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Numbers 22

41 verses

TL;DR

Balak, king of Moab, seeks to curse Israel by sending the prophet Balaam, but God forbids him; eventually Balaam consents under divine instruction, encountering the angel of the LORD and an ass that speaks, before meeting Balak and heading to the high places of Baal.

Summary

In the first part of the chapter, the Moabite king Balak, fearing the advancing Israelites, sends envoys to the diviner Balaam to ask him to curse the Israelites. Balaam refuses, as God tells him that Israel is blessed. After Balak persists, God permits Balaam to go but strictly commands him to speak only what God commands. On the journey, an angel of the LORD blocks Balaam’s way; an ass sees the angel and refuses to move, striking Balaam. The angel then speaks to Balaam, opens the ass’s mouth, and reveals the divine presence. Balaam acknowledges his sin, accepts the angel’s command, and follows the instruction to speak what God says. The chapter ends with Balak welcoming Balaam, offering sacrifices, and bringing him to the high places of Baal in hopes of influencing the Israelites.

Outline
  1. Balak’s request to Balaam and Balaam’s initial refusal (vv. 1‑20)
  2. Divine instruction, the angel’s intervention, and the speaking ass (vv. 21‑34)
  3. Balaam’s assent, meeting Balak, and the journey to the high places of Baal (vv. 35‑41)
Themes
Divine sovereignty over human plansObedience versus ambitionProphetic authority and its limits
Keywords
curseblessingIsraelMoabBalakBalaamGodangelassobedienceprophecyhigh placesBaal
People
Balak the son of ZipporBalaam the son of Beorthe princes of Moabthe servants of Balakthe angel of the LORDthe assthe LORD (God)
Places
MoabPethorplains of Moab on this side of the JordanJerichothe border of ArnonKirjathhuzothhigh places of Baal
Things
an assthe angel of the LORDa sworda staffwalls of vineyardsoxen and sheepsilvers and goldhigh places of Baal
Key Verses
  • Numbers 22:12: God explicitly forbids Balaam from cursing Israel, establishing divine sovereignty.
  • Numbers 22:20: God allows Balaam to go but restricts his speech, showing conditional permission.
  • Numbers 22:28: The ass speaks, revealing divine intervention in an otherwise mundane situation.
  • Numbers 22:35: Balaam acknowledges his sin and submits to divine will, culminating the conflict.
Questions
  • What does Balaam’s refusal reveal about the nature of divine protection for Israel?
  • How does the interaction between the angel, the ass, and Balaam illustrate the theme of obedience?
  • In what ways does Balak’s persistence highlight human ambition versus divine intent?
  • What might the high places of Baal symbolize in the context of Israel’s faith journey?
Sentiment

neutral
The narrative balances human conflict with divine intervention, maintaining an even tone.