Numbers 22:22

Then God's anger was kindled because Balaam was going along, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

Study Bible

But God was angry
The Hebrew word for "angry" here is "אַף" (aph), which often denotes a flaring of the nostrils, a vivid image of divine displeasure. This phrase underscores the seriousness of Balaam's actions. Despite Balaam's earlier insistence that he would only speak what God commanded, his heart was swayed by the promise of reward from Balak. This serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and His intolerance for duplicity or greed, emphasizing the need for purity of heart in our intentions.

that Balaam was going
The journey of Balaam is not merely a physical one but a spiritual descent into compromise. The Hebrew verb "הָלַךְ" (halak) means "to go" or "to walk," and it often implies a manner of life or conduct. Balaam's path was one of disobedience, as he chose to pursue his own desires over God's clear instructions. This highlights the importance of aligning our paths with God's will, as deviation can lead to divine opposition.

and the angel of the LORD
The "angel of the LORD" is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often seen as a manifestation of God's presence. The Hebrew term "מַלְאַךְ" (malak) means "messenger," and this divine messenger acts as an enforcer of God's will. The presence of the angel signifies the gravity of Balaam's rebellion and serves as a divine intervention to prevent further transgression. It reminds us of God's active role in guiding and correcting His people.

stood in the road to oppose him
The Hebrew word for "stood" is "נָצַב" (natsab), which conveys a sense of firmness and determination. The angel's position in the road is a physical and spiritual blockade, representing God's resistance to Balaam's misguided journey. The word "oppose" comes from "שָׂטָן" (satan), meaning "to act as an adversary." This is one of the few instances where the term is used in the Old Testament, illustrating the seriousness of Balaam's opposition to God's will. It serves as a powerful reminder that God will actively intervene to prevent His people from straying too far from His path.

Balaam was riding his donkey
The image of Balaam on his donkey is both literal and symbolic. The donkey, a humble and often stubborn animal, mirrors Balaam's own obstinacy. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a donkey was a common means of transport, but here it becomes a tool for divine communication. This scene foreshadows the miraculous event where the donkey speaks, highlighting God's sovereignty in using the ordinary to achieve His purposes.

and his two servants were with him
The presence of Balaam's servants indicates that he was not alone in his journey, yet they remain passive observers in the narrative. This detail emphasizes Balaam's responsibility and the personal nature of his encounter with the divine. It serves as a reminder that while others may accompany us in life, our spiritual journey and accountability before God are ultimately personal. The servants' silence contrasts with the forthcoming dialogue between Balaam and the donkey, underscoring the unexpected ways God can communicate His truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Balaam is a complex figure, known for his interactions with God and his eventual role in leading Israel into sin.

2. The Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who appears in the Old Testament, often representing God's presence and authority. In this passage, the Angel of the LORD stands as an adversary to Balaam, indicating divine displeasure.

3. The Donkey
Balaam's donkey plays a crucial role in the account, as it is given the ability to see the Angel of the LORD and eventually speaks to Balaam, highlighting the spiritual blindness of Balaam.

4. The Road
The path Balaam takes to meet Balak. It becomes a place of divine encounter and confrontation, symbolizing the journey of obedience versus disobedience.

5. Balaam's Servants
They accompany Balaam on his journey, witnessing the events but not directly interacting with the divine encounter.

Teaching Points

Divine Opposition to Disobedience
God actively opposes actions that go against His will, as seen in His anger towards Balaam's journey. This serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance and align our actions with His purposes.

Spiritual Blindness
Balaam's inability to see the Angel of the LORD, while his donkey does, illustrates the danger of spiritual blindness. We must remain vigilant and open to God's direction, even when it comes from unexpected sources.

God's Sovereignty and Control
The account demonstrates God's control over all creation, including animals, to fulfill His purposes. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace and assurance in our lives.

The Role of the Angel of the LORD
The Angel of the LORD acts as a divine messenger and enforcer of God's will. Understanding this role can deepen our appreciation for God's active involvement in the world.

The Consequences of Greed
Balaam's account warns against the pursuit of material gain at the expense of righteousness. We are called to prioritize obedience to God over worldly rewards.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Balaam's encounter with the Angel of the LORD challenge our understanding of divine intervention in our lives?

2. In what ways can we become spiritually blind, like Balaam, and how can we cultivate spiritual awareness?

3. How does the account of Balaam and his donkey illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty over creation?

4. What lessons can we learn from Balaam's motivations and actions about the dangers of greed and the pursuit of personal gain?

5. How can the role of the Angel of the LORD in this passage inform our understanding of God's guidance and protection in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 16:7-14
The Angel of the LORD appears to Hagar, showing the recurring role of this divine figure in guiding and intervening in human affairs.

2 Peter 2:15-16
Peter references Balaam's account, highlighting his love for gain from wrongdoing and the rebuke he received from a speechless donkey.

Revelation 2:14
Balaam is mentioned in the context of leading Israel into sin, showing the long-term consequences of his actions.