“And the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.”
Numbers 22:24 is part of the account of Balaam and his encounter with the Angel of the Lord. To provide a comprehensive understanding, let’s explore the broader context of this passage.
In Numbers 22, the Israelites, led by Moses, had journeyed through the wilderness and arrived on the plains of Moab. Balak, the king of Moab, became alarmed at the presence and increasing numbers of the Israelites and sought to curse them in an attempt to weaken them. Balak sent messengers to Balaam, a diviner or prophet, offering him rewards to curse the Israelites.
Initially, Balaam refused the offer, stating that he could only speak the words the Lord put in his mouth. However, when Balak persisted and sent more honorable princes, Balaam sought the Lord’s guidance once again. This time, the Lord permitted Balaam to go but instructed him to speak only what God commanded him.
As Balaam set out on his journey riding his donkey, an angel of the Lord stood in the path to oppose him. However, Balaam was initially unable to see the angel, while the donkey did and tried to avoid the angel by going off the path into a field. In response, Balaam struck the donkey to get it back on the path. This sequence of events repeated three times, and each time the donkey tried to avoid the angel, Balaam responded by striking it.
Verse 24 specifically states that the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, with walls on either side. This detail emphasizes the divine intervention occurring in a confined space, with limited options for Balaam and his donkey to maneuver. The presence of walls highlights the way in which the angel blocked Balaam’s path, preventing him from continuing on his intended course.
The angel’s purpose in obstructing Balaam’s path was to convey a message and bring about a change in Balaam’s perspective. Subsequently, the Lord allowed Balaam’s eyes to be opened, and he saw the angel standing in the way. Balaam realized his error and acknowledged that the donkey had acted out of self-preservation because the angel’s presence posed a grave danger to them.
This incident serves as a reminder that God can use various means to get our attention and redirect our path. In Balaam’s case, the angel of the Lord intervened to prevent him from proceeding with a wrong course of action. It demonstrates God’s sovereignty and His willingness to guide and correct those who are willing to listen to Him.
Overall, Numbers 22:24 highlights the significance of divine intervention, the blindness to spiritual realities, and the necessity of recognizing God’s guidance in our lives. It encourages us to be attentive and responsive to God’s leading, even if it means deviating from our own plans or desires.
