But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam,The Angel of the LORD confronted Balaam after exposing the danger of his self-seeking path through the donkey’s miraculous perception. God’s messenger spoke with divine authority, showing that Balaam’s plans, Balak’s payments, and Moab’s fear could not overturn the Lord’s purpose for Israel. Gen 22:11-12 Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him… “Go with the men, Balaam was permitted to continue with Balak’s officials, but not because Balak’s scheme had gained God’s approval. The journey would reveal before Moab and Israel that no human ruler can compel God to curse those whom He has blessed. Act 10:20 So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them… but you are to speak only what I tell you.” Balaam could not use his prophetic ability for personal profit or political favor. Every oracle he would deliver belonged to the Lord, who had covenanted to bless Abraham’s descendants and to judge those who sought their ruin. The command established the standard for true prophecy: God’s servant must speak God’s word rather than his own desire. Deu 18:18-20 I will raise up for them a prophet like you… So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Balaam traveled toward Moab under God’s strict restraint. Although he went with men who expected a curse upon Israel, he would become the unwilling instrument through whom God announced blessing, Israel’s future triumph, and the certainty of His covenant faithfulness. 2Ki 1:15 Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down… Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Balaam is known for his encounter with the Angel of the LORD and his talking donkey. 2. Angel of the LORD A divine messenger who appears to Balaam on his journey to Moab. The Angel of the LORD initially opposes Balaam's path but later instructs him on what to do. 3. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites due to their numbers and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 4. Moab A region east of the Jordan River, where Balak rules and where Balaam is summoned to curse the Israelites. 5. Israelites The people of God, who are journeying to the Promised Land and are seen as a threat by Balak due to their large numbers and recent victories. Teaching Points Obedience to God's WordBalaam's account emphasizes the importance of obeying God's instructions, even when they conflict with personal desires or external pressures. God's Sovereignty The account demonstrates God's control over events and His ability to use even reluctant or misguided individuals to fulfill His purposes. Spiritual Discernment Balaam's encounter with the Angel of the LORD highlights the need for spiritual discernment and the dangers of pursuing personal gain over God's will. The Power of Blessing and Cursing The account illustrates the spiritual reality and power behind blessings and curses, reminding believers of the importance of aligning their words with God's will. The Consequences of Greed Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request for financial gain serves as a warning against the dangers of greed and compromising one's integrity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Balaam's interaction with the Angel of the LORD in Numbers 22:35 illustrate the importance of aligning our actions with God's will?2. In what ways does the account of Balaam and Balak reflect the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, and how can this promise encourage us today? 3. How can Balaam's account serve as a warning against the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of spiritual integrity, as mentioned in 2 Peter 2:15? 4. What lessons can we learn from Balaam's experience about the power of words, particularly in the context of blessings and curses? 5. How does the account of Balaam in Numbers 22:35 challenge us to develop spiritual discernment in our own lives, and what practical steps can we take to grow in this area? 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. This connects to Balaam's situation, as he is asked to curse the Israelites, descendants of Abraham. 2 Peter 2:15 Peter references Balaam as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, highlighting the moral and spiritual dangers of Balaam's actions. Revelation 2:14 Balaam is mentioned in the context of leading others into sin, showing the long-term impact of his actions and teachings. People Amorites, Balaam, Balak, Beor, Israelites, Moabites, Moses, ZipporPlaces Amaw, Arnon, Bamoth-baal, Egypt, Euphrates River, Jericho, Jordan River, Kiriath-huzoth, Midian, Moab, PethorTopics Along, Angel, Balaam, Balak, Bid, Chiefs, Leaders, Messenger, Princes, SpeakDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 22:35 4140 angel of the Lord Library 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 22:35 NIVNumbers 22:35 NLT Numbers 22:35 ESV Numbers 22:35 NASB Numbers 22:35 KJV Numbers 22:35 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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