In Numbers 22, the Israelites were on their journey to the Promised Land, and they camped in the plains of Moab. Balak, the king of Moab, became fearful of the Israelites’ presence and sought the help of a diviner named Balaam. Balak sent messengers to Balaam, offering him rewards if he would curse the Israelites.
God spoke to Balaam and instructed him not to go with the messengers or curse the Israelites because they were blessed. Balaam relayed God’s message to the messengers, but Balak sent more honorable princes to persuade Balaam. Balaam sought God’s counsel once again, and this time, God allowed him to go but with the condition that he would speak only what God commanded.
As Balaam journeyed with the princes, an angel of the Lord stood in their path, but Balaam’s donkey saw the angel and veered off the road. Balaam, unaware of the angel’s presence, became angry with his donkey. After the donkey spoke miraculously, Balaam’s eyes were opened, and he saw the angel. The angel warned Balaam to speak only what God commanded.
Upon arriving in Moab, Balak welcomed Balaam and took him to various locations where he could see the Israelites. Balak urged Balaam to curse them, but instead, Balaam uttered blessings upon the Israelites as God directed.
Click the links below to uncover the depths of each verse in its context: