“And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.”
Numbers 22:35 takes place in the context of the story of Balaam and Balak. Balak, the king of Moab, was concerned about the Israelites, who had recently defeated the Amorites and were encamped near his land. Balak believed that the Israelites posed a threat to his kingdom, so he sought the assistance of Balaam, a renowned diviner or prophet, to curse the Israelites and weaken them.
When Balak sent messengers to summon Balaam, God intervened. Initially, God told Balaam not to go with the messengers and curse the Israelites because they were blessed. However, when Balak persisted and sent more honorable princes, Balaam requested God’s permission again. God permitted Balaam to go, but with a clear instruction: he was only to speak the words that God would give him.
In Numbers 22:35, we see the angel of the LORD, representing God’s presence and authority, giving Balaam further instructions. The angel tells Balaam to accompany the men who had come to fetch him, but emphasizes that Balaam must speak only the words that God would put in his mouth. Despite God’s permission for Balaam to go, it was crucial for Balaam to align his words with God’s will.
This verse highlights an essential principle of obedience and submission to God’s authority. Balaam’s actions demonstrate that God’s permissive will should not be misconstrued as a license to act independently or according to personal desires. Balaam was to speak only what God directed him to say, emphasizing the need for aligning oneself with God’s instructions.
The story of Balaam continues in subsequent chapters, where we see how he struggles with his obedience and eventually delivers blessings upon the Israelites instead of curses, in accordance with God’s command. Balaam’s journey serves as a reminder that following God’s explicit instructions and aligning our words and actions with His will is vital for believers.
In summary, Numbers 22:35 teaches us the significance of obedience and aligning ourselves with God’s will. Balaam’s obedience to speak only the words God gave him, despite Balak’s request for curses, serves as an example for believers to follow God’s instructions rather than seeking personal gain or desires.
