The Enigma of Balaam's Donkey

Numbers 22 teaches us the power of divine intervention, moral integrity, and the gift of prophecy. Despite Balak's fear and Balaam's desire for reward, God's will prevailed, reminding us that blessings cannot be overridden by human cursing. The speaking donkey serves as a sign of divine intervention and a call for humility and repentance. This narrative urges us to remain obedient and faithful to God's commands.

Balak’s Fear and Request (Verses 1-7)

Seeing the victory of the Israelites, King Balak of Moab felt threatened and formed an alliance with the Midianites. They sent elders to Balaam, a soothsayer in Pethor, with divination fees to invoke a curse on the Israelites.

God’s Warning to Balaam (Verses 8-14)

Balaam invited the messengers to stay overnight, awaiting God's instruction. God warned him not to go with the messengers or curse the Israelites because they are blessed. The next day, Balaam told the men that he could not go with them, so they left.

Second Delegation and Balaam's Journey (Verses 15-21)

Balak sent a more prestigious delegation, promising great honor and reward. Balaam was told by God to go but only speak what He commanded. So, Balaam set off on his donkey.

The Donkey's Vision and Rebuke (Verses 22-30)

God was angry that Balaam went and sent an angel to oppose him. Balaam’s donkey saw the angel and turned away three times, being beaten by Balaam each time. Then, God opened the donkey’s mouth, who asked Balaam why he had beaten her.

Balaam's Encounter with the Angel (Verses 31-35)

Then, God opened Balaam’s eyes to see the angel who rebuked him for mistreating his donkey, explaining that the donkey had saved his life. Balaam confessed his sin and offered to return, but the angel instructed him to continue but only speak what God would say.

Balak Meets Balaam (Verses 36-41)

When Balaam met Balak, he reiterated that he could only speak what God commanded, and they went to Kiriath Huzoth.

Numbers 22 depicts an intriguing narrative featuring a Moabite King, a prophet, his donkey, and an angel. King Balak, fearing the Israelites, seeks the prophecy of Balaam, a man renowned for his blessings and curses. A story full of divine interventions, complex characters, and miraculous events unfolds that challenges our understanding of obedience, perception, and morality.

1. Divine Intervention
2. Power of Blessing and Cursing
3. Free Will vs Divine Will
4. Deceptive Intentions
5. Miracle & Prophecy1. Balaam's Call
2. God's Instruction
3. Balaam's Journey
4. The Speaking Donkey
5. Balaam's Repentance1. Balaam
2. Balak
3. Balaam’s Donkey
4. Angel of the Lord1. Moab
2. Pethor
3. Aram

1. Why did Balak feel threatened by the Israelites? How do you respond when you feel threatened?

2. What does Balak's act of reaching out to Balaam suggest about his belief system?

3. How did Balaam respond to the messengers initially? What does this tell us about his character?

4. Discuss the significance of Balaam seeking God’s counsel before making a decision.

5. How does God's reaction to Balaam's decision to go with Balak's men explore the tension between free will and divine will?

6. In what ways does Balaam's donkey demonstrate wisdom and insight that Balaam lacks?

7. What is the significance of the donkey speaking? What does this teach us about divine intervention?

8. How does the angel’s rebuke of Balaam explore themes of justice and humility?

9. Why does God eventually allow Balaam to go with Balak's men? How does this relate to our understanding of God's plans?

10. How does Balaam's interaction with the angel shift his perception of his journey?

11. Discuss the role of divine intervention in Balaam's journey. How does God intervene in our lives today?

12. How does the story of Balaam teach us to discern between our desires and God's will?

13. What does Balaam's experience teach us about the power of our words and blessings?

14. How can we apply the lesson of only speaking God's words in our daily lives?

15. What lessons about repentance and humility can we learn from Balaam's encounter with the angel?

16. In modern times, how can we identify when we are like Balaam, more focused on our desires than on God's plan?

17. In what ways are we sometimes like Balaam's donkey, seeing God's message when others don't?

18. How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, as opposed to our personal desires or the expectations of others?

19. In what ways does the story of Balaam resonate with you personally?

20. How can you apply the lessons from this story to your current life circumstances?