“And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.”
Context: The book of Numbers recounts the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. In this particular passage, the Israelites had come near the plains of Moab, and Balak, the king of Moab, became fearful of their presence. Balak sought to hire a diviner named Balaam to curse the Israelites and halt their progress.
Balaam’s Journey: In this verse, we see Balaam waking up in the morning and preparing to go with the princes of Moab. Balaam was initially hesitant to go with them because God had warned him not to curse the Israelites. However, Balak persisted in his request, and God allowed Balaam to go with the princes while reminding him to speak only the words that God would put in his mouth.
Symbolism of Balaam’s Ass: While this verse may seem straightforward, the story continues with a significant event involving Balaam’s donkey. As Balaam continued his journey, an angel of the Lord appeared on the path, blocking the way. Although Balaam was unable to see the angel, his donkey saw it and veered off the path multiple times. Balaam, frustrated by the donkey’s behavior, struck it. Finally, the Lord enabled the donkey to speak and reveal the angel’s presence. This miraculous event highlighted God’s power and authority over all creation, including animals.
Lessons from the Passage:
- Obedience to God’s Word: Balaam’s initial hesitation to go with the princes of Moab was an act of obedience to God’s command not to curse the Israelites. It is crucial for us to be obedient to God’s Word even when faced with pressure or enticing offers that contradict His commands.
- God’s Sovereignty and Intervention: The encounter with the angel and the speaking donkey demonstrated God’s control over His creation. It reminds us that God can use any means to communicate His will or protect His people. We should trust in His sovereignty and be attentive to His guidance.
- God’s Will Prevails: Despite Balaam’s initial reluctance, God allowed him to go with the princes. However, God made it clear that Balaam should only speak what God instructed him to say. This emphasizes that God’s will cannot be thwarted or manipulated, and His purposes will ultimately prevail.
Application:
- Seek God’s Guidance: Balaam’s story teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance in every situation. We should earnestly pray, study His Word, and be open to His leading, even if it means deviating from our own desires or expectations.
- Trust in God’s Sovereignty: When faced with challenging circumstances or when God’s plans seem unclear, we should trust in His sovereignty. Just as God revealed Himself to Balaam through the angel and the speaking donkey, He can reveal Himself to us and guide us in unexpected ways.
- Obedience and Integrity: Balaam’s story also reminds us of the importance of obedience and integrity. We should prioritize following God’s commands, even when tempted by personal gain or pressure from others. Our actions and words should align with God’s truth and not compromise our faith.
Remember, the story of Balaam is not just limited to this verse, but it extends further in Numbers 22. Exploring the entire account will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the narrative and its significance.
