Numbers 22:22-41 (AMPC)

Numbers 22:22-41 (AMPC)

In this passage, we encounter the cool story of Balaam, a diviner and prophet who was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab. Balak was fearful of the Israelites, who were encamped nearby, and he sought Balaam's assistance in cursing them. As Balaam embarked on this journey, we witness a series of events that reveal profound insights about obedience, God's sovereignty, and the nature of communication between the divine and human.

Now Let's Eat Some Meat!

"And God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the Angel of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his donkey, and his two servants were with him. And the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His sword drawn in His hand and turned aside out of the way and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey to turn her into the way. But the Angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side and a wall on that side. And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she thrust herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against it, and he struck her again. And the Angel of the Lord went further and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right hand or to the left. And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam, and Balaam’s anger was kindled and he struck the donkey with his staff. And the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to you that you should strike me these three times? And Balaam said to the donkey, Because you have ridiculed and provoked me! I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you! And the donkey said to Balaam, Am not I your donkey, upon which you have ridden all your life long until this day? Was I ever accustomed to do so to you? And he said, No. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His sword drawn in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell on his face. And the Angel of the Lord said to him, Why have you struck your donkey these three times? See, I came out to stand against and resist you, for your behavior is willfully obstinate and contrary before Me. And the donkey saw Me and turned from Me these three times. If she had not turned from Me, surely I would have slain you and saved her alive. And Balaam said to the Angel of the Lord, I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. But now, if my going displeases You, I will return. The Angel of the Lord said to Balaam, Go with the men, but you shall speak only what I tell you. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. When Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him at the city of Moab, which is on the border at the Arnon [River], which is the boundary of the territory. And Balak said to Balaam, Did I not urgently send to you to summon you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to promote you to honor? And Balaam said to Balak, Indeed I have come to you, but do I now have any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak. And Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep and sent for Balaam and for the princes who were with him. And in the morning Balak took Balaam and brought him up into the high places of Baal; from there he saw the extent of the Israelites."

As Balaam sets out on his mission, he encounters a divine intervention in the form of an Angel of the Lord, standing in his way with a drawn sword. Balaam's donkey sees the Angel and veers off the path, leading to Balaam's frustration and repeated attempts to force the donkey back on track. The donkey's unexpected behavior and eventual verbal interaction with Balaam serve as signs of God's intervention, illustrating that even a seemingly insignificant creature can be an instrument of God's will.

The climax of the narrative occurs when God opens Balaam's eyes to see the Angel. Balaam's realization and submission to God's authority lead to a confession of sin and a willingness to follow God's direction. This encounter emphasizes the importance of humility, repentance, and acknowledging one's own limited perspective when faced with divine intervention.

Relevance to Today's Believers:

Obedience and Submission: Balaam's journey teaches us the significance of obediently following God's guidance and yielding to His will, even when faced with unexpected obstacles or challenges. Today's believers are reminded to remain steadfast in their faith and responsive to God's leading.

Humility and Repentance: Balaam's eventual recognition of his error and his willingness to repent demonstrate the importance of humility before God. Modern believers should cultivate a spirit of contrition, seeking forgiveness when they veer off course and remaining open to God's correction.

Divine Intervention: The narrative underscores God's ability to intervene in unexpected ways to guide His people. Just as Balaam's donkey was used as a vehicle for divine communication, today's believers should remain attentive to God's messages, even if they come through unconventional means.

God's Sovereignty: The Angel's presence and Balaam's encounter highlight God's ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances. In a world filled with uncertainties, believers are encouraged to trust in God's providence and divine plan.

The Power of Words: Balaam's realization that he could only speak the words that God put in his mouth serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking in alignment with God's truth. In today's context, believers should use their words to uplift, encourage, and convey God's message of love.

In conclusion, the account of Balaam's encounter with the Angel of the Lord offers valuable insights into obedience, humility, divine intervention, and the power of words. These lessons remain relevant to today's believers, guiding them in their journey of faith and encouraging them to align their lives with God's will.

If You Have Ears To Hear, Thern Hear It!