Introduction: A Prophet, a King, and a Divine Intervention

The Old Testament is replete with accounts of God's miraculous interventions, His unwavering covenant with His people, and the often-surprising ways He chooses to reveal His will. Among these, the narrative of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, and his talking donkey stands out as one of the most peculiar and profoundly illustrative. Found in Numbers chapters 22-24, this account unveils the sovereignty of God, the folly of human greed, and the unexpected instruments He can employ to achieve His divine purposes. It is a story not merely of a talking animal, but of a spiritual battle for the soul of a nation, God's protective hand, and the enduring consequences of a divided heart.

Balak's Desperate Plea and Balaam's Reputation

As the children of Israel, led by Moses, journeyed through the wilderness, they approached the borders of Moab, having already defeated the Amorites and Og king of Bashan. Balak, the king of Moab, was filled with dread at the sight of this formidable nation, whose numbers were vast and whose God had clearly fought for them. He feared that Israel would "lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field" (Numbers 22:4). In his desperation, Balak turned not to his own gods or armies, but to a man renowned for his spiritual power: Balaam, the son of Beor, from Pethor by the river of the land of the children of his people.

Balaam was known to possess a unique ability to bless or curse, and for those blessings or curses to come to pass. Balak sent messengers, elders of Moab and Midian, with "the rewards of divination in their hand" (Numbers 22:7), entreating Balaam to come and curse Israel. Balak believed that if Balaam cursed them, he would be able to defeat them and drive them out of his land.

Upon the messengers' arrival, Balaam sought the LORD's counsel. God's response was immediate and unequivocal:

Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.

Numbers 22:12

Balaam, seemingly obedient, informed the princes that the LORD refused to let him go. However, this was only the beginning of a profound test of Balaam's heart.

The Lure of Riches and God's Reluctant Permission

Undeterred by Balaam's initial refusal, Balak sent a second, more prestigious delegation, composed of more numerous and honorable princes. They came with an even greater promise of honor and riches, urging Balaam to come and curse Israel. Balaam, though he outwardly declared his inability to transgress the word of the LORD for any amount of silver or gold, secretly harbored a desire for the promised rewards. He again asked the princes to tarry, hoping for a different answer from God.

This time, the LORD gave Balaam permission to go, but with a critical caveat:

If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

Numbers 22:20

This permission was not an endorsement of Balaam's covetous heart, but rather a concession to his persistent desire, setting the stage for God to demonstrate His power and sovereignty even through a disobedient servant. Balaam, eager for the rewards, rose up early and went with the princes of Moab.

The Angel, the Ass, and the Opened Eyes

As Balaam rode on his ass, accompanied by two of his servants, the anger of God was kindled because he went. The LORD sent an angel to stand in the way as an adversary against him. This angel, with a drawn sword in his hand, was invisible to Balaam but clearly seen by the donkey. The narrative unfolds dramatically:

  • First Encounter: The ass saw the angel standing in the way and turned aside into the field. Balaam smote the ass to turn her back into the way.
  • Second Encounter: The angel stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on either side. The ass, seeing the angel, thrust herself unto the wall, crushing Balaam's foot. Balaam smote her again.
  • Third Encounter: The angel moved to an even narrower place where there was no way to turn. The ass, seeing the angel, fell down under Balaam. Enraged, Balaam smote the ass a third time with a staff.

    • It was at this point, after three beatings, that the LORD miraculously opened the mouth of the ass, and she spoke to Balaam:

    What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

    Numbers 22:28

    Balaam, rather than being astonished by a talking animal, retorted indignantly, revealing his utter blindness to the divine intervention. The ass continued, reasoning with him, asking why he had beaten her, reminding him of her faithful service. Then, the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his sword drawn.

    The angel rebuked Balaam, explaining that the ass had saved his life. Had she not turned aside, the angel would have slain Balaam but spared the ass. Humbled, Balaam confessed his sin and offered to turn back, but the angel instructed him to continue his journey, reiterating the command to speak only what God commanded him.

    Blessings Instead of Curses: God's Unchangeable Word

    Balaam met Balak, who questioned his delay. Balaam, now aware of the LORD's direct hand, declared that he could only speak the words God put in his mouth. Balak repeatedly took Balaam to different vantage points, hoping that a change in location would change God's mind. Each time, Balaam built seven altars and offered sacrifices, seeking to curse Israel.

    Yet, each time, the LORD put a blessing in Balaam's mouth. Balak was dismayed as Balaam proclaimed:

    • First Prophecy (Numbers 23:7-10): Balaam declared Israel to be a unique people, dwelling alone, not to be reckoned among the nations, numerous as the dust. He wished to die the death of the righteous.
    • Second Prophecy (Numbers 23:18-24): Balaam emphasized God's unchangeable nature ("God is not a man, that he should lie"), His presence with Israel, and their strength like a unicorn. He prophesied that there would be no enchantment against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel.
    • Third Prophecy (Numbers 24:3-9): Filled with the Spirit of God, Balaam spoke of Israel's prosperity, their king being higher than Agag, and their ultimate dominion. He likened Israel to flourishing gardens and mighty cedars, declaring, "Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee."

    Balak's anger burned against Balaam, but Balaam continued, even prophesying Balak's own nation's destruction and the coming of a Star out of Jacob, a Sceptre out of Israel, which would smite the corners of Moab (Numbers 24:17). God's word for Israel was unchangeable; His blessings could not be turned into curses by any man, regardless of his spiritual gifts or the king's desires.

    Balaam's End and Lasting Legacy of Deceit

    Though Balaam was compelled by God to bless Israel, his heart remained corrupt, driven by the love of money. After his prophecies, he returned to his place. However, his story does not end there. The New Testament and later Old Testament passages reveal Balaam's true character and his lasting, destructive legacy.

    It is understood that Balaam, unable to curse Israel directly, advised Balak and the Midianites to tempt Israel into sin. This counsel, known as "the counsel of Balaam," involved luring the Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality with the women of Moab and Midian (Numbers 31:16). This led to the plague at Peor, which killed 24,000 Israelites, until Phinehas intervened (Numbers 25:1-9).

    The New Testament warns against "the way of Balaam" (2 Peter 2:15), describing those who follow his path for "the wages of unrighteousness." Jude 1:11 speaks of those who "ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward." Most damningly, Revelation 2:14 refers to "the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication."

    Balaam ultimately met his end when Israel, under Moses' command, waged war against Midian in vengeance for the plague at Peor. Balaam was among those slain by the sword (Numbers 31:8).

    Profound Lessons from Balaam's Folly

    The story of Balaam and his talking donkey, while seemingly bizarre, offers several profound and timeless biblical lessons:

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty: No human power, no curse, no divination can prevail against God's plan for His chosen people. God's word is unchangeable, and He controls all things, even the mouths of wicked prophets.
  • God Uses Unexpected Instruments: God can use anything—a burning bush, a donkey, a foreign king, or even a wicked prophet—to accomplish His will and reveal His truth. His ways are not our ways.
  • The Danger of Greed and Compromise: Balaam's downfall was his covetousness. Despite knowing God's will, his desire for wealth led him to seek a loophole, ultimately leading to his destruction and the spiritual corruption of others. This warns against serving God with a divided heart.
  • Outward Obedience vs. True Heart: Balaam outwardly obeyed God by speaking only His words, but his heart was not truly submitted. He sought to please men and gain riches, illustrating that mere external compliance without internal transformation is worthless in God's eyes.
  • The Peril of Leading Others Astray: Balaam's "doctrine" of luring Israel into sin for personal gain is a stark warning against those who would compromise spiritual truth or encourage sin for worldly advantage, whether for themselves or others.
  • God's Patience and Ultimate Judgment: God was patient with Balaam, even opening his eyes and allowing him to continue. Yet, His patience has limits, and unrepentant sin and covetousness ultimately lead to judgment.

    • The story of Balaam reminds us that God is faithful to His covenant and His people. It also serves as a perpetual warning against the seductive power of greed and the spiritual dangers of a heart compromised by worldly desires, even for those who possess spiritual gifts or knowledge of God's word. Balaam's talking donkey stands as a monument to God's miraculous intervention, a rebuke to human blindness, and a powerful testament to His unwavering protection over His own.