“And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.”
This verse is part of the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. To better understand the significance of this verse, let’s provide some context by summarizing the preceding events.
In Numbers 22, the Israelites were encamped in the plains of Moab, and Balak, the king of Moab, grew fearful of the Israelites’ growing strength. Balak sent messengers to summon Balaam, a renowned diviner, to curse the Israelites. Balaam initially declined, but after persistent pleas and the promise of great rewards, he agreed to go with Balak’s messengers. However, God’s anger was kindled against Balaam because he intended to curse the Israelites.
On the journey, Balaam’s donkey suddenly stopped and refused to proceed. Balaam, frustrated with the animal’s behavior, struck it three times. Then, the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it spoke to Balaam, asking why it was being mistreated. God allowed the donkey to see an angel with a drawn sword blocking their path. The donkey had turned aside three times to avoid the angel and protect Balaam’s life.
Now, let’s focus on Numbers 22:33 itself:
“And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.”
This verse reveals the purpose behind the donkey’s unusual behavior. The donkey saw the angel and wisely avoided its path, preventing Balaam from being struck down. It is noteworthy that the donkey was able to see the angel, while Balaam, as a diviner, was unable to perceive the spiritual realm until the Lord opened his eyes later in the story.
This verse highlights God’s intervention in the situation. The donkey, acting as an instrument in God’s plan, was used to protect Balaam’s life. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the extent to which He is willing to go to prevent His servants from acting contrary to His will.
There are several important lessons we can draw from this verse and the broader story:
- God can use unconventional means: God employed a donkey to communicate His message to Balaam. This demonstrates that God is not limited by human expectations and can use any means necessary to accomplish His purposes.
- God’s protection and guidance: God’s intervention in Balaam’s situation shows His care for His people and His desire to guide them on the right path. The donkey’s actions were a testament to God’s providential care and protection.
- Spiritual discernment: The donkey’s ability to see the angel before Balaam did serves as a reminder that spiritual discernment is not solely dependent on human insight or knowledge. It is God who reveals the spiritual realm and enables us to perceive it.
- God’s sovereignty: This story underscores God’s sovereignty over all creation. He can control the actions of animals, angels, and humans alike to accomplish His purposes.
In summary, Numbers 22:33 showcases the significance of the donkey’s actions and God’s intervention in Balaam’s journey. It reminds us of God’s ability to use unconventional means, His role in protecting and guiding His people, the importance of spiritual discernment, and His ultimate sovereignty over all things.
