That night God came to Balaam and said, "Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you." That night God came to Balaam and said,God addressed Balaam directly, demonstrating His authority over a diviner from beyond Israel’s covenant people. The Lord’s purposes were not confined by national borders, and He would govern Balaam’s words for Israel’s protection. Gen 20:3-6 the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.… “Since these men have come to summon you, Balak had sent increasingly honorable officials with promises of wealth and position, seeking Balaam’s curse against Israel. Their arrival revealed Moab’s fear of the nation God had brought out of Egypt. Jhn 11:28-29 After Martha had said this, she went back… get up and go with them, God permitted Balaam to go, though He had already made clear that Israel was blessed and must not be cursed. The permission did not endorse Balaam’s desire for Balak’s reward; it placed him under God’s rule and moved the account toward the Lord’s public defense of His people. Act 10:19-20 As Peter continued to reflect on the vision… but you must only do what I tell you.” Balaam could travel with Moab’s leaders, but he could not control the message he would deliver. God would turn Balak’s intended curse into blessing, proving that no earthly ruler, prophet, or spiritual power can overturn the blessing God has placed on His people. Jhn 12:49-50 I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me… Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by Balak to curse the Israelites. 2. God (Yahweh) The one true God who communicates with Balaam, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and peoples. 3. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 4. Moab The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, where the Israelites camped during their journey to the Promised Land. 5. The Angel of the Lord Though not directly mentioned in verse 20, the Angel plays a significant role in the subsequent account, representing God's presence and authority. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod is in control of all situations, even when His people are unaware. He can use anyone, even a pagan prophet, to accomplish His purposes. Obedience to God's Word Balaam is instructed to do only what God tells him. This emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands in our lives. The Danger of Compromise Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request shows the peril of compromising one's integrity for personal gain. God's Protection Over His People Despite Balak's intentions, God ensures that His people are protected and blessed, reminding us of His faithfulness. The Role of Divine Guidance Balaam's account illustrates the necessity of seeking and following divine guidance in decision-making. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's interaction with God in Numbers 22:20 demonstrate God's control over the situation? Reflect on a time when you saw God's sovereignty in your life.2. In what ways does Balaam's account warn us about the dangers of greed and compromise? How can we guard against these in our own lives? 3. How does the instruction to "do only what I tell you" apply to our daily walk with God? What are some practical ways to ensure we are following God's commands? 4. Consider the connection between Numbers 22:20 and Genesis 12:3. How does this reinforce the idea of God's protection and blessing over His people? 5. Reflect on a situation where you had to choose between following God's guidance and pursuing personal gain. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:3God's promise to Abraham that those who bless him will be blessed, and those who curse him will be cursed, is relevant here as Balaam is asked to curse Israel. Deuteronomy 23:4-5 This passage recounts how God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, highlighting God's protective power over His people. 2 Peter 2:15 Balaam is mentioned in the New Testament as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, providing a moral lesson on the dangers of greed. People Amorites, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Israelites, Moabites, Moses, ZipporPlaces Amaw, Arnon, Bamoth-baal, Egypt, Euphrates River, Jericho, Jordan River, Kiriath-huzoth, Midian, Moab, PethorTopics Balaam, Bid, Perform, Rise, Speak, Summon, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 22:18-19Library BalaamHe sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me.'--NUM. xxii. 6. Give a general outline of the history. See Bishop Butler's great sermon. I. How much knowledge and love of good there may be in a bad man. Balaam was a prophet: (a) He knew something of the divine character, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Sovereignty and Human Responsibility How the Whole and the Sick are to be Admonished. Numbers Links Numbers 22:20 NIVNumbers 22:20 NLT Numbers 22:20 ESV Numbers 22:20 NASB Numbers 22:20 KJV Numbers 22:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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