ba.laq is the personal name used for Moab's king who summons Balaam and seeks a curse against Israel.

The term functions throughout as a proper name for Moab's king: he sends for Balaam, directs the encounters and offerings connected with Balaam, and is later recalled in relation to Israel.

1. Name of Moab's king in the Balaam narrative · dominant

   The noun proper identifies the king who sends messengers to Balaam in Numbers 22:15, meets him on his arrival in Numbers 22:36, and repeatedly directs him to curse Israel in Numbers 23:13. In Numbers 24:10 the APB renders his anger when Balaam has blessed rather than cursed his enemies.

   Numbers 22:15Numbers 22:36Numbers 23:13Numbers 23:25Numbers 24:10Numbers 24:25

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB consistently presents the term as a personal name, often with “son of Zippor” and “king of Moab.” Its surrounding descriptions identify the named figure rather than define the term.