Numbers 22:31

“And the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.”

This verse is part of the narrative of Balaam, a diviner from the land of Pethor, whom Balak, the king of Moab, sought to hire in order to curse the Israelites. Balaam initially refuses Balak’s request because God instructed him not to go with the messengers. However, Balak persisted and sent more honorable princes, enticing Balaam with the promise of great rewards. Balaam consulted with God again, and this time, God permitted him to go but warned him to speak only what God commanded.

In Numbers 22:31, we find Balaam on his journey to meet Balak. However, Balaam’s donkey sees something that Balaam himself is unable to perceive at first. The Lord intervenes by opening Balaam’s eyes, enabling him to see the angel of the Lord standing before him with a drawn sword.

This incident is significant because it reveals a few important aspects:

• Divine Intervention: The Lord intervenes in this situation to protect Balaam from proceeding further on his misguided path. By opening Balaam’s eyes, God ensures that Balaam becomes aware of the presence of the angel and the danger he faces.
• Spiritual Blindness: Initially, Balaam fails to see the angel, while his donkey perceives the spiritual reality. This moment highlights the concept of spiritual blindness, where someone may be unaware of God’s presence or His guidance due to their own preoccupations, motives, or worldly distractions. Balaam’s blindness serves as a cautionary example for believers to remain spiritually sensitive and attentive to God’s leading.
• Humility and Submission: When Balaam finally sees the angel, he responds by bowing down his head and falling flat on his face. This action signifies his recognition of the authority and power of God’s messenger. Balaam’s posture demonstrates humility and submission before the divine presence, acknowledging God’s sovereignty.

The story of Balaam in Numbers 22-24 teaches us important lessons about obedience, spiritual discernment, and the consequences of pursuing personal gain over God’s will. It reminds us of the need to seek God’s guidance, remain aware of His presence, and respond with humility when He reveals Himself to us.