Wesley Corpus

Chapter XXII Balak's fear of Israel, ver. 1 - 4. His message to Balaam, who refuses to come, ver. 5 - 14. On the second message he goes, ver. 15 - 21. He is rebuked by an angel, ver. 22 - 35. His interview with Balak, ver. 36 - 41. The plains of Moab - Which still retained their ancient title, though they had been taken away from the Moabites by Sihon, and from him by the Israelites. By Jericho - That is, over against Jericho. Sore afraid - As it was foretold both in general of all nations, Deu 2:25, and particularly concerning Moab, Exo 15:15. The elders - Called the kings of Midian, Nu 31:8, and princes of Midian, Jos 13:21, who though divided into their kingdoms yet were now united upon the approach of the Israelites their common enemy, and being, as it seems, a potent and crafty people, and neighbours to the Moabites, these seek confederacy with them. We read of Midianites near mount Sinai, Exod. 2, and 3, which seem to have been a colony of this people, that went out to seek new quarters, as the manner of those times was, but the body of that people were seated in those parts. Lick up - That is, consume and utterly destroy, in which sense the fire is said to lick up the water and sacrifices, 1Ki 18:38. All that are round about us - All our people, who live in the country adjoining to each city, where the princes reside. Balaam - Who is called a prophet, 2Pet 2:16, because God was pleased to inspire and direct him to speak the following prophecies. Indeed many of the Jewish writers say, that Balaam had been a great prophet, who for the accomplishment of his predictions, and the answers of his prayers, had been looked upon justly as a man of great interest with God. However it is certain, that afterwards for his covetousness, God departed from him. Beor - Or, Bosor, 2Pet 2:15, for he had two names, as many others had. Pethor - A city in Mesopotamia. By the river - By Euphrates, which is called the river, by way of eminency, and here the river of Balaam's land or country, to wit, of Mesopotamia.