Numbers 22:25

And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, crushing Balaam's foot against it. So he beat her once again.

Study Bible

And when the donkey saw the angel of the LORD
The phrase begins with the donkey's perception, highlighting the spiritual blindness of Balaam compared to the animal. In Hebrew, "donkey" is "אָתוֹן" (aton), a female donkey, emphasizing the humility and lowliness of the creature. The "angel of the LORD" (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, mal'akh YHWH) is a divine messenger, often considered a theophany, a visible manifestation of God. This encounter underscores the theme of divine intervention and guidance, where God uses unexpected means to reveal His will.

she pressed herself against the wall
The action of the donkey "pressing" (וַתִּלָּחֵץ, vattillachetz) against the wall is significant. It indicates a sense of urgency and fear, as the donkey attempts to avoid the divine presence. The wall represents a boundary or limit, both physically and spiritually, suggesting that Balaam is being constrained by divine will. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for the limitations God places on human actions when they are contrary to His purposes.

crushing Balaam’s foot against it
The word "crushing" (וַתִּלְחַץ, vattillachatz) conveys a sense of pain and discomfort, symbolizing the consequences of Balaam's stubbornness and disobedience. Balaam, whose name in Hebrew (בִּלְעָם, Bil'am) can mean "not of the people" or "destroyer of the people," is experiencing a physical manifestation of his spiritual misalignment. The foot, often a symbol of one's path or journey, being crushed, indicates a divine warning to reconsider his course of action.

So he beat her once again
Balaam's response, "he beat her" (וַיֹּסֶף לְהַכּוֹתָהּ, vayyosef lehakkotah), reflects his frustration and lack of understanding. The repetition of the beating ("once again") highlights his persistent ignorance and failure to recognize the spiritual reality before him. This act of violence against the innocent donkey serves as a critique of Balaam's character, illustrating the folly of resisting God's will. It also foreshadows the eventual revelation and correction that Balaam will receive, emphasizing the theme of divine patience and instruction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Balaam is known for his interactions with God and his eventual blessing of Israel instead of cursing them.

2. The Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who stands in the path of Balaam's donkey, causing the donkey to turn aside. This angel represents God's intervention and guidance.

3. Balaam's Donkey
The animal that Balaam rides, which sees the Angel of the LORD and turns aside, pressing Balaam's foot against a wall. The donkey's actions are pivotal in the account, highlighting divine intervention.

4. Balak
The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. His actions set the stage for the events involving Balaam and the donkey.

5. Moab
The region ruled by Balak, where the Israelites are encamped. It serves as the backdrop for the unfolding events between Balaam, Balak, and the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Divine Intervention
God often intervenes in unexpected ways to guide and correct us. Balaam's experience reminds us to be attentive to God's direction, even when it comes through unusual means.

Spiritual Blindness
Balaam's inability to see the Angel of the LORD contrasts with the donkey's perception. This serves as a reminder to seek spiritual discernment and be open to God's guidance.

Obedience to God
Despite external pressures, like those from Balak, we must remain obedient to God's will. Balaam's account encourages us to prioritize God's commands over human desires.

Humility and Repentance
Balaam's encounter with the Angel of the LORD calls for humility and repentance when we realize our errors. We should be quick to acknowledge our mistakes and seek God's forgiveness.

God's Sovereignty
The account underscores God's control over all situations. Even when others intend harm, God can turn circumstances for His purposes and our good.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Balaam's interaction with his donkey challenge us to be more aware of God's guidance in our lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not spiritually blind to God's interventions, as Balaam was initially?

3. How can Balaam's account encourage us to remain obedient to God when faced with external pressures or temptations?

4. What steps can we take to cultivate humility and a willingness to repent when we recognize our mistakes?

5. How does the account of Balaam and his donkey illustrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in Him during difficult situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22
The account of Abraham and Isaac, where God intervenes through an angel, parallels the divine intervention seen with Balaam and his donkey.

2 Peter 2:15-16
This passage references Balaam's error and the speaking donkey, emphasizing the theme of divine intervention and correction.

Revelation 2:14
Balaam is mentioned in the context of leading others into sin, highlighting the consequences of straying from God's path.