How far is the average distance to the horizon?
The average distance to the horizon is roughly 13 to 14 miles. This figure was given to illustrate how far King Balak could see, yet he saw nothing but Israelites covering the land as far as the eye could see.
Les explains that King Balak sent messengers to Balaam, the false prophet, because Israel had come out of Egypt and seemed to cover the face of the earth. Les says this was a play on words: as far as the eye could see, there was nothing but Israelites. To illustrate the point, Les asks what the average distance to the horizon is, answering about 13 or 14 miles. Yet as far as old King Balak could see, he saw nothing but these Israelites. Balak then offered Balaam tremendous wealth if he would curse Israel, hoping by that curse God would destroy them.