“And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again.”
Numbers 22:25 is part of the story of Balaam, a prophet whom Balak, the king of Moab, sought to hire in order to curse the people of Israel. In this verse, Balaam is riding on his donkey (referred to as an “ass” in the King James Version), and they encounter an angel of the Lord standing in their path.
When the donkey sees the angel, it veers off the path and presses Balaam’s foot against the wall. In response, Balaam strikes the donkey. However, the angel then reveals himself to Balaam, explaining that the donkey had saved his life by preventing him from proceeding further.
This passage reveals several important lessons:
- Spiritual Perception: The donkey was able to see the angel of the Lord, but Balaam, the prophet, was initially unaware. This highlights the idea that sometimes animals or seemingly insignificant creatures can have a level of spiritual perception that humans may lack. It reminds us to be attentive to the signs and messages from God, even if they come through unexpected sources.
- Divine Intervention: God uses the donkey to prevent Balaam from proceeding on a path that would have brought harm to him. The angel’s appearance and the donkey’s actions were a divine intervention aimed at protecting Balaam from his own destructive choices. It serves as a reminder that God can use any means to communicate with us and redirect our paths.
- Human Limitations: Balaam’s response to the donkey’s action was to strike it, showing his frustration and lack of understanding. This reaction reveals his limited perspective and lack of discernment at that moment. It serves as a cautionary example of how we can sometimes react impulsively or harshly when faced with unexpected circumstances. We should strive to maintain patience and seek God’s guidance in all situations.
- God’s Sovereignty: The encounter with the angel of the Lord highlights God’s sovereignty and control over all things. He sent the angel and orchestrated the events to fulfill His purposes. It demonstrates that no matter how powerful or influential we may think we are, ultimately, God is in control and can redirect our paths according to His will.
In summary, Numbers 22:25 provides us with important lessons about spiritual perception, divine intervention, human limitations, and God’s sovereignty. It encourages us to be attentive to God’s signs and messages, to trust in His guidance even when it comes through unexpected sources, and to humbly submit to His sovereignty over our lives.
