This verse highlights the importance of the meeting between Balak and Balaam, as it sets the stage for their interaction and the unfolding of the events to come. The choice of location, on the border of Arnon, symbolizes the liminal space where the spiritual and physical worlds intersect. It also signifies the boundary between the worldly powers of Moab and the divine authority that Balaam represents. Through a theological lens, this verse can be seen as a demonstration of the clash between human desires and divine will, as Balak seeks to influence Balaam's prophetic abilities for his own purposes. This encounter sets the scene for the subsequent dialogue and conflict that will arise between the two characters, ultimately leading to profound theological and moral reflections.