Numbers 22:10

And Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:

Study Bible

And Balaam said to God
Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is depicted as having direct communication with God, which is significant given his pagan background. This interaction highlights God's sovereignty and ability to use anyone to fulfill His purposes. Balaam's role as a prophet, despite his questionable motives, underscores the theme that God can speak through unexpected means. This phrase also sets the stage for the unfolding narrative where God’s will is revealed through Balaam, despite his initial intentions.

Balak son of Zippor
Balak, the king of Moab, is introduced as the instigator of the events that follow. His lineage, as the son of Zippor, situates him within the Moabite context, a people descended from Lot (Genesis 19:37). The Moabites were often in conflict with Israel, and Balak's fear of the Israelites' growing power prompts him to seek Balaam's help. This reflects the historical tensions between Israel and its neighbors and sets the stage for the spiritual battle that ensues.

king of Moab
Moab was a region east of the Dead Sea, and its king, Balak, represents the political and military threat to Israel. The Moabites' fear of Israel is rooted in the Israelites' recent victories over the Amorites, as recorded earlier in Numbers. This geopolitical context emphasizes the perceived threat Israel posed to surrounding nations and highlights the broader narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land.

sent me this message
Balak's message to Balaam is a plea for help against Israel, whom he perceives as a formidable threat. This request for Balaam to curse Israel reflects the ancient belief in the power of spoken blessings and curses, a common practice in Near Eastern cultures. The narrative that follows demonstrates God's protection over Israel, as He prevents Balaam from cursing His chosen people. This phrase introduces the central conflict of the story, where divine intervention overrides human intentions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by Balak to curse the Israelites.

2. Balak
The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites due to their numbers and seeks Balaam's help to curse them.

3. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, whose king, Balak, is concerned about the advancing Israelites.

4. God
The one true God who communicates with Balaam, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and peoples.

5. Israelites
The people of God, journeying to the Promised Land, whose presence causes fear among the Moabites.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of all situations, even when His people are unaware of the threats against them. He intervenes to protect and guide His people according to His promises.

The Danger of Compromise
Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request shows the danger of compromising one's integrity for personal gain. Believers must remain steadfast in their commitment to God's will.

The Power of Words
The account of Balaam underscores the power of words and blessings. As Christians, we are called to use our words to bless and build up others, aligning with God's purposes.

Faithfulness in Adversity
The Israelites, though unaware of Balak's plans, are protected by God. This teaches us to trust in God's faithfulness even when we face unseen challenges.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Balaam's interaction with God in Numbers 22:10 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples?

2. In what ways does the account of Balaam and Balak illustrate the principle found in Genesis 12:3 regarding blessings and curses?

3. What lessons can we learn from Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request, and how can we apply these lessons to avoid compromising our faith?

4. How does the account of Balaam in Numbers 22 relate to the warnings given in 2 Peter 2:15 about the dangers of loving the wages of wickedness?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced an unseen challenge. How can the account of God's protection over Israel encourage you to trust in His faithfulness in your own life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:3
God's promise to Abraham that He will bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him. This is relevant as Balak seeks to curse Israel, Abraham's descendants.

Deuteronomy 23:4-5
This passage recounts how Balaam was hired to curse Israel but God turned the curse into a blessing, showing His protective hand over His people.

2 Peter 2:15
Balaam is mentioned as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, highlighting the moral and spiritual dangers he faced.