Numbers 22:21-41
Q.1. Why did Balaam’s donkey act unpredictably? What makes Balaam’s response to his donkey ridiculous? – (Num.22:21-30)
God had already explicitly told Balaam – Do not go up with them (Num.22:12). Balaam should not have entertained the renewed attempt to get him to curse Israel (Num.22:17). To drive home His command, God used Balaam’s donkey to inflict a painful lesson that he would not soon forget. Whereas Balaam had shown disregard for God’s command, the donkey was compliant and would not enter ‘where angels fear to tread’ (Num.22:22-27). Balaam struck out against the poor animal and ended up getting a crushed foot. When God opened the donkey’s mouth, and it protested at Balaam’s shameful treatment of him, the furious prophet actually argued with the donkey. (Num.22:28-30). Balaam still had not realized his own stupidity until God opened his eyes (Num.22:31). He denounced the prophet and commended his donkey – 32 The angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way was contrary to me. 33 But the donkey saw me and turned aside from me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, I would surely have killed you just now, and let her live.” (Num.22:32-33 c.f. Prov.12:10).
Q.2. What did Balaam learn from the Angel of the Lord? What impact did God want to make on Balaam? – (Num.22:31-41)
Balaam admitted that he had sinned and offered to turn back (Num.22:34). (Sadly, he failed to face up to his disobedience and his mistreatment of his faithful donkey). However, God sent him on His mission with a stronger command to speak only the word that He told him to speak (Num.22:35 c.f. 20). King Balak was persistent, but now the prophet was determined to only speak God’s words. Balaam got the message … and a sore foot. (Num.22:36-40).