Numbers 22:27

When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.

Study Bible

When the donkey saw
The Hebrew word for "saw" is "ra'ah," which implies not just a physical sight but a perception or understanding. This highlights the irony that the donkey, a creature considered simple and lacking in understanding, perceives the spiritual reality that Balaam, a renowned seer, fails to see. This serves as a humbling reminder that God can use the least expected means to reveal His truth and that spiritual insight is a gift from God, not dependent on human wisdom or status.

the angel of the LORD
The term "angel of the LORD" is often understood in conservative Christian theology as a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This encounter underscores the seriousness of Balaam's mission and the divine intervention to prevent him from cursing Israel. The presence of the angel signifies God's protective sovereignty over His people and His active involvement in the affairs of men, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled.

she lay down under Balaam
The act of the donkey lying down is significant. In the Hebrew context, this action symbolizes submission and refusal to proceed. It is a physical manifestation of resistance to Balaam's misguided intentions. This moment serves as a divine interruption, a pause orchestrated by God to redirect Balaam's path. It reminds believers that God can use any circumstance to halt our progress when we are headed in the wrong direction, urging us to reconsider our ways.

and he became furious
Balaam's fury reveals his character and spiritual blindness. The Hebrew word "charah" for "furious" indicates a burning anger, often associated with a lack of control and understanding. This reaction contrasts with the calm and discerning response expected from a prophet of God. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and self-will, which can blind us to God's interventions and lead us to act irrationally.

and beat the donkey with his staff
The staff, a symbol of authority and guidance, is misused by Balaam in his anger. This misuse of power reflects Balaam's failure to recognize God's hand in the situation. In a broader sense, it warns against the abuse of authority and the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. The incident encourages believers to exercise patience and seek divine wisdom, especially when faced with obstacles, trusting that God may be using them to guide us toward His greater purpose.

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 known for his interactions with God and his eventual blessing of Israel instead of cursing them.

2. The Donkey
Balaam's donkey plays a crucial role in this account. She sees the angel of the LORD and acts to protect Balaam, demonstrating a spiritual awareness that Balaam initially lacks.

3. The Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who stands in the path to oppose Balaam. The angel's presence is a significant turning point in the account, representing God's intervention.

4. Balak
The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. His actions set the stage for the events involving Balaam and the donkey.

5. Moab
The region where Balak rules and where the Israelites are encamped. It is the backdrop for the unfolding drama between Balaam, the donkey, and the angel.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Awareness
The donkey's ability to see the angel of the LORD before Balaam serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment. We should seek to be attuned to God's presence and guidance in our lives.

Divine Intervention
God's intervention through the angel demonstrates His sovereignty and care. Even when we are unaware, God is actively working to guide and protect us.

Humility and Repentance
Balaam's initial anger and subsequent realization of the angel's presence call us to humility. We must be willing to acknowledge our blindness and repent when God reveals His truth to us.

Obedience Over Profit
Balaam's account warns against prioritizing personal gain over obedience to God. We are called to align our actions with God's will, even when it conflicts with our desires.

God's Use of the Unlikely
The donkey's role in this account illustrates how God can use unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. We should remain open to God's work through unconventional channels.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Balaam and the donkey challenge our understanding of spiritual awareness and discernment in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we identify and respond to God's interventions in our own life situations, similar to how Balaam eventually recognized the angel of the LORD?

3. Reflect on a time when you prioritized personal gain over obedience to God. How can Balaam's account encourage you to realign your priorities?

4. How does the account of Balaam and the donkey illustrate the theme of humility and repentance? What steps can we take to cultivate these qualities in our spiritual journey?

5. Consider the role of the donkey in this account. How can we remain open to God's guidance through unexpected or unconventional means in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Peter 2:15-16
This passage references Balaam's error and the speaking donkey, highlighting Balaam's love for gain from wrongdoing and the donkey's role in restraining his madness.

Jude 1:11
Jude warns against following the way of Balaam, emphasizing the danger of pursuing profit over righteousness.

Revelation 2:14
This verse mentions Balaam's teaching as a stumbling block, connecting his account to broader themes of idolatry and immorality.