Balaam’s donkey is a unique story in the Bible, teaching us about obedience and God’s intervention. Today, we’ll explore its lessons.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Badgering
What Does The Bible Say About Balaams Donkey
Numbers 22:21-22
“Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the Moabite officials. But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.”
This passage speaks of Balaam’s journey with his donkey and the presence of the angel of the Lord who opposed him. It highlights God’s sovereignty and anger towards Balaam’s motives. It also foreshadows the upcoming interaction between Balaam and his donkey.
Through Balaam’s encounter with the angel and his donkey, we learn that God can use unexpected and seemingly insignificant means to communicate His will and protect His people. It serves as a reminder that God is always watching over His children, and His plans prevail despite human intentions or obstacles.
Numbers 22:23
“When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, it turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road.”
This verse describes how the donkey saw the angel of the Lord and veered off the road into a field. Balaam’s response was to beat the donkey so it would return to the road. This highlights Balaam’s lack of understanding and impulsive actions.
It serves as a reminder that our initial reaction to unexpected or challenging situations may be inadequate or misguided. Instead of resorting to impulsive and harmful actions, we should seek discernment and rely on God’s guidance to navigate difficult circumstances.
Numbers 22:25
“When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat the donkey again.”
In this verse, the donkey, upon seeing the angel, pressed close to the wall and unintentionally crushed Balaam’s foot against it. Despite this painful experience, Balaam’s response again was to beat the donkey.
This verse reveals Balaam’s lack of empathy and patience. It reminds us of the importance of treating animals, as well as all of God’s creation, with kindness and compassion. It also shows how our frustration and anger can blind us from recognizing the miraculous or divine interventions happening around us.
Numbers 22:26-27
“Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat it with his staff.”
Here, the angel of the Lord positions itself in a narrow place, blocking the donkey’s path. The donkey, recognizing the presence of the angel, refuses to continue walking and lies down. Balaam, filled with anger, proceeds to beat the donkey.
This verse serves as a lesson in humility and submission. It highlights how even a donkey, a seemingly insignificant creature, can display obedience to God’s guidance. It also exposes Balaam’s lack of discernment and patience, reminding us of the need to approach challenging circumstances with humility and a willingness to align with God’s will.
Numbers 22:28-30
“Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’ Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.’ The donkey said to Balaam, ‘Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?’ ‘No,’ he said.”
This remarkable passage describes how the LORD enables the donkey to speak, expressing its confusion about Balaam’s unjustified beatings. Balaam, blinded by his anger, responds harshly, displaying his frustration and even wishing harm upon the donkey.
This scripture not only reveals God’s sovereign power in granting speech to the donkey but also exposes Balaam’s unrighteousness and uncontrolled anger. It serves as a reminder that our emotions can cloud our judgment, leading to destructive behavior. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of listening and being attentive to the Lord’s voice, even if it comes from unexpected sources or channels.
Numbers 22:31
“Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.”
In this verse, the Lord opens Balaam’s eyes, allowing him to see the angel of the Lord who had been standing in his way. Balaam’s response to this revelation is humility, as he bows low and falls facedown before the divine presence.
This verse teaches us about the power of divine revelation and the transformative effect it can have on our perception. Balaam’s change of posture symbolizes his recognition of his own limited understanding and his willingness to submit to God’s authority. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom and discernment come from acknowledging God’s presence and aligning ourselves with His will.
Numbers 22:32
“The angel of the LORD asked him, ‘Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.’
In this verse, the angel of the Lord questions Balaam’s actions, pointing out the reckless nature of his path. The angel’s presence and words reveal God’s opposition to Balaam’s intentions.
This passage emphasizes the importance of aligning our paths with God’s will and avoiding recklessness. It reminds us that God sees our actions and motives, and He will intervene to redirect us when we go astray. It prompts self-reflection and encourages us to seek God’s guidance to ensure our paths are marked by righteousness and obedience.
Numbers 22:33
“The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If it had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared it.”
In this verse, the angel of the Lord reveals to Balaam the significance of the donkey’s actions. The donkey, by turning away from the angel three times, prevented Balaam’s death. The angel acknowledges the donkey’s role and expresses that he would have spared the donkey if it had not acted as it did.
This verse highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to use even the most ordinary and unexpected beings to fulfill His purpose. It also serves as a reminder that sometimes what may initially appear as obstacles or detours in our lives can actually be God’s way of protecting us from harm or redirecting us towards His desired path.
Numbers 22:34
“Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, ‘I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.’
In this verse, Balaam acknowledges his sin and lack of awareness regarding the angel’s presence and purpose. He expresses his willingness to turn back if it displeased the Lord.
This verse teaches us the importance of humility and repentance when we recognize our wrongdoings. Balaam’s response demonstrates a change in heart and a desire to align himself with God’s will. It serves as a reminder that true repentance involves not only acknowledging our sins but also being willing to change our direction and submit to God’s guidance.
Numbers 22:35
“The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, ‘Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you.’ So Balaam went with Balak’s officials.”
In this verse, the angel of the Lord permits Balaam to continue his journey but with the specific instruction to only speak what the Lord tells him. Balaam then proceeds to go with the officials of Balak.
This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and discernment in carrying out God’s instructions. It shows that despite Balaam’s past mistakes and shortcomings, God still allows him to proceed, but with the condition that he speaks only what God has revealed to him. It serves as a reminder that even when we have faltered, God can provide us with the opportunity to fulfill His purposes if we are willing to listen and obey Him.
Numbers 22:36
“When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite town on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory.”
This verse describes how Balak, the king of Moab, goes to meet Balaam upon hearing of his arrival. Balak meets him at the border of his territory.
While this verse does not directly involve Balaam’s donkey, it sets the stage for the upcoming interactions between Balaam and Balak. It portrays Balak’s eagerness to consult Balaam and seek his curse upon the Israelites. It serves as a reminder that our intentions and interactions with others can have significant consequences, and we should be cautious when pursuing actions that are contrary to God’s will.
Numbers 22:37
“Balak said to Balaam, ‘Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn’t you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?’
In this verse, Balak questions Balaam about his delayed arrival, expressing his frustration and reminding Balaam of the reward he could offer.
This verse reveals Balak’s desire to gain an advantage through Balaam’s presence and potential curse. It reminds us of the allure and temptation of worldly rewards and recognition. It also serves as a cautionary reminder to prioritize obedience to God over the promises and enticements of human authorities.
Numbers 22:38
“Balaam answered Balak, ‘Did I not tell the messengers you sent me-‘-
In this verse, Balaam begins to respond to Balak’s questioning, but the continuation of his response is not provided. This interruption leaves the reader curious about Balaam’s explanation.
While the verse itself does not offer a complete response from Balaam, it introduces an air of suspense and anticipation. It emphasizes the significance of effective communication and clarifies any misunderstandings that may arise from truncated conversations or incomplete messages. It prompts us to consider the importance of clear and concise communication in our relationships, ensuring that our intentions and instructions are properly conveyed and interpreted.
Numbers 22:39
“Balaam answered Balak, ‘Did I not tell the messengers you sent me-“
In this verse, Balaam continues his response to Balak’s questioning, but the passage again leaves his complete response unresolved.
Similar to the previous verse, this interruption leaves the reader wanting to know the full explanation Balaam intended to provide. It emphasizes the significance of completeness and integrity in our communication. It serves as a reminder to be thorough and transparent in our exchanges, ensuring that our words convey our full intentions and understanding.
Numbers 22:40
“The next morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth Baal, and from there he could see the outskirts of the Israelite camp.”
In this verse, Balak brings Balaam to a vantage point where he can see the outskirts of the Israelite camp.
This verse sets the scene for the upcoming events and interactions between Balaam and Balak. It portrays Balak’s desire for strategic advantage and insight into the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of the importance of perspective and discernment when making decisions or seeking guidance. It prompts us to consider the motives behind our actions and to ensure that our desires align with God’s purposes.
Numbers 23:1
“Balaam said, ‘Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.’
In this verse, Balaam instructs the people to build seven altars and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for sacrifice.
This verse marks the beginning of Balaam’s attempts to curse the Israelites. It highlights the significance of sacrifices and offerings as a means of seeking divine favor in certain cultures and contexts. It prompts us to consider our own approach to worship and the offerings we bring before God.
Numbers 23:2
“Balak did as Balaam said, and the two of them offered a bull and a ram on each altar.”
In this verse, Balak obeys Balaam’s instructions and together they offer a bull and a ram on each of the seven altars.
This verse demonstrates Balak’s willingness to comply with Balaam’s ritual requests, highlighting the significance of religious practices and the power attributed to sacrificial offerings in various cultures. It also serves as a reminder to examine the intentions behind our own religious practices, ensuring that they align with God’s truth and are not merely superstitious rituals.
Numbers 23:3
“Then Balaam said to Balak, ‘Stay here beside your offering while I go aside. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me, I will tell you.’ And he went off to a barren height.”
In this verse, Balaam instructs Balak to wait by the offerings while he goes aside. Balaam expresses his hope that the Lord will come to meet with him and promises to tell Balak whatever the Lord reveals.
This verse demonstrates Balaam’s expectation of divine communication and his assurance to relay the messages with integrity. It highlights the importance of seeking direct guidance from God rather than relying solely on human understanding. It reminds us that God’s revelation can come in unexpected ways and prompts us to be open to His guidance, especially during moments of solitude and reflection.
Numbers 23:4
“God met with him, and Balaam said, ‘I have prepared seven altars, and on each altar, I have offered a bull and a ram.’
In this verse, God meets with Balaam, and Balaam reports his fulfillment of the ritual preparations.
This verse highlights God’s willingness to engage with Balaam despite his questionable motives. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity and obedience in our worship practices, reminding us that God desires true hearts and genuine devotion. It also shows that God can work through imperfect individuals to accomplish His purposes.
Numbers 23:5
“Then the LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, ‘Go back to Balak and give him this word.’
In this verse, the Lord speaks directly to Balaam, putting a word in his mouth. The Lord instructs Balaam to go back to Balak and deliver the message.
This verse highlights God’s ability to communicate through imperfect vessels and reaffirms His sovereignty in determining what is spoken. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being sensitive to God’s promptings, and it prompts us to consider the ways in which God may be working through us to convey His truth to others.
Numbers 23:6
“So he went back to him and found him standing beside his offering, with all the Moabite officials.”
In this verse, Balaam returns to Balak and finds him standing next to the offering, accompanied by Moabite officials.
This verse sets the stage for the delivery of Balaam’s message to Balak. It portrays the importance of presenting oneself before those in authority and highlights the significance of both physical and symbolic gestures in various cultural contexts. It prompts us to consider our own conduct when interacting with people of influence and power.
Numbers 23:12
“But Balaam answered, ‘Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?'”
In this verse, Balaam responds to Balak’s questioning, asserting that he will only speak what the Lord puts in his mouth.
This verse emphasizes Balaam’s commitment to speaking the words that God has given him, regardless of external pressures or temptations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to God’s truth, even when faced with opposition or the desire to please others. It prompts us to consider our own faithfulness in conveying God’s message to the world.
Numbers 23:16
“The LORD met with Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, ‘Go back to Balak and give him this word.’
In this verse, the Lord again meets with Balaam, putting a word in his mouth and instructing him to deliver it to Balak.
This verse highlights the ongoing divine communication between God and Balaam. It reminds us of God’s willingness to guide and speak to us if we are receptive to His voice. It also underscores the importance of faithfully relaying God’s message without distortion or personal agenda.