How does Balaam's response in Numbers 22:25 reflect his spiritual discernment or lack thereof? Balaam’s Immediate Situation • Numbers 22:25: “When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed herself against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against the wall; so he struck her once again.” • Balaam is pursuing a mission God had already warned him about (vv. 12, 20). • The angel stands in the narrow path; the donkey sees, Balaam does not. What Balaam Does—and Doesn’t Do • Reacts in anger, not inquiry. • Relies on physical force, not prayer or discernment. • Ignores two prior abnormal behaviors from the animal (vv. 23–24). • Never pauses to ask, “Why is this happening?”—a glaring omission for a professed prophet. Signs of Spiritual Blindness 1. Inability to perceive the supernatural reality directly before him (compare 2 Kings 6:17). 2. Misinterpretation of circumstance: calls obedience from the donkey when the donkey is actually obeying the LORD. 3. Hardness of heart revealed by striking “once again,” displaying escalating frustration rather than humble caution (Proverbs 12:1; James 1:19–20). 4. Preferring personal agenda (reward from Moab, Numbers 22:17) over divine warning. Contrasted with True Discernment • Numbers 22:31—only when the LORD opens Balaam’s eyes does he grasp the situation. • 1 Samuel 3:10—Samuel listens; Balaam lashes out. • John 10:27—“My sheep hear My voice.” Balaam is temporarily deaf to that voice. New Testament Commentary on Balaam’s Condition • 2 Peter 2:15–16—“Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness…a mute donkey…restrained the prophet’s madness.” • Jude 11—warns of those rushing for profit into Balaam’s error. • Revelation 2:14—Balaam as a cautionary example of teaching compromise for gain. Lessons for Today • Repeated resistance to God’s gentle checks can harden the heart. • External success or spiritual reputation does not equal real-time discernment (Matthew 7:22–23). • Humility—asking God, “Am I missing something?”—is essential when circumstances block our path (Proverbs 3:5–6). • God may use the unexpected (even a donkey) to redirect us; wise believers investigate rather than retaliate. Takeaway Statement Balaam’s angry strike in Numbers 22:25 exposes a moment of profound spiritual dullness: a prophet blind to the heavenly messenger, deaf to divine caution, and driven by personal ambition rather than obedient sensitivity to the LORD. |
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