He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: (Numbers 22:5)
A constant threat of organized raiding parties. Such a situation naturally made the Moabites most apprehensive.
A people.
An organized nation that 40 years previously had spoiled Egypt and humbled Pharaoh.
His people.
Literally, “Amaw” (RSV), now definitely identified with the region of the Sajûr Valley, from an inscription on the statue of Idrimi. This valley is situated between Aleppo and Carchemish. The journey from Pitru (see above), a distance of some 400 mi., would require 2 weeks (see PP 438, 439).
Pethor.
Now definitely identified with Pitru, a short distance from the Euphrates, and to the south of Carchemish. This identification requires that “the river” must be the Euphrates (see Ex. 23:31; Joshua 24:2, 3, 14). According to Balaam’s own statement (Num. 23:7) he was from Aram, as the region of Upper Mesopotamia was known (see PP 438).
Balaam.
From a verb meaning “to swallow up,”“to engulf,”“to violently destroy.”
Sent messengers.
Apparently sent by agreement with the Midianites (see v. 4).