BALAC.—Moabite king, son of Sephor, at the time when the Hebrews were about to take possession of Palestine (Num. 22–24; mentioned in Iudc. 11:25; Mi. 6:5; Apoc. 2:14).
Shortly before the Israelites entered the Moabite plain, Sehon had taken the capital Hesebon from the local king,
who is presented as the first king of Moab (Num. 21:26): he may have been B.’s predecessor or B. himself. When he learned of the irreparable defeat of his powerful former enemy, he became afraid, and, unaware that God had forbidden the Israelites to attack the Moabites, the descendants of Lot (Deut. 2:9), he thought of resorting to a supernatural power. He sent Moabite and Midianite messengers (the latter neighbors of Moab and likewise descendants of Thare) Balaam (v.) so that, through his sorcery, he might drive back the invaders. Balaam came, but, compelled by the true God, blessed the Israelites, prophesying their future glory, and departed, leaving B. disappointed.
Ermenegildo Florit
BALADITES:
V. ANTONIANI-MARONITI.