In this chapter, the Israelites had made it to the plains of Moab. When the Moabite king, Balak, saw the Israelites and the mass number of them, he was terrified. Knowing what the Israelites would do to him and his people, Balak sent messengers to Balaam, a prophet in a nearby land, to request help. The message reads: “A vast horde of people have arrived from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and are threatening me. Please come and curse them for me because they are so numerous. Then perhaps I will be able to conconquer them and drive them from the land. I know that blessings fall on the people you bless. I also know that the people you curse are doomed.” (Numbers 22:5-6)
After receiving Balak’s message, Balaam told the messengers to stay the night, and he would respond to them after the Lord directs him. “That night God came to Balaam and asked him, “Who are these men with you?” (Numbers 22:9) Balaam responded to God by reading the message Balak sent to him. God then said, “Do not go with them….You are not to curse these people, for I have blessed them!” The next morning Balaam got up and told Balak’s officials, “Go on home!” The Lord will not let me go with you.” (Numbers 22:12-13) Wow...even when we don’t know it, God is speaking on our behalf and blessing us!!!
The officials returned to Balak, and desperate for help, Balak sent another message promising greater payment for cursing the Israelites, but Balaam replied, “Even if Balak were to give me a palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God. But stay here one more night to see if the Lord has anything else to say to me.” That night God came to Balaam and told him, Since these men have come for you, get up and go with them. But be sure to do only what I tell you to do.” (Numbers 22:18-20)
The next morning, Balaam saddled his donkey and left with the Moabite officials. The Lord, however, was angry Balaam was going, so He sent an angel to stand in the road to block his way. “As Balaam and two servants were riding along, Balaam’s donkey suddenly saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. The donkey bolted off the road into a field, but Balaam beat it and turned it back onto the road.” (Numbers 22:22-23) Three times the donkey tried to avoid the angel of the Lord, and each time, Balaam, who was enraged, beat the donkey. “Then the Lord caused the donkey to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me these three times?” It asked Balaam. “Because you have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!” (Numbers 22:28-29)
Hold it just a minute! Let’s think about that. How can Balaam respond in that manner, as if he were talking to a person! He’s not even phased that this donkey is talking to him. He was so unphased, he actually threatened the donkey…”I would kill you, if I had a sword!” Lol...that’s funny!
The donkey answers, “But I am the same donkey you always ride on…Have I ever done anything like this before?” (verse 30) Balaam says, “No”, and at this moment the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes…“and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam fell face down on the ground before him. “Why did you beat your donkey those three times?” the angel of the Lord demanded. “I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey.” (Numbers 22:31-33)
Balaam apologized to the angel of the Lord, and the angel told Balaam when he meets with Balak and his officials, “you may say only what I tell you to say.” (verse 35) So when Balaam arrived and met with Balak, Balaam said, “I have come, but I have no power to say just anything. I will speak only the messages that God gives me.” (Numbers 22:38)
Are there times when God is speaking to us in unconventional ways? There is a beautiful song, one of my favorites, called God Speaking by Mandisa. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZI2gOBvBHk&feature=emb_logo
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to recognize when you are speaking to us, and to have the courage to listen and take action. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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