numbers 22
Summary
Describes how Balak, fearing the Israelites, sends messengers to Balaam to curse them. God initially forbids Balaam from going, but later permits him with strict instructions. On his journey, Balaam's donkey sees an angel of the Lord and speaks to him, revealing God's displeasure.
Key Points:
Balak's Fear of Israel: Balak, the king of Moab, is terrified of the Israelites because of their numbers and their recent victories over the Amorites. He seeks to curse them through Balaam, a renowned prophet (Numbers 22:1-6).
God's Warning to Balaam: Balak sends messengers to Balaam, asking him to curse the Israelites. God instructs Balaam not to go with the messengers or curse the Israelites because they are blessed (Numbers 22:7-14).
Balaam's Journey: Balak sends a more prestigious delegation, promising great honor and reward. God tells Balaam to go with them but only speak what He commands. Balaam sets off on his donkey (Numbers 22:15-21).
The Donkey's Vision and Rebuke: God is angry that Balaam went and sends an angel to oppose him. Balaam’s donkey sees the angel and turns away three times, being beaten by Balaam each time. God opens the donkey’s mouth, and it speaks to Balaam (Numbers 22:22-30).
Balaam's Encounter with the Angel: God opens Balaam’s eyes to see the angel, who rebukes him for mistreating his donkey. Balaam confesses his sin, and the angel instructs him to continue but only speak what God says (Numbers 22:31-35).
Balaam Meets Balak: Balaam meets Balak and reiterates that he can only speak what God commands. They go to Kiriath Huzoth, where Balak makes sacrifices and guides Balaam to see the multitude of the Israelites (Numbers 22:36-41).
New Covenant Reflections
God's Sovereignty and Control: The story of Balaam and Balak highlights God's ultimate control over events and His ability to use even unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. This reflects the New Covenant's emphasis on God's sovereignty and His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28).
Divine Guidance and Obedience: Balaam is instructed to only speak what God commands, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's word. In the New Covenant, believers are guided by the Holy Spirit and called to live in obedience to God's will (John 14:26).
Intercession and Mediation: Balaam's role as a mediator, albeit flawed, points to the need for a perfect mediator. Jesus Christ fulfills this role perfectly in the New Covenant, interceding on behalf of humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
Blessing of God's People: Despite Balak's attempts to curse Israel, God ensures that His people are blessed. This reflects the New Covenant promise that believers are blessed in Christ and cannot be separated from God's love (Ephesians 1:3, Romans 8:38-39).