Topical Encyclopedia Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known for his interactions with Balak, the king of Moab, and his subsequent encounter with the Angel of the LORD. The account of Balaam's anger and his rebuke by his donkey is found in the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 22:21-35.Context and Background Balaam was summoned by Balak to curse the Israelites, who were encamped on the plains of Moab. Despite God's initial instruction forbidding Balaam to go with Balak's messengers, Balaam was enticed by the promise of reward and prestige. Eventually, God permitted Balaam to go, but with the stipulation that he would only speak the words God put in his mouth. Balaam's Anger As Balaam set out on his journey, riding his donkey, God's anger was kindled against him because his heart was not aligned with God's will. Balaam's desire for personal gain overshadowed his prophetic duty, leading to divine intervention. Numbers 22:22 states, "But God was angry that Balaam was going, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him." The Rebuke by the Donkey The Angel of the LORD positioned himself as an adversary in Balaam's path, unseen by Balaam but visible to the donkey. The donkey, seeing the angel with a drawn sword, turned aside into a field. Balaam, unaware of the divine presence, struck the donkey to get it back on the road. This happened three times, with the donkey pressing against a wall and finally lying down under Balaam, each time receiving blows from Balaam's hand. In a miraculous turn, God opened the donkey's mouth, allowing it to speak. Numbers 22:28-30 records this exchange: "Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, 'What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?' Balaam answered the donkey, 'You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.' The donkey said to Balaam, 'Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?' 'No,' he said." Divine Revelation and Repentance Following this exchange, the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. Balaam bowed low and fell facedown. The angel rebuked Balaam for his reckless path, highlighting the donkey's actions as a means of saving Balaam's life. Numbers 22:32-33 states, "The angel of the LORD asked him, 'Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would have surely killed you by now, but I would have let her live.'" Balaam confessed his sin and offered to return home, but the angel instructed him to continue his journey, reiterating that he must only speak what God commands. Significance The account of Balaam's anger and his rebuke by his donkey serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will. It underscores the theme of divine intervention and the unexpected ways God can communicate His message, even through a humble beast of burden. Balaam's experience highlights the dangers of spiritual blindness and the importance of aligning one's heart with God's purposes. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 22:22-35And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his ass, and his two servants were with him. Nave's Topical Index 2 Peter 2:16 Library The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). The Prophet Joel. The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: The Acceptable Sacrifice; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources Who was Balaam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of Balaam? | GotQuestions.org Did Balaam's donkey really talk to him? | GotQuestions.org Balaam: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |