Balak, Balaam, and the Donkey
A Story about Fear, Disobedience, and God using any means necessary
Balak’s Fear
Numbers 22:3-6 CSB – 3 Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous, and Moab dreaded the Israelites. 4 So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us like an ox eats up the green plants in the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was Moab’s king at that time,
Numbers 22:11 CSB – 11 “‘Look, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the surface of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’ ”
Balaam’s Summons
Numbers 22:5-6 CSB – 5 he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. Balak said to him, “Look, a people has come out of Egypt; they cover the surface of the land and are living right across from me. 6 “Please come and put a curse on these people for me because they are more powerful than I am. 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.”
God Forbids Balaam to Go
Numbers 22:9, 12 CSB – 9 Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you? ” … 12 Then God said to Balaam, “You are not to go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.”
Jude 1:11 CSB – 11 Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, have plunged into Balaam’s error for profit, and have perished in Korah’s rebellion.
Balak puts pressure on Balaam
Numbers 22:9, 16-17 CSB – 9 Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you? ” … 16 They came to Balaam and said to him, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Let nothing keep you from coming to me, 17 “for I will greatly honor you and do whatever you ask me. So please come and put a curse on these people for me! ‘ ”
God speaks to Balaam again
Numbers 22:20 CSB – 20 God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.”
The Angel’s Obstruction
Numbers 22:22 CSB – 22 But God was incensed that Balaam was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand on the path to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
The Donkey’s Sight
Numbers 22:23 CSB – 23 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing on the path with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into the field. So Balaam hit her to return her to the path.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 CSB
27 Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 28 God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world — what is viewed as nothing — to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, 29 so that no one may boast in his presence.
The Donkey’s Speech
Numbers 22:28 CSB – 28 Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times? ”
2 Peter 2:15-16 They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.
Balaam’s Vision
Numbers 22:32 CSB – 32 The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Look, I came out to oppose you because I consider what you are doing to be evil.
Balaam’s Response
Numbers 22:34 CSB – 34 Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the path to confront me. And now, if evil is in your sight, I will go back.”
CONCLUSION
Don’t make God use a Donkey.
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Community Life Group Questions
1. Balaam is introduced as a prophet with a powerful reputation. How does his initial interaction with God (Numbers 22:9, 12) contrast with his subsequent actions?
2. What do you believe was Balaam’s primary motivation for going to Balak, despite God’s initial prohibition? Was it solely money, or was there something more? Refer to 2 Peter 2:15-16.
3. God initially forbids Balaam from going, then allows him to go but with strict instructions. How do you interpret this shift? What does it teach us about God’s sovereignty and Balaam’s free will?
4. The story highlights God’s ability to communicate in unexpected ways. What lessons can we learn about listening for God’s voice in our own lives?
T5. he phrase “Don’t make God use a Donkey”. What does this conclusion mean to you? How can we apply this to our own lives?
How can we pray for you?