במדבר, פרק כ״ג, פסוק ו׳

Balak, the king of Moab, waits in tense anticipation for Balaam to return from his encounter with God. The king and his royal entourage stand expectantly around the altar, waiting to hear the prophet's declaration. In a literal sense, Balak is simply positioned physically beside his burnt offering [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, this posture of standing may also carry a deeper spiritual significance, hinting that the king actually experiences a moment of divine inspiration during this gathering [אדרת אליהו].

The presence of the king's entire entourage at this altar reveals a broader story of gradual disillusionment. During this initial attempt to curse the Israelites, every single one of the Moabite princes stands firmly alongside the king. Yet, as the attempts continue, their faith in Balaam steadily crumbles. By the second attempt, the total participation of the princes drops away. Some depart, and those who remain stay merely out of respect for Balak rather than any real belief in the power of the sacrifices. By the third and final attempt, the princes are absent entirely. They completely abandon the effort, having finally realized that Balaam and his rituals are entirely powerless [אדרת אליהו].