Numbers 22:1-4

Moab's Fear of Israel. Of these verses I comes from P, the rest from JE (the presence of both constituents being shown by the repetitions in Numbers 22:3). As the Moabites were great breeders of sheep (2 Kings 3:4), they feared that the pasturage would not suffice for both themselves and Israel (likewise a pastoral people). The reference in Numbers 22:4 (and also Numbers 22:7) to Midian is probably due to an editor who wished to bring P's allusions to Balaam in Numbers 31:8; Numbers 31:16 into connexion with the present story.

Numbers 22:1. beyond the Jordan: i.e. E. of the river, described from the point of view of a resident on the W. of it.

Numbers 22:3. was distressed because of: better, loathed.