Numbers 22:1-6—1 Then the children of Israel moved, and camped in the plains of Moab on the side of the Jordan across from Jericho. 2 Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 And Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was sick with dread because of the children of Israel. 4 So Moab said to the elders of Midian, "Now this company will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field." And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. 5 Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: "Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! 6 Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed." The next three chapters deal with the prophet Balaam, who was sent by Balak, another king of Moab, to curse Israel. Balak had seen how the people of Israel had defeated the armies of southern Moab, as well as Sihon king of the Amorites and Og of Bashan, and decided war with the people of Israel was not his best course of action. And we will see how even the hiring of Balaam did not work out for him the way he intended.
First, let’s clear up one geographical question. Some translations, even some of the better ones, translate verse one in a manner similar to this: Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho (ESV). This could give the impression that the people crossed the Jordan River and were encamped at Jericho, which was in the land of Canaan. This could thus lead to the question, “If God told Moses he would not enter the Promised Land, then why did he wind up in Jericho, which is in Canaan?” That would be a good question. This is a matter of translation, and there are some translations that render it better than others. The NASB renders Numbers 22:1—Then the sons of Israel journeyed, and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan opposite Jericho. The Bishop’s Bible says And the children of Israel departed and pitched in the fieldes of Moab, on the other side of Iordane from Iericho. The God’s Word Bible renders it Then the Israelites moved and set up camp across from Jericho, on the plains of Moab east of the Jordan River. Suffice to say, the people of Israel were still on the east side of the Jordan River, in the northern part of the land of Moab. Kinda like Point Roberts, WA. It is part of the state of Washington, and within the borders of the United States. But it is separated from the rest of the state by the Strait of Georgia, and there is no ferry service across the strait. So to get from Point Roberts to Seattle, you must first cross into Canada, then back into the United States.
The Expositor’s Bible describes the land:
While a part of the army of Israel was engaged in the campaign against Bashan, the tribes remained "in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho." The topography is given here, as elsewhere, from the point of view of one dwelling in Canaan; and the locality indicated is a level stretch of land, some five or six miles broad, between the river and the hills. In this plain there was ample room for the encampment, while along the Jordan and on the slopes to the east all the produce of field and garden, the spoil of conquest, was at the disposal of the Israelites. They rested therefore, after their long journey, in sight of Canaan, waiting first for the return of the troops, then for the command to advance; and the delay may very likely have extended to several months.
And since they were stationed along the banks of the Jordan River, guess what else they had? WATER! They wouldn’t have to complain about having water, for it was there for the drinking, running, living water!
2 Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 And Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was sick with dread because of the children of Israel. Just as I said last time about the people of Jericho learning of how mighty was the God who fought for Israel, so first Balak and the people of the Moabite plains were sore afraid of Him. So rather than use a military strategy against them, Balak devised a stratagem based on their following God. He would hire a prophet to curse them and stave off an invasion by Israel. They did, indeed, fear God. There was a fear of God before their eyes. And if they had approached Moses and submitted themselves to YHVH, and kept His commandments, they would have had peace. But how often do those who do not want to submit to God find ways to oppose Him and store up wrath for themselves?
Numbers 22:7-14—7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner's fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak. 8 And he said to them, "Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the LORD speaks to me." So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. 9 Then God came to Balaam and said, "Who are these men with you?" 10 So Balaam said to God, "Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, 11 'Look, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth. Come now, curse them for me; perhaps I shall be able to overpower them and drive them out.'" 12 And God said to Balaam, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed." 13 So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, "Go back to your land, for the LORD has refused to give me permission to go with you." 14 And the princes of Moab rose and went to Balak, and said, "Balaam refuses to come with us." Moab entered league with Midian, a tribe which was located to the southwest of the Dead Sea. The thought, I suppose, was to box Israel in between the two nations and, once (so they thought) the Israelites were cursed, it would be no great things to defeat them. About that whole “cursing Israel” thing…
Balaam was indeed a prophet, even a prophet who was recognized by God. And here we see that Balaam, although a Moabite and hired by the Moabite king to curse Israel, does not initially go against the word of God. The princes of Balak offer him a large sum of money to call down a curse upon Israel. But what is his response, after talking with God? And notice, there is no hint of insolence in Balaam’s words when he is talking with God. He tells the princes "Go back to your land, for the LORD has refused to give me permission to go with you." For any rational human being, this should have been the end of things. But calling Balak rational would not be a correct assessment of his mental state. Had the people of Israel made any kind of threatening movement towards him? No. They were simply hanging out by the Jordan River, waiting to cross it into Canaan. But Balak didn’t care, he wanted them gone. But he was afraid to engage them in combat after they had destroyed Sihon and Og. So now, since Balaam has returned and told him that he could not curse Israel, he starts to panic a bit.
Numbers 22:15-19—15 Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more honorable than they. 16 And they came to Balaam and said to him, "Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: 'Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me; 17 for I will certainly honor you greatly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Therefore please come, curse this people for me.'" 18 Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, "Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. 19 Now therefore, please, you also stay here tonight, that I may know what more the LORD will say to me." So after he has told Balak that he cannot curse Israel because God prevented him from doing so, Balak doubles down and sends even more princes and more money to him, in an effort to persuade Balaam to transgress against what God has said. But again, Balaam stands his ground and says even if Balak offered all of his wealth, he cannot go against God. So he tells the princes to stay the night with him again while he goes and talks to God. And I suppose Balaam could have sent away the princes and been done with the whole matter, but we see how he equivocates and even (perhaps) hopes that God will give him a different word. As if he was perhaps double-minded. James 1:8 (KJV)—A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. And Balaam will find that out next.
Numbers 22:20-22—20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, "If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do." 21 So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. 22 Then God's anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the LORD took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. Now this is a confusing passage. In verse 19 God says to Balaam to go with the princes, then in verse 20 He is angry because he went with the princes. So something must have happened between God telling him to go with the princes and him actually going with the princes. The best hypotheses I have seen say that in this meantime Balaam took the money from the princes and this was the reason for God’s anger. Which would make sense of 3 New Testament verses which paint Balaam in a less-than-favorable light. 2nd Peter 2:15—They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. Jude 1:11—Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. Revelation 2:14—“But I have a few things against you [the church at Pergamos], because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.” FB Meyer wrote that:
If only Balaam had abided by his first answer to Balak’s request, he would have been saved from the disgrace and suffering which ensued. But he seemed to think that it was possible to alter God’s mind; hence his request to the second company of messengers that they give him time to ascertain God’s will. Already that will had been clearly made known to him; what object had he in pressing for a further response? When, finally, he was told that he might go, he rose up in the morning, saddled his ass, and started post-haste. He was trying to serve two masters-to speak as God bade him, but to please Balak and pocket his gold. How many agencies God uses to arrest our evil courses! Peter specially refers to this incident. Many cries are raised to stop the boat that is caught in the rapids above Niagara! Thus the way of transgressors is made hard by the love of God!
CI Scofield:
In Numbers 22:12 the directive will of Jehovah is made known to Balaam, in Numbers 22:20 Jehovah’s permissive will. The prophet is now free to go, but knows the true mind of the Lord about it. The matter is wholly one between Jehovah and His servant. The permission of Numbers 22:20 really constitutes a testing of Balaam. He chose the path of self-will and self- advantage, and Jehovah could not but gravely disapprove. The whole scene, Numbers 22:22-35 prepared Balaam for what was to follow.
So yes, God allowed him to go, but did not want him to go. He already had his answer once, but allowed himself to be played along with wealth. How many times does God need to say something for it to be true? But he stepped further away from the commands that God had given him. It is no different for many people today, who creep away from the fences God has put up to keep us away from sin. Hebrews 1:13-2:1—1 But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? 2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Let us always hold fast the words given to us, lest we slide away, by little and little, away from the goodness of God.
Numbers 22:23-33—23 Now the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the road. 24 Then the Angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. 25 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she pushed herself against the wall and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall; so he struck her again. 26 Then the Angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 27 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam's anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff. 28 Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?" 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, "Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!" 30 So the donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?" And he said, "No." 31 Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. 32 And the Angel of the LORD said to him, "Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me. 33 The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live."
Do you not find it odd that Balaam answered his donkey when it spoke to him as if it were a natural thing? Think about it. You’re riding along the path on your donkey, it bucks against you, so you strike it. Then the third time you strike it, the donkey turns around and begins talking to you. And you answer! This is one of those places where the skeptic discards the Bible. “A talking donkey! And in Genesis a talking snake?? Nope, not gonna believe this! Next thing you’re gonna tell me an angel slew 200,000 soldiers in one night!” That is because they do not want to believe in a God that can do things in His Creation that we as humans do not understand.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is probably the most famous scientist of our day. And although he does not classify himself as an atheist (he calls himself an agnostic) and consistently argues against the existence of God. He has said in the past, “‘God’ is an ever-receding pocket of scientific ignorance that's getting smaller and smaller and smaller as time moves on.’” But did the scientists like Michael Faraday and Johannes Kepler not believe in God simply because they were scientists? No. Kepler wrote, “The chief aim of all investigations of the external world should be to discover the rational order and harmony which has been imposed on it by God and which He revealed to us in the language of mathematics.” These were men upon whose shoulders Neil deGrasse Tyson purports to stand. But he says of them, “They [scientists of centuries past] call on God only from the lonely and precarious edge of incomprehension. Where they feel certain about their explanations, however, God gets hardly a mention.” Almost mocking them for their faith. But that’s what he does. But these men knew the truth and sounded forth the truth of Psalm 19:1—The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. But alas, The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1). And here is Balaam arguing with his donkey, knowing that it was God who was speaking through his donkey. And let us remember the words of our Lord. Luke 19:39-40—39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." 40 But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." And you could say the donkey was smarter than Balaam in this instance. The donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, and bowed himself to it. Well did Isaiah say in Isaiah 1:3—“The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master's crib; but Israel does not know, My people do not consider.”
But we could probably cut Balaam some slack as he did not see the Angel in the road. Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. How many times do we see in the Scriptures that God opens people’s eyes to see what is right in front of them. When Jesus is sitting with the two travelers on the road to Emmaus, and He is talking with them, and they do not know that it is Him, we see in Luke 24:30-31—30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. God hid Balaam’s eyes from seeing the Angel until the appropriate time. And when his eyes were opened he realized the wrong he had done. Numbers 22:34-35—34 And Balaam said to the Angel of the LORD, "I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn back." 35 Then the Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. God repeats what He told Balaam when Balaam went with the princes of Moab. Only this time, Balaam knew better. Kinda like when God called Jonah to go preach to Nineveh, and instead the prophet got on a boat headed to Spain. God sent a great fish that swallowed him up, took him back to where he started from and spit him out onto the dry land. And what did God say to Jonah once the fish spit him out? Jonah 3:2—"Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you."
Part 2 next week
Jesus Christ is Lord.
Amen.
