From the history recorded in Num. 23 and 24, and also from Judges 11:25, it would appear that Balak did not at any time actually engage in conflict with Israel. He is said, therefore, in this place to have “warred” against them because he intended to do it, laying the plans and preparation accordingly. God considers the intent the act. The state of mind that causes the perpetration of a willfully sinful act is the essence of the sin; the act itself is but the execution of the intent (Matt. 5:28).