“And 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 upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.”
Context: The book of Numbers is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, and it primarily focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In this particular chapter, the Israelites are camped in the plains of Moab, and Balak, the king of Moab, becomes alarmed at the Israelites’ growing numbers. Balak seeks to curse the Israelites, so he sends for Balaam, a diviner, to curse them.
Balaam’s Journey: In Numbers 22:22, we see Balaam on his journey to meet Balak. However, God’s anger was kindled against Balaam because he decided to go. Consequently, the angel of the Lord, standing as an adversary, appears in Balaam’s path. Balaam is riding on his donkey, accompanied by his two servants.
God’s Reaction: The reason for God’s anger towards Balaam is not explicitly stated in this verse. However, it can be inferred that God was displeased because Balaam was willingly going to curse the Israelites, despite God’s command. Balaam’s motivation seems to be personal gain, as Balak promised him rewards for cursing Israel.
The Angel of the Lord: The appearance of the angel of the Lord in Balaam’s path serves as a divine intervention. The angel takes a stand against Balaam’s actions, becoming an adversary or obstacle. It is interesting to note that while Balaam was not initially aware of the angel’s presence, the donkey he was riding could perceive the angel and reacts accordingly.
Lessons from the Passage:
- Obedience to God’s commands: Balaam’s disobedience and desire for personal gain led to God’s anger. It reminds us of the importance of obeying God’s instructions and aligning our actions with His will, even when personal interests tempt us to do otherwise.
- God’s intervention: The passage highlights how God can intervene in our lives to prevent us from straying from His path. The appearance of the angel of the Lord served as a clear sign to Balaam that he was going against God’s purpose.
- God’s awareness and perception: God is omniscient and knows the intentions and actions of every individual. Balaam’s attempts to deceive God were futile, as God was fully aware of his motives.
Application:
- Seek God’s guidance: Instead of pursuing personal interests, we should seek God’s guidance and align our desires with His will.
- Trust in God’s intervention: When faced with temptations or potential wrong paths, we can trust that God is aware and can intervene to guide us back onto the right path.
- Humility and obedience: Balaam’s story reminds us to approach God with humility and obedience, recognizing His authority and submitting to His will.
Remember to study the context of the passage further and explore the surrounding verses to gain a deeper understanding of the narrative.
