Balaam’s Temptation: Navigating Divine Will and Worldly Power in Numbers 22

Executive Summary ✨

Numbers 22 presents a pivotal moment in Israel’s journey: the attempted curse by Balaam, a diviner from Mesopotamia. The chapter unfolds the political machinations of Balak, king of Moab, who, terrified by Israel’s military might, seeks to hire Balaam to curse them. We witness a struggle between divine sovereignty and human ambition, as God intervenes repeatedly to prevent Balaam from fulfilling Balak’s request. This narrative highlights the futility of opposing God’s chosen people and serves as a cautionary tale against greed and the pursuit of worldly power over divine guidance. The entire chapter emphasizes the importance of discerning God’s will and remaining steadfast in obedience, even when faced with temptation and pressure from the world. Ultimately, Balaam’s temptation reveals God’s unwavering protection over His people and His power to transform even the most wicked intentions into blessings. Understanding this narrative strengthens our faith in God’s promises and equips us to resist the allure of earthly rewards.

Introduction: Numbers 22 sets the stage for a profound spiritual battle, revealing the lengths to which earthly powers will go to thwart God’s plan. This chapter isn’t just an ancient narrative; it’s a mirror reflecting our own struggles with temptation, obedience, and the choice between divine will and worldly gain. Let us delve into this rich tapestry of scripture and uncover the timeless lessons it holds for us today.

Commentary on Numbers 22

Numbers 22:1 (KJV) – Israel journeyed, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.

The verse tells us: “And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.”

Commentary: The plains of Moab, located east of the Jordan River, represent a place of transition and proximity to the Promised Land. However, this location also marks a point of vulnerability, as Israel finds itself bordering hostile territory. Spiritually, this mirrors our own lives – often, we are most susceptible to temptation when we are close to achieving our spiritual goals. This verse reminds us to remain vigilant and prayerful, especially when we sense the nearness of God’s blessings. It’s a reminder that even in moments of great anticipation, we must guard against complacency. Consider also the geographical context: Moab was a fertile region, potentially offering temptations of ease and comfort. The Israelites, fresh from the wilderness, would have been tempted by the abundance, but they were also called to remain focused on God’s promise and not settle for a lesser substitute. Are you in need of a website like the Israelites needed the promised land?

Numbers 22:2-4 (KJV) – And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as an ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.

Commentary: Fear and desperation drive Balak, king of Moab, to seek a solution. He recognizes Israel’s military successes against the Amorites and anticipates a similar fate for his own kingdom. The imagery of “licking up all that are round about us, as an ox licketh up the grass of the field” conveys the totality of the perceived threat. This passage reveals the worldly perspective: fear of earthly power and reliance on earthly solutions. Consider the historical context: Moab was a relatively small kingdom, acutely aware of its vulnerability in the face of a large and victorious army. Spiritually, this resonates with our own fears. When faced with overwhelming challenges, we often resort to worldly solutions, forgetting to place our trust in God. We see here the seeds of envy and ungodly fear taking root in Balak’s heart. The partnership with the elders of Midian highlights the unholy alliances that can form in times of desperation.

Numbers 22:5-8 (KJV) – He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

Commentary: Balak’s plan hinges on hiring Balaam, a diviner renowned for the power of his blessings and curses. This highlights the belief in the efficacy of magic and incantations prevalent in that era. Balak views Balaam as a tool to manipulate spiritual forces, revealing a fundamental misunderstanding of God’s sovereignty. Note the phrase “rewards of divination” – the lure of material gain is immediately present. Balaam’s initial response, to “lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me,” seems pious, but it also suggests a willingness to entertain the possibility of cursing God’s chosen people. This hesitation reflects a wavering commitment to God’s will.
Consider also the geographical location of Pethor, located by the Euphrates River, far from Moab. This distance underscores the perceived power and influence of Balaam.

This passage also relates to the Deuterocanonical book of Wisdom, which warns against seeking knowledge from sources outside of God. “For neither by might nor by appearance did they conquer the land, but by presenting themselves as lowly they overthrew the hostile, and by entreating the Almighty Lord, they destroyed mighty kings.” (Wisdom 10:16). This reminds us that true strength comes not from worldly power or magical practices, but from humility and reliance on God.

Numbers 22:9-14 (KJV) – And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying, Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you. And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.

Commentary: God’s direct intervention is crucial. He questions Balaam, forcing him to acknowledge his intentions. God’s unequivocal command, “Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed,” leaves no room for ambiguity. Despite this clear instruction, Balaam doesn’t explicitly reveal God’s reason to the princes of Balak. He merely states, “the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you,” leaving the door open for further persuasion. This subtle act of disobedience reveals Balaam’s underlying desire for the reward. The emphasis here is on the unchangeable nature of God’s blessing. Once God blesses, no earthly power can undo it. Saint Cyril of Alexandria writes, in his Commentary on Numbers: “Οὐ γὰρ μεταμελεῖται ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ τοῖς δώροις αὐτοῦ, οὐδὲ ἀνακαλεῖται τὴν δεδομένην χάριν.” (Ou gar metameleitai ho Theos epi tois dorois autou, oude anakaleitai tēn dedomenēn charin. – “For God does not repent of His gifts, nor does He recall the grace given.”) This Patristic insight underscores the permanence of God’s favor. When we receive God’s blessing, we must cherish and guard it against worldly influences. How can we actively protect the blessings God has bestowed upon us?

Numbers 22:15-20 (KJV) – And Balak sent yet again princes, more honourable than they. And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more. Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more. And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

Commentary: Balak, undeterred, escalates his offer, sending “princes, more honorable than they” and promising “very great honour” and unlimited reward. This reveals the corrupting influence of power and wealth. Balaam’s response, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God,” sounds pious, but the subsequent request to “tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more” exposes his continued wavering. God’s permission to go, “If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them,” is not a blessing, but a test and a judgment. God is allowing Balaam to follow his own desires, but with a strict warning: “yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.” This highlights the danger of seeking God’s permission to do what we already desire, rather than seeking God’s will in the first place. The story is a very clear example that God will test us in order to see if we will follow Him. God’s love is unchanging. This also reminds us of the importance of constant prayer and self-reflection.

Numbers 22:21-35 (KJV) – And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side: And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: 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. And Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. 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.

Commentary: This is one of the most bizarre and fascinating passages in the Old Testament. God’s anger is kindled by Balaam’s persistent pursuit of his own desires, despite knowing God’s will. The angel of the Lord acts as an adversary, attempting to prevent Balaam from cursing Israel. The ass, through divine intervention, sees the angel and attempts to protect Balaam, even suffering abuse in the process. The fact that an animal is more spiritually perceptive than a human diviner is a profound irony. The opening of the ass’s mouth to speak is a miraculous event, demonstrating God’s power to use even the most unlikely instruments to accomplish His will. Balaam’s admission, “I have sinned,” is belated and conditional. He still prioritizes his own safety over true repentance. This encounter serves as a stark warning against pursuing our own desires against God’s clear will. The account is a parable on its own.
St. Anthony the Great said: “Ἀεὶ προσδοκᾶτε πειρασμούς, καὶ ἕτοιμοι γίνεσθε πρὸς ἀντίστασιν.” (Aei prosdokate peirasmois, kai hetoimoi ginesthe pros antistasin. – “Always expect temptations, and be ready to resist them.”) This saying echoes the sentiment of this passage. We must be vigilant and prepared to resist temptation, recognizing that God may use unexpected means to guide us.

Numbers 22:36-41 (KJV) – And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border, which is in the utmost coast. And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour? And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak. And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth. And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.

Commentary: Balak’s eagerness to greet Balaam highlights his desperation and continued reliance on magical solutions. His question, “am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?” reveals his materialistic worldview. Balaam’s response, “the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak,” is technically correct, but lacks sincerity. He is compelled to speak God’s word, but his heart is not fully aligned with God’s will. The offering of oxen and sheep and the ascent to the “high places of Baal” demonstrate Balak’s pagan practices and his attempt to manipulate spiritual forces for his own benefit. This passage is a microcosm of the conflict between true worship and idolatry. How do we, in our own lives, avoid succumbing to the temptation of seeking worldly solutions and honoring false idols? Remember that God knows your heart and will always protect you from evil.

Subtopic: The Futility of Cursing God’s Blessed People ✨

The core message of Numbers 22 is the inherent futility of attempting to curse those whom God has blessed. No matter the power of the diviner or the desperation of the enemy, God’s blessing is unbreakable.

• God’s Sovereignty: God’s will ultimately prevails over human machinations. Balak’s attempts to manipulate spiritual forces are powerless against God’s divine plan.
• The Power of Blessing: A divine blessing is an enduring force that cannot be undone by earthly power or magical incantations.
• Spiritual Discernment: The story challenges us to discern between true divine guidance and the allure of worldly gain. Balaam’s wavering commitment serves as a cautionary tale.
• Resisting Temptation: We must be vigilant against the temptation to compromise our faith for personal gain. Balaam’s greed led him down a dangerous path.
• God’s Protection: God’s unwavering protection over His chosen people is evident throughout the narrative. Even when facing overwhelming odds, they remain safe under His care.
• The Irony of Instrumentality: God can use even the most unlikely of instruments (like the donkey) to bring His will to fruition. The story is designed to cause perplexity, and to show the limitless power of God.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why did God initially allow Balaam to go with the princes of Balak?

A: God permitted Balaam to go not as a blessing, but as a test and a judgment. He allowed Balaam to follow his own desires, knowing that Balaam’s heart was not fully aligned with His will. This demonstrates the consequences of prioritizing personal gain over divine obedience.

Q: What does the talking ass symbolize in the narrative?

A: The talking ass symbolizes God’s power to use unexpected and unconventional means to accomplish His purposes. It also highlights the spiritual blindness of Balaam, who was less perceptive than an animal.

Q: How does this chapter relate to our lives today?

A: Numbers 22 provides timeless lessons on resisting temptation, discerning God’s will, and trusting in His protection. It reminds us that worldly power is fleeting, while God’s blessings are eternal. We are called to prioritize obedience and integrity above personal gain.

Q: Can curses have power over believers today?

A: No, for believers who are in Christ, curses have no power. As scripture tells us, greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Like God protected Israel in Numbers 22, He protects those who are walking in His will.

Conclusion ✨

Balaam’s temptation, as depicted in Numbers 22, is a stark reminder of the constant struggle between divine will and worldly ambition. The chapter underscores the futility of opposing God’s chosen people and highlights the importance of unwavering obedience. God’s intervention, the talking ass, and Balaam’s wavering commitment all serve as powerful symbols. We must learn to discern between true divine guidance and the allure of earthly rewards. Like Balaam, we face daily temptations to compromise our faith for personal gain. However, by remembering God’s unwavering protection and the permanence of His blessings, we can resist these temptations and remain steadfast in our commitment to Him. The story challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our desires align with God’s perfect will, trusting that He will transform even the most wicked intentions into blessings for those who love Him. By choosing obedience over ambition, we can experience the full measure of God’s favor and avoid the pitfalls that ensnared Balaam.

Tags

Numbers 22, Balaam, Balak, Curse, Blessing, Temptation, Obedience, Divine Will, Moab, Israel

Meta Description

Explore Numbers 22: Balaam’s Temptation to curse Israel. Uncover lessons on obedience, divine will, and God’s protection against worldly ambition. Key takeaways and applications.