Commentary on Numbers 22

Numbers 22 introduces the enigmatic figure of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the advancing Israelites. Despite Balak's persistent attempts and lavish offers, God repeatedly intervenes, first by speaking through Balaam's donkey and then by directly controlling Balaam's words. This chapter highlights God's sovereignty over human intentions and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when faced with external opposition and spiritual manipulation.

Historical context

The events of Numbers 22 occur as the Israelites are on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land after their forty years of wilderness wandering. They have already defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og (Numbers 21), striking fear into the surrounding nations. Balak, the king of Moab, witnesses Israel's military success and perceives them as a significant threat to his kingdom. He fears their sheer numbers and their apparent divine favor.

This chapter sets the stage for a spiritual conflict rather than a military one. Balak understands that Israel's strength lies not just in their army, but in their God. Therefore, he seeks to counter their divine blessing with a divine curse, turning to Balaam, a renowned diviner or prophet from Pethor near the Euphrates River. Balaam's reputation suggests he was known for effective blessings and curses, implying a belief in his spiritual power, whether from the true God or other deities. The narrative underscores the ancient Near Eastern belief in the power of spoken words, especially those uttered by a recognized spiritual authority, to influence events.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  After defeating the Amorites, the Israelites encamp on the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from Jericho. This geographical detail is crucial, as it places them directly on Moabite territory, justifying Balak's fear and setting the scene for the confrontation.

• 3:

  Balak, the king of Moab, is terrified by the Israelites' vast numbers and recent victories. His fear is palpable, describing Israel as a “horde” that will “lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up grass.” This vivid imagery conveys the overwhelming sense of threat he feels.

• 5:

  Balak sends messengers to Balaam, a diviner from Pethor, to ask him to come and curse Israel. Balaam is identified as a son of Beor, and his reputation for effective blessings and curses is clearly established, indicating his perceived spiritual authority.

• 8:

  Balaam tells Balak's officials to stay the night so he can consult the Lord. This immediately establishes that Balaam, despite his pagan context, has some access to or knowledge of YHWH, the God of Israel. God's response is clear: “Do not go with them. You must not curse these people, for they are blessed!”

• 12:

  God explicitly forbids Balaam from going with Balak's men or cursing Israel, stating that Israel is “blessed.” This divine declaration is the central theological truth of the chapter, setting up the tension between God's will and human attempts to thwart it.

• 15:

  Balak, undeterred by Balaam's initial refusal, sends a larger, more distinguished group of officials with even greater promises of reward. This shows Balak's desperation and his belief that Balaam can be swayed by wealth and honor.

• 20:

  God permits Balaam to go with the men, but with a crucial caveat: “You must do only what I tell you to do.” This permission is not an endorsement of Balaam's intentions but a demonstration of God's sovereign control, allowing Balaam to proceed only within divine parameters.

• 22:

  As Balaam rides his donkey, the angel of the Lord stands in his path, unseen by Balaam but visible to the donkey. God's anger burns against Balaam for going, indicating that while permission was given, Balaam's heart was still set on the reward, not on obedience.

• 28:

  The Lord miraculously enables the donkey to speak, rebuking Balaam for his cruelty. This extraordinary event serves as a stark warning, demonstrating God's power over creation and His willingness to use the most unexpected means to communicate His will and protect His servant.

• 31:

  Finally, God opens Balaam's eyes, and he sees the angel of the Lord with a drawn sword. This moment of revelation forces Balaam to confront the divine opposition he was unknowingly fighting against, leading to his humble submission.

• 35:

  The angel reiterates God's command: Balaam may go, but he must speak only the words that God gives him. This reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty and foreshadows Balaam's inability to curse Israel, despite Balak's desires.

Key themes

• Divine Sovereignty
• God's Protection of Israel
• The Power of God's Word
• Human Greed and Disobedience
• Unexpected Revelation

Application

Numbers 22 offers a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty, even over the plans and intentions of those who oppose Him. We often face situations where we feel threatened or where others seek to undermine us, whether in our personal lives, our work, or our faith. This chapter assures us that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human schemes or even by spiritual forces aligned against us.

Furthermore, the story of Balaam's donkey highlights God's ability to use the most humble and unexpected means to accomplish His will and communicate His truth. It challenges us to remain open to God's voice, even when it comes from an unconventional source, and to recognize that His wisdom often confounds human expectations. Ultimately, this narrative points us to Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's blessing, a blessing that no curse can ever overcome (Gal 3:13-14).

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