If God permitted Balaam to go (Numbers 22:20), why did He become angry with him later (Numbers 22:22)?

Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23–25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet?

How does God’s change from forbidding Balaam to go (Numbers 22:12) to eventually permitting him (Numbers 22:20) align with the concept of divine consistency?

Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22?

1. Why did Balak feel threatened by the Israelites? How do you respond when you feel threatened?

2. What does Balak's act of reaching out to Balaam suggest about his belief system?

3. How did Balaam respond to the messengers initially? What does this tell us about his character?

4. Discuss the significance of Balaam seeking God’s counsel before making a decision.

5. How does God's reaction to Balaam's decision to go with Balak's men explore the tension between free will and divine will?

6. In what ways does Balaam's donkey demonstrate wisdom and insight that Balaam lacks?

7. What is the significance of the donkey speaking? What does this teach us about divine intervention?

8. How does the angel’s rebuke of Balaam explore themes of justice and humility?

9. Why does God eventually allow Balaam to go with Balak's men? How does this relate to our understanding of God's plans?

10. How does Balaam's interaction with the angel shift his perception of his journey?

11. Discuss the role of divine intervention in Balaam's journey. How does God intervene in our lives today?

12. How does the story of Balaam teach us to discern between our desires and God's will?

13. What does Balaam's experience teach us about the power of our words and blessings?

14. How can we apply the lesson of only speaking God's words in our daily lives?

15. What lessons about repentance and humility can we learn from Balaam's encounter with the angel?

16. In modern times, how can we identify when we are like Balaam, more focused on our desires than on God's plan?

17. In what ways are we sometimes like Balaam's donkey, seeing God's message when others don't?

18. How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, as opposed to our personal desires or the expectations of others?

19. In what ways does the story of Balaam resonate with you personally?

20. How can you apply the lessons from this story to your current life circumstances?