An unprecedented diplomatic mission takes shape as two rival nations unite against a shared threat. Historically, a deep hatred divided Moab and Midian. Their sudden alliance is likened to two hostile dogs that temporarily join forces only because a wolf threatens one of them; similarly, these two nations made peace solely out of their mutual fear of the Israelites [תורה תמימה, דעת זקנים]. To recruit the era's greatest sorcerer, the Moabite king carefully selected respected leaders to form a high-level delegation, ensuring the endeavor had broad public support and legitimacy [רש ר הירש, ברכת אשר]. Some suggest these chosen elders were not just political figures, but wise men and professional sorcerers in their own right [אבן עזרא, נחל קדומים]. However, there is an opinion that the Midianite elders only offered counsel and never actually made the journey, remaining in their own land [אברבנאל].
The delegation did not arrive empty-handed; they came fully prepared to ensure the mission's immediate success. The primary approach among commentators is that they carried physical tools of sorcery. By bringing the necessary equipment directly to the sorcerer, the envoys eliminated any potential excuse he might use to evade the task [רש״י, ספורנו, רשב״ם, מלבי״ם]. Others suggest they brought spellbooks and magical scrolls [חזקוני, פענח רזא, בכור שור], navigational instruments for the journey [ביאור שטיינזלץ], or even idols and statues to accompany him as a sign of profound honor [הכתב והקבלה]. Alternatively, the items they carried were not magical at all, but rather an upfront payment of gold and silver to secure his services [רבנו בחיי, דעת זקנים].
Beyond physical items, the delegation's arrival also involved a calculated psychological and astrological test. The elders had predetermined an auspicious hour and agreed upon a specific sign: if the sorcerer accepted their request and departed immediately, it would prove he possessed genuine power. If he hesitated or delayed, it would reveal his incompetence. When he ultimately told them to wait until morning, the Midianite elders concluded he was powerless, abandoned the mission, and returned home, leaving only the Moabite officials behind [רש״י, אברבנאל, שפתי חכמים, גור אריה]. Another interpretation of this test suggests that the elders held hidden objects in their hands and remained silent, waiting to see if he could use his magical abilities to divine their purpose and identify what they were concealing [שפתי כהן].
Despite the departure of the Midianites, the Moabite elders remained to deliver their king's message. Their willingness to wait respectfully to hear the word of God ultimately earned them the merit of long life and the privilege of having Ruth the Moabite descend from their nation [שפתי כהן]. Throughout these events, it is clear that the recruited man was fundamentally a sorcerer who operated using impure forces, and the delegation treated him exactly as such. However, God directly intervened, temporarily elevating him to the level of a prophet. This divine intervention was orchestrated solely to protect the Israelites, thwarting the intended curse and transforming it into a highly public blessing. This dramatic reversal was meant to resonate across the nations of the world, proving unequivocally that God's providence overpowers all systems of sorcery and magic [רלב״ג, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם].