Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Numbers 22 Study Notes

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General

The angel's command in 22:35 closely matches whose earlier words to Balaam?

Answer: God's own words to Balaam in 22:20

The angel tells Balaam to continue with Balak's officials but to say only what he tells him (22:35), almost the same words God spoke to Balaam in 22:20. The angel also says Balaam's way is perverse in his sight (22:32), speaking as the one whose will has been crossed. In other passages too, the LORD's angel speaks as God: Hagar names the God who spoke with her as the God who saw her, and at the burning bush the angel appears and then God calls from the bush. Christians have long discussed who this angel is. Some see a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God, that is, Christ appearing before He was born as a man. Others understand him as a created angel speaking with God's full authority. Either way, the angel's word is God's word to Balaam.

  • Numbers 22:20 (BSB)
    “That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.””
    God permits Balaam to go but tells him to do only what He says.
  • Numbers 22:35 (BSB)
    “But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.”
    The angel permits Balaam to go but tells him to speak only what he says.
  • Genesis 16:13 (BSB)
    “So Hagar gave this name to the LORD who had spoken to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Here I have seen the One who sees me!””
    After the angel of the LORD speaks to Hagar, she names the LORD who spoke to her, identifying the angel's voice with God's.
  • Exodus 3:2-4 (BSB)
    “There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.”
    The angel of the LORD appears in the bush, and then the LORD Himself calls to Moses from it.
  • Judges 13:21-22 (BSB)
    “And when the angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and his wife, Manoah realized that it had been the angel of the LORD. “We are going to die,” he said to his wife, “for we have seen God!””
    Manoah, realizing he has seen the angel of the LORD, says they have seen God.

Theological

Which earlier statement does the angel's charge in 22:35 echo almost word for word?

Answer: God's own words to Balaam in 22:20

The angel's charge in 22:35 repeats God's condition from 22:20, and he speaks of Balaam's way as perverse before him (22:32), in the first person of the offended party. This fits the wider pattern in which the LORD's angel speaks for God in the first person and those who meet him say they have met God (Genesis 16:13; Exodus 3:2-4; Judges 13:21-22). His identity is debated. Some interpreters see a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son, a Christophany; others hold that he is a created messenger bearing God's name and authority. On either view, the command Balaam receives on the road is the LORD's own word.

  • Numbers 22:20 (BSB)
    “That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.””
    God permits Balaam to go but tells him to do only what He says.
  • Numbers 22:35 (BSB)
    “But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.”
    The angel permits Balaam to go but tells him to speak only what he says.
  • Genesis 16:13 (BSB)
    “So Hagar gave this name to the LORD who had spoken to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Here I have seen the One who sees me!””
    After the angel of the LORD speaks to Hagar, she names the LORD who spoke to her, identifying the angel's voice with God's.
  • Exodus 3:2-4 (BSB)
    “There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.”
    The angel of the LORD appears in the bush, and then the LORD Himself calls to Moses from it.
  • Judges 13:21-22 (BSB)
    “And when the angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and his wife, Manoah realized that it had been the angel of the LORD. “We are going to die,” he said to his wife, “for we have seen God!””
    Manoah, realizing he has seen the angel of the LORD, says they have seen God.

General

When Balak asked why Balaam had not come sooner, what did Balaam say he must do (22:37-38)?

Answer: Speak only the words God placed in his mouth

Balak meets Balaam at the Arnon frontier and scolds him for delaying, asking whether he thinks Balak cannot reward him (22:36-37). Balaam answers that he has come, but he cannot say whatever he likes; he must speak only what God places in his mouth (22:38). This matches the angel's command (22:35). God had turned Balaam's journey into a display of His power: the man hired to curse would be able to speak only God's blessing. As later Scripture says, the LORD refused to heed Balaam, and no plan can succeed against the LORD.

  • Numbers 22:35 (BSB)
    “But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.”
    The angel lets Balaam go on, but he may speak only what he is told.
  • Numbers 22:38 (BSB)
    ““See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.””
    Balaam tells Balak he can speak only the word God puts in his mouth.
  • Numbers 23:12 (BSB)
    “But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?””
    At the first oracle Balaam repeats that he must speak exactly what the LORD puts in his mouth.
  • Joshua 24:9-10 (BSB)
    “Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.”
    God says He would not listen to Balaam, so Balaam blessed Israel again and again.
  • Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)
    “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”
    No counsel can prevail against the LORD, as Balak's scheme could not.

Theological

What does Balaam tell Balak he is bound to do (22:37-38)?

Answer: Speak only the words God placed in his mouth

Balak reproaches Balaam for delay and questions whether he doubts Balak's ability to reward him (22:37). Balaam replies that he can utter nothing but what God places in his mouth (22:38), the constraint the angel had imposed (22:35) and one he will repeat at the first oracle (23:12). Balaam's words are not his own to sell. God overrules the hired curse and makes Balaam bless Israel repeatedly (Joshua 24:9-10), for no counsel stands against the LORD (Proverbs 21:30).

  • Numbers 22:35 (BSB)
    “But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.”
    The angel lets Balaam go on, but he may speak only what he is told.
  • Numbers 22:38 (BSB)
    ““See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.””
    Balaam tells Balak he can speak only the word God puts in his mouth.
  • Numbers 23:12 (BSB)
    “But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?””
    At the first oracle Balaam repeats that he must speak exactly what the LORD puts in his mouth.
  • Joshua 24:9-10 (BSB)
    “Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.”
    God says He would not listen to Balaam, so Balaam blessed Israel again and again.
  • Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)
    “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”
    No counsel can prevail against the LORD, as Balak's scheme could not.

General

After saying that even a palace filled with silver and gold could not make him disobey the LORD, what did Balaam do (22:18-19)?

Answer: Asked them to stay overnight to hear more from the LORD

Balaam's words sound faithful: even for a palace stocked with silver and gold, he says, he could do nothing, little or much, beyond what the LORD commanded (22:18). Yet God had already given him a clear answer. Instead of sending the men away, Balaam asks them to stay the night so he can find out whether the LORD will say anything more (22:19). The New Testament gives God's verdict on Balaam's heart: he loved the profit of wrongdoing and rushed into error for gain. Paul warns that the desire to be rich leads people into ruin.

  • Numbers 22:18-19 (BSB)
    “But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.””
    Balaam says no amount of silver and gold could make him exceed the LORD's command, yet asks the men to stay to learn what more the LORD will say.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter's verdict is that Balaam loved the wages of wickedness.
  • Jude 1:11 (BSB)
    “Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.”
    Jude describes Balaam's error as a rush for profit.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (BSB)
    “Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
    Paul warns that the desire for riches plunges people into ruin, the danger Balaam illustrates.

Theological

Having protested that no fortune could make him exceed the LORD's command (22:18), what does Balaam do next (22:19)?

Answer: Asked them to stay overnight to hear more from the LORD

Balaam's profession is orthodox: no fortune could move him past the LORD's command (22:18). His conduct betrays him. God has already answered, yet Balaam detains the delegation to see whether the LORD will say more (22:19), keeping the door open to Balak's reward. The NT exposes the motive: he loved the reward of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15-16) and plunged into error for gain (Jude 11). Right words about God's sovereignty can coexist with a heart ruled by greed (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

  • Numbers 22:18-19 (BSB)
    “But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.””
    Balaam says no amount of silver and gold could make him exceed the LORD's command, yet asks the men to stay to learn what more the LORD will say.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter's verdict is that Balaam loved the wages of wickedness.
  • Jude 1:11 (BSB)
    “Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.”
    Jude describes Balaam's error as a rush for profit.
  • 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (BSB)
    “Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
    Paul warns that the desire for riches plunges people into ruin, the danger Balaam illustrates.

General

What did Balaam do once the LORD opened his eyes to see the angel holding a sword (22:31)?

Answer: He bowed down with his face to the ground

Only when the LORD opens Balaam's eyes does he see the angel blocking the road, sword in hand, and he bows low with his face to the ground (22:31). Balaam, a professional seer, could not see until God gave him sight. Spiritual sight is always God's gift. When Elisha prayed, the LORD opened his servant's eyes to see heaven's armies, and the risen Jesus was recognized only when the disciples' eyes were opened. Joshua likewise fell on his face before a heavenly figure with a sword.

  • Numbers 22:31 (BSB)
    “Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.”
    The LORD opens Balaam's eyes to see the angel with a sword, and Balaam bows facedown.
  • 2 Kings 6:17 (BSB)
    “Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
    At Elisha's prayer the LORD opened his servant's eyes to see heavenly forces, showing that such sight is God's gift.
  • Luke 24:31 (BSB)
    “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.”
    The disciples recognized the risen Jesus only when their eyes were opened.
  • Joshua 5:13-14 (BSB)
    “Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?””
    Joshua also fell facedown before a figure standing with a drawn sword who came from the LORD.

Theological

How does Balaam respond once the LORD opens his eyes to see the armed angel (22:31)?

Answer: He bowed down with his face to the ground

The seer sees only when the LORD opens his eyes (22:31); he then perceives the angel with sword drawn and prostrates himself. Perception of spiritual reality is a sovereign gift, as when Elisha's servant was given sight at the prophet's prayer (2 Kings 6:17) and when the Emmaus disciples' eyes were opened to recognize Christ (Luke 24:31). Balaam's prostration parallels Joshua's before the armed heavenly commander (Joshua 5:13-14).

  • Numbers 22:31 (BSB)
    “Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.”
    The LORD opens Balaam's eyes to see the angel with a sword, and Balaam bows facedown.
  • 2 Kings 6:17 (BSB)
    “Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
    At Elisha's prayer the LORD opened his servant's eyes to see heavenly forces, showing that such sight is God's gift.
  • Luke 24:31 (BSB)
    “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.”
    The disciples recognized the risen Jesus only when their eyes were opened.
  • Joshua 5:13-14 (BSB)
    “Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?””
    Joshua also fell facedown before a figure standing with a drawn sword who came from the LORD.

General

True or False: After Balaam refused the first time, Balak sent a larger group of more important officials and promised to honor him richly.

Answer: True

This is true. After the first messengers returned with Balaam's refusal (22:13-14), Balak sent officials who were more numerous and of higher rank (22:15). They promised that Balak would honor Balaam greatly and do whatever he asked, if only he would come and curse Israel (22:16-17). Balak assumed Balaam's refusal was a matter of price. The pressure increased, but God's word that Israel was blessed did not change, as Balaam himself would later declare.

  • Numbers 22:15-17 (BSB)
    “Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers. They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me, for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’””
    Balak sends more numerous and more distinguished princes, promising Balaam great honor if he will come and curse Israel.
  • Numbers 23:19 (BSB)
    “God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”
    Balaam will later declare that God does not change His mind, which is why greater pressure could not change His word that Israel was blessed.
  • Micah 6:5 (BSB)
    “My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’””
    God calls Israel to remember Balak's scheming and Balaam's answer as a display of the LORD's righteousness.

Theological

True or False: Following Balaam's first refusal, Balak escalated with a larger, higher-ranking delegation and a promise of great honor.

Answer: True

This is true. When the first delegation returns empty-handed (22:13-14), Balak sends a larger delegation of higher rank (22:15), offering lavish honor and whatever Balaam might ask (22:16-17). Balak treats the refusal as a negotiating position. But Israel's blessing had been settled by the God who does not lie or change His mind (23:19), and Micah later points Israel to this episode as a display of the LORD's righteousness (Micah 6:5).

  • Numbers 22:15-17 (BSB)
    “Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers. They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me, for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’””
    Balak sends more numerous and more distinguished princes, promising Balaam great honor if he will come and curse Israel.
  • Numbers 23:19 (BSB)
    “God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”
    Balaam will later declare that God does not change His mind, which is why greater pressure could not change His word that Israel was blessed.
  • Micah 6:5 (BSB)
    “My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’””
    God calls Israel to remember Balak's scheming and Balaam's answer as a display of the LORD's righteousness.

General

Whom did Balak send for, and what did he want him to do (22:5-6)?

Answer: Balaam from Pethor, to pronounce a curse on Israel

Moab's king Balak sends messengers to Balaam, Beor's son, at Pethor near the Euphrates River, far from Moab (22:5). He asks Balaam to come and curse Israel, hoping this will weaken them enough for Moab to win and expel them (22:6). A curse here means calling down harm on someone by invoking divine power. Later Scripture remembers that Moab hired Balaam to curse Israel, and that the LORD refused to listen to him.

  • Numbers 22:5-6 (BSB)
    “he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.””
    Balak sends to Balaam at Pethor near the Euphrates, asking him to curse Israel so Moab can drive them out.
  • Deuteronomy 23:4 (BSB)
    “For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you.”
    Moses recalls that Moab hired Balaam from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse Israel.
  • Joshua 24:9-10 (BSB)
    “Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.”
    God reminds Israel that Balak sent for Balaam to curse them but that He refused to listen to Balaam.

Theological

Whom does Balak summon in 22:5-6, and for what purpose?

Answer: Balaam from Pethor, to pronounce a curse on Israel

Balak sends to Balaam, Beor's son, at Pethor by the Euphrates (22:5), asking him to curse Israel so that Moab might prevail and expel them (22:6). Unable to face Israel in battle, Balak turns to spiritual power for hire. Deuteronomy 23:4 records that Moab hired Balaam from Aram-naharaim, and Joshua 24:9-10 adds God's own comment: He refused to heed Balaam and made him bless Israel instead.

  • Numbers 22:5-6 (BSB)
    “he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.””
    Balak sends to Balaam at Pethor near the Euphrates, asking him to curse Israel so Moab can drive them out.
  • Deuteronomy 23:4 (BSB)
    “For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you.”
    Moses recalls that Moab hired Balaam from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse Israel.
  • Joshua 24:9-10 (BSB)
    “Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.”
    God reminds Israel that Balak sent for Balaam to curse them but that He refused to listen to Balaam.

General

Where did Balak take Balaam the following day, and what was visible from there (22:41)?

Answer: Bamoth-baal, with a view of the edge of Israel's camp

After arriving at Kiriath-huzoth, Balak sacrifices oxen and sheep and shares the meat with Balaam and the officials (22:39-40). The next morning he leads Balaam to Bamoth-baal, a height whose name means high places of Baal, from which Balaam can see part of Israel's camp (22:41). Balak was setting the stage for a curse, choosing a spot with a view of his target. He would later move Balaam to other places hoping for a different result, but God's word would not change.

  • Numbers 22:39-41 (BSB)
    “So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him. The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.”
    After sacrifices at Kiriath-huzoth, Balak takes Balaam up to Bamoth-baal, where he can see the outskirts of Israel's camp.
  • Numbers 23:13 (BSB)
    “Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.””
    Balak later moves Balaam to another viewpoint, again showing only part of the camp, hoping for a curse.
  • Numbers 23:19 (BSB)
    “God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”
    God does not change His mind, so no change of location could change His word about Israel.

Theological

To what place does Balak bring Balaam in 22:41, and what is visible from it?

Answer: Bamoth-baal, with a view of the edge of Israel's camp

Following sacrifices at Kiriath-huzoth (22:39-40), Balak brings Balaam to Bamoth-baal, the high places of Baal, from which part of Israel's camp is visible (22:41). Balak assumes that sight lines and sacred sites can influence the outcome, and he will try other vantage points showing only part of the people (23:13). But the issue is not location; God does not lie or change His mind as people do (23:19).

  • Numbers 22:39-41 (BSB)
    “So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him. The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.”
    After sacrifices at Kiriath-huzoth, Balak takes Balaam up to Bamoth-baal, where he can see the outskirts of Israel's camp.
  • Numbers 23:13 (BSB)
    “Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.””
    Balak later moves Balaam to another viewpoint, again showing only part of the camp, hoping for a curse.
  • Numbers 23:19 (BSB)
    “God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”
    God does not change His mind, so no change of location could change His word about Israel.

General

True or False: Moab's and Midian's elders came to Balaam carrying payment for divination.

Answer: True

This is true. Balak's messengers brought fees for divination with them (22:7). Divination was the practice of seeking hidden knowledge or power through omens and magic, something God strictly forbade in Israel. Balaam was a hired diviner, and later Scripture calls him exactly that. Peter says Balaam loved the pay that wrongdoing earned, and Jude says he rushed into error for profit. The payment in the messengers' hands shows what Balak was counting on.

  • Numbers 22:7 (BSB)
    “The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.”
    Moab's and Midian's elders travel to Balaam carrying payment for divination.
  • Deuteronomy 18:10 (BSB)
    “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery,”
    God forbade divination and related practices in Israel.
  • Joshua 13:22 (BSB)
    “The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword.”
    Scripture later identifies Balaam as a diviner.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter says Balaam loved the wages of wickedness, the motive the payment appealed to.
  • Jude 1:11 (BSB)
    “Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.”
    Jude says Balaam rushed for profit into error, the same motive the payment appealed to.

Theological

True or False: The delegation from Moab and Midian arrived carrying the fee for divination.

Answer: True

This is true. The elders come with the fee for divination (22:7), treating Balaam as a professional practitioner of the occult arts that the law forbade in Israel (Deuteronomy 18:10); Joshua 13:22 calls him the diviner. The NT verdict fixes on the payment: Balaam loved the reward of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15-16) and plunged into error for gain (Jude 11). Balak's strategy assumed that a sufficient fee could purchase a curse.

  • Numbers 22:7 (BSB)
    “The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.”
    Moab's and Midian's elders travel to Balaam carrying payment for divination.
  • Deuteronomy 18:10 (BSB)
    “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery,”
    God forbade divination and related practices in Israel.
  • Joshua 13:22 (BSB)
    “The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword.”
    Scripture later identifies Balaam as a diviner.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter says Balaam loved the wages of wickedness, the motive the payment appealed to.
  • Jude 1:11 (BSB)
    “Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.”
    Jude says Balaam rushed for profit into error, the same motive the payment appealed to.

General

What did God tell Balaam the first night (22:12)?

Answer: Not to go with them and not to curse Israel

God comes to Balaam and asks who the men are, and Balaam explains Balak's request (22:9-11). God's answer is clear: Balaam must not travel with them, and he must not curse the Israelites, since they are blessed (22:12). God's blessing on Israel rested on His own promise, and no hired curse could undo it. Balaam later confesses that God has commanded him to bless and he cannot reverse it, and Moses reminds Israel that the LORD changed the intended curse to blessing out of love for them. This was the same love by which God had chosen Israel, not because they were great but simply because He loved them.

  • Numbers 22:12 (BSB)
    “But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.””
    God tells Balaam not to go with Balak's men and not to curse Israel, because they are blessed.
  • Numbers 23:20 (BSB)
    “I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.”
    Balaam later confesses that God has blessed Israel and he cannot reverse it.
  • Deuteronomy 23:5 (BSB)
    “Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.”
    Moses says the LORD refused to listen to Balaam and turned the curse into blessing because He loved Israel.
  • Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (BSB)
    “The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”
    Moses teaches that the LORD set His affection on Israel and chose them not for their size but simply because He loved them.

Theological

What was God's initial instruction to Balaam in 22:12?

Answer: Not to go with them and not to curse Israel

After Balaam reports Balak's request (22:9-11), God's verdict is unambiguous: do not go, do not curse, for the people are blessed (22:12). Israel's blessed status rests on God's prior word, which no diviner can overturn; Balaam himself will confess that God has blessed and he cannot revoke it (23:20). Deuteronomy 23:5 traces the outcome to God's love: He refused to heed Balaam and changed the curse to blessing because He loved Israel. That is the same freely given love by which He had chosen Israel in the first place, not for anything in them (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).

  • Numbers 22:12 (BSB)
    “But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.””
    God tells Balaam not to go with Balak's men and not to curse Israel, because they are blessed.
  • Numbers 23:20 (BSB)
    “I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.”
    Balaam later confesses that God has blessed Israel and he cannot reverse it.
  • Deuteronomy 23:5 (BSB)
    “Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.”
    Moses says the LORD refused to listen to Balaam and turned the curse into blessing because He loved Israel.
  • Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (BSB)
    “The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”
    Moses teaches that the LORD set His affection on Israel and chose them not for their size but simply because He loved them.

General

Why did the angel say he had set himself against Balaam (22:32)?

Answer: Because Balaam's way was perverse in his sight

Soon after God allows Balaam to go, God's anger burns because he is going, and the LORD's angel blocks his path (22:22). Later the angel explains that he came to oppose Balaam because Balaam's way was perverse, that is, twisted and wrong, in his sight (22:32). God's permission had not changed the direction of Balaam's heart. The New Testament explains what that heart was: Balaam loved the reward for wrongdoing and rushed into error for profit. Balaam went on the journey, but his heart was set on Balak's reward.

  • Numbers 22:22 (BSB)
    “Then God’s anger was kindled because Balaam was going along, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.”
    God's anger burns because Balaam is going, and the angel of the LORD stands in his way.
  • Numbers 22:32 (BSB)
    “The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before me.”
    The angel says he came out to oppose Balaam because his way is perverse before him.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter explains that Balaam loved the wages of wickedness, exposing the heart behind the journey.
  • Jude 1:11 (BSB)
    “Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.”
    Jude says Balaam rushed for profit into error, confirming the direction of his heart.

Theological

What reason does the angel give in 22:32 for opposing Balaam?

Answer: Because Balaam's way was perverse in his sight

The tension between the permission of 22:20 and the anger of 22:22 is explained by the angel's own words: Balaam's way is perverse in his sight (22:32). God's anger is kindled at his going, and the angel's words locate the fault in the disposition driving the journey. The NT names that disposition: Balaam loved the reward of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15-16) and plunged into error for gain (Jude 11). God permitted the journey while opposing the covetous heart behind it, and He would turn the whole episode to His own ends.

  • Numbers 22:22 (BSB)
    “Then God’s anger was kindled because Balaam was going along, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.”
    God's anger burns because Balaam is going, and the angel of the LORD stands in his way.
  • Numbers 22:32 (BSB)
    “The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before me.”
    The angel says he came out to oppose Balaam because his way is perverse before him.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter explains that Balaam loved the wages of wickedness, exposing the heart behind the journey.
  • Jude 1:11 (BSB)
    “Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.”
    Jude says Balaam rushed for profit into error, confirming the direction of his heart.

General

Why was Moab terrified of Israel (22:2-3)?

Answer: Israel was very numerous and had defeated the Amorites

Balak, the son of Zippor, sees Israel's victory over the Amorites, and all Moab is filled with fear because the Israelites are so many (22:2-3). The Moabites tell Midian's elders that this crowd will strip everything around them the way an ox eats up grass (22:4). Israel had in fact not attacked Moab at all, because God had told them not to. Moses had sung years before that trembling would seize Moab's leaders, and God had promised to put fear of Israel on the nations.

  • Numbers 22:2-4 (BSB)
    “Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites. So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time,”
    Balak sees what Israel did to the Amorites; Moab is terrified of Israel's numbers and warns Midian's elders.
  • Exodus 15:15 (BSB)
    “Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,”
    Moses' song had foretold that trembling would seize Moab's leaders when God brought His people through.
  • Deuteronomy 2:25 (BSB)
    “This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.””
    God promised to put the dread of Israel on the nations who heard reports of them.
  • Deuteronomy 2:9 (BSB)
    “Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.””
    God had forbidden Israel to attack Moab, so Moab's fear had no basis in any threat from Israel.

Theological

What was the cause of Moab's terror in 22:2-3?

Answer: Israel was very numerous and had defeated the Amorites

Balak has watched Israel overthrow the Amorite kings, and Moab is gripped with dread at Israel's numbers (22:2-3), comparing Israel to an ox stripping a field bare (22:4). Yet God had expressly forbidden Israel to attack Moab (Deuteronomy 2:9). Moab's fear is the fulfillment of God's word: the Song of the Sea foresaw trembling seizing Moab's leaders (Exodus 15:15), and God promised to make the nations fear Israel (Deuteronomy 2:25).

  • Numbers 22:2-4 (BSB)
    “Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites. So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time,”
    Balak sees what Israel did to the Amorites; Moab is terrified of Israel's numbers and warns Midian's elders.
  • Exodus 15:15 (BSB)
    “Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,”
    Moses' song had foretold that trembling would seize Moab's leaders when God brought His people through.
  • Deuteronomy 2:25 (BSB)
    “This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.””
    God promised to put the dread of Israel on the nations who heard reports of them.
  • Deuteronomy 2:9 (BSB)
    “Then the LORD said to me, “Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as their possession.””
    God had forbidden Israel to attack Moab, so Moab's fear had no basis in any threat from Israel.

General

When God allowed Balaam to travel with Balak's officials the second night, what condition did He set (22:20)?

Answer: He must do only what God told him

God tells Balaam that because the officials came to summon him, he may travel with them, provided he do only what God tells him (22:20). God had already said no, and Balaam had pressed for another answer. God lets him go, yet keeps complete control over what Balaam will do and say. Scripture teaches that people make their plans, but the LORD directs their steps, and His purpose is the one that stands.

  • Numbers 22:20 (BSB)
    “That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.””
    God allows Balaam to go with the men, on the condition that he does only what God tells him.
  • Proverbs 16:9 (BSB)
    “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”
    A man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps, as God does with Balaam's journey.
  • Proverbs 19:21 (BSB)
    “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”
    Human plans are many, but the LORD's purpose prevails, as it will over Balak's and Balaam's.

Theological

What condition did God attach when He permitted Balaam to go in 22:20?

Answer: He must do only what God told him

God grants the permission Balaam sought, but binds it with a strict condition: he may act only as God commands (22:20). The permission does not transfer control to Balaam or Balak. God's sovereignty governs even the path of a man whose heart is set on gain: man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9), and the LORD's purpose, not the plans of Balak or Balaam, will stand (Proverbs 19:21).

  • Numbers 22:20 (BSB)
    “That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.””
    God allows Balaam to go with the men, on the condition that he does only what God tells him.
  • Proverbs 16:9 (BSB)
    “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”
    A man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps, as God does with Balaam's journey.
  • Proverbs 19:21 (BSB)
    “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”
    Human plans are many, but the LORD's purpose prevails, as it will over Balak's and Balaam's.

General

According to the angel, what would have happened had the donkey not turned aside (22:33)?

Answer: The angel would have killed Balaam and spared her

The angel tells Balaam that the donkey saw him and turned aside three times, and that otherwise he would already have killed Balaam while letting her live (22:33). The animal Balaam kept beating had actually saved his life. Peter says the donkey held back the prophet's madness. Balaam was headed toward death without knowing it, and God's mercy stopped him. Scripture warns that a path can look right to someone and still lead to death.

  • Numbers 22:33 (BSB)
    “The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.””
    The angel says the donkey turned aside three times, and had she not, he would have killed Balaam and spared her.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter says the donkey restrained the prophet's madness.
  • Proverbs 14:12 (BSB)
    “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
    A way can seem right to a person yet end in death, as Balaam's road nearly did.
  • Lamentations 3:22 (BSB)
    “Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail.”
    Because of the LORD's loving devotion people are not consumed, the mercy Balaam received on the road.

Theological

What does the angel say would have happened had the donkey not turned aside (22:33)?

Answer: The angel would have killed Balaam and spared her

The angel reveals that the beaten donkey was Balaam's deliverer: had she not turned aside, Balaam would already be dead and she spared (22:33). What Balaam took for stubbornness was God's restraint of the prophet's madness (2 Peter 2:16). His road, seemingly profitable, was a way leading to death (Proverbs 14:12), and he was spared only by the LORD's mercy (Lamentations 3:22).

  • Numbers 22:33 (BSB)
    “The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.””
    The angel says the donkey turned aside three times, and had she not, he would have killed Balaam and spared her.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter says the donkey restrained the prophet's madness.
  • Proverbs 14:12 (BSB)
    “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
    A way can seem right to a person yet end in death, as Balaam's road nearly did.
  • Lamentations 3:22 (BSB)
    “Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail.”
    Because of the LORD's loving devotion people are not consumed, the mercy Balaam received on the road.

General

What did the donkey do when she met the angel in the narrow path between two vineyards (22:24-25)?

Answer: She pushed against the wall and crushed Balaam's foot

Balaam's donkey sees what Balaam cannot. The first time, she turns off the road into a field, and Balaam beats her (22:23). The second time, in a narrow walled path between vineyards, she presses against a wall and crushes Balaam's foot, and he beats her again (22:24-25). The third time, in a spot with no space to turn aside, she lies down under him, and he strikes her with the staff he carries (22:26-27). The famous seer is blind to what his animal plainly sees. God often uses lowly things to shame those who think themselves wise.

  • Numbers 22:23-27 (BSB)
    “When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into a field. So Balaam beat her to return her to the path. Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow passage between two vineyards, with walls on either side. And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat her once again. And the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or left. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.”
    Three times the donkey sees the angel and turns aside, presses against a wall, and finally lies down, and each time Balaam beats her.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:27 (BSB)
    “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
    God chooses what is lowly and foolish to shame the wise, as He does with the donkey and the famous seer.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter says Balaam was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey.

Theological

What did the donkey do at the second encounter, in the walled path between vineyards (22:24-25)?

Answer: She pushed against the wall and crushed Balaam's foot

The encounter escalates in three stages as the space narrows: the donkey turns into a field (22:23), then presses against the vineyard wall and crushes Balaam's foot (22:24-25), then lies down where there is no way around (22:26-27), and each time Balaam beats her. The irony is pointed: the professional seer, hired for his spiritual insight, cannot see what his donkey sees. God shames the wise by the foolish (1 Corinthians 1:27), and Peter records that Balaam was rebuked by his own donkey (2 Peter 2:16).

  • Numbers 22:23-27 (BSB)
    “When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into a field. So Balaam beat her to return her to the path. Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow passage between two vineyards, with walls on either side. And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat her once again. And the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or left. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.”
    Three times the donkey sees the angel and turns aside, presses against a wall, and finally lies down, and each time Balaam beats her.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:27 (BSB)
    “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
    God chooses what is lowly and foolish to shame the wise, as He does with the donkey and the famous seer.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter says Balaam was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey.

General

True or False: The text says the LORD enabled the donkey to speak, and she asked Balaam why he had beaten her three times.

Answer: True

This is true. The LORD gives the donkey the power to speak, and she asks what she has done to deserve three beatings (22:28). Balaam, furious, says he would kill her if he had a sword; she reminds him that she has carried him faithfully all his life and never acted like this before (22:29-30). The text presents this as a real miracle done by God, and the apostle Peter treats it the same way: a donkey that could not speak spoke with a human voice and held back the prophet's madness. God's word never fails, and the Creator can give even an animal speech.

  • Numbers 22:28-30 (BSB)
    “Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?” Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!” But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?” “No,” he replied.”
    The LORD opens the donkey's mouth; she questions Balaam, and he answers her.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter treats the event as real: a donkey without speech spoke with a man's voice and restrained Balaam's madness.
  • Luke 1:37 (BSB)
    “For no word from God will ever fail.””
    No word from God fails, affirming that such a miracle is within His power.

Theological

True or False: The donkey's speech in 22:28 is presented as a miracle the LORD Himself performed, and 2 Peter 2:16 treats it as a real event.

Answer: True

This is true. The narrator credits the speech to the LORD alone, who gave the animal speech (22:28), and records a real exchange in which Balaam, enraged, answers her and concedes she has never behaved this way (22:29-30). Peter affirms the event as historical: a mute beast spoke with a human voice and checked the prophet's madness (2 Peter 2:16). The God who governs creation can make even a beast of burden the instrument of His rebuke (Luke 1:37).

  • Numbers 22:28-30 (BSB)
    “Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?” Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!” But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?” “No,” he replied.”
    The LORD opens the donkey's mouth; she questions Balaam, and he answers her.
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16 (BSB)
    “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”
    Peter treats the event as real: a donkey without speech spoke with a man's voice and restrained Balaam's madness.
  • Luke 1:37 (BSB)
    “For no word from God will ever fail.””
    No word from God fails, affirming that such a miracle is within His power.

General

Balak believed Balaam's blessings and curses were effective (22:6). According to Scripture, what actually decided whether Israel would be blessed or cursed?

Answer: God's pledge to Abraham about blessing and cursing

Balak praises Balaam, saying that the people he blesses are blessed and the people he curses are cursed (22:6). But blessing and cursing belong to God. Centuries earlier God had promised Abraham that He would bless whoever blessed Abraham and curse whoever cursed him. Balaam himself will later admit that he cannot curse people God refuses to curse, and he ends up repeating God's promise to Abraham over Israel. Balak was trying to buy what only God can give.

  • Numbers 22:6 (BSB)
    “So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.””
    Balak flatters Balaam, claiming that those he blesses are blessed and those he curses are cursed.
  • Genesis 12:3 (BSB)
    “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.””
    God had already promised Abraham that He Himself would bless and curse according to how others treated Abraham's line.
  • Numbers 23:8 (BSB)
    “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?”
    Balaam later admits he cannot curse those whom God has not cursed.
  • Numbers 24:9 (BSB)
    “He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.””
    Balaam ends up pronouncing God's promise to Abraham over Israel.

Theological

Balak credits Balaam with power to bless and curse (22:6). What in fact governed Israel's blessing or cursing?

Answer: God's pledge to Abraham about blessing and cursing

Balak's flattery assumes that blessing and cursing are techniques a skilled diviner can deploy (22:6). Scripture places them in God's hand alone. The Abrahamic promise had already fixed the matter: God would bless whoever blessed Abraham's seed and curse whoever cursed it (Genesis 12:3). Balaam will confess he cannot curse those God refuses to curse (Numbers 23:8), and he will end by pronouncing that very promise over Israel (24:9). Balak's plan collides with God's covenant commitment.

  • Numbers 22:6 (BSB)
    “So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.””
    Balak flatters Balaam, claiming that those he blesses are blessed and those he curses are cursed.
  • Genesis 12:3 (BSB)
    “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.””
    God had already promised Abraham that He Himself would bless and curse according to how others treated Abraham's line.
  • Numbers 23:8 (BSB)
    “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?”
    Balaam later admits he cannot curse those whom God has not cursed.
  • Numbers 24:9 (BSB)
    “He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.””
    Balaam ends up pronouncing God's promise to Abraham over Israel.