Numbers 22:21

So in the morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

Study Bible

So in the morning
The phrase "in the morning" often signifies a time of new beginnings or fresh starts in the Bible. In Hebrew culture, the morning was a time for action and decision-making. Here, it marks the commencement of Balaam's journey, a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the unfolding narrative. The morning can symbolize clarity and purpose, yet in Balaam's case, it also foreshadows the spiritual blindness and moral ambiguity that will characterize his actions.

Balaam got up
Balaam's rising indicates readiness and willingness to proceed with the task at hand. The Hebrew root for "got up" (קוּם, qum) often implies establishing or confirming one's intentions. Balaam's actions reflect a conscious decision to follow the path laid before him, despite the divine warnings he had received. This highlights the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme in Scripture.

saddled his donkey
The act of saddling the donkey is a practical preparation for travel, but it also carries symbolic weight. In ancient Near Eastern culture, donkeys were common beasts of burden, representing humility and service. Balaam's choice to saddle his donkey himself, rather than having a servant do it, might suggest a personal investment in the journey. However, it also foreshadows the irony of the narrative, where the donkey will become a vehicle of divine intervention and revelation.

and went with the princes of Moab
Balaam's decision to accompany the princes of Moab signifies his alignment with their mission, despite the moral and spiritual implications. The Moabites, descendants of Lot, were often in conflict with Israel, and their princes represent worldly power and influence. Balaam's association with them underscores the allure of earthly rewards and the danger of compromising one's spiritual integrity for material gain. This phrase serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of discerning God's will over human ambition.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is approached by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Balaam is known for his interactions with God and his eventual blessing of Israel instead of cursing them.

2. The Princes of Moab
Representatives sent by Balak, the king of Moab, to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites. They symbolize the worldly pressures and temptations that can lead one away from God's will.

3. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Moabites. Moab is often depicted in the Bible as an adversary of Israel, representing opposition to God's people.

4. The Donkey
Balaam's donkey plays a significant role in the subsequent account, where it becomes an instrument of God's intervention, highlighting God's control over all creation.

5. Balak
The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks to use Balaam's prophetic abilities to curse them. Balak represents the fear and opposition that the world often has towards God's plans and people.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God Over Worldly Pressure
Balaam's initial decision to go with the princes of Moab, despite God's clear instructions, serves as a reminder to prioritize obedience to God over succumbing to worldly pressures and temptations.

The Danger of Compromise
Balaam's journey with the Moabite princes illustrates the danger of compromising one's faith and values for personal gain or acceptance. Believers are called to stand firm in their convictions.

God's Sovereignty and Intervention
The account that follows Balaam's journey highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in unexpected ways. Trusting in God's plan, even when it seems contrary to human logic, is essential.

The Power of Influence
Balaam's account serves as a cautionary tale about the power of influence. As believers, we must be mindful of how our actions and decisions can impact others, either leading them towards or away from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Balaam's initial decision to go with the princes of Moab, and how does it apply to our own decision-making processes today?

2. How does the account of Balaam and the princes of Moab illustrate the tension between worldly desires and spiritual obedience?

3. In what ways does God's intervention in Balaam's journey demonstrate His sovereignty, and how can this encourage us in our own faith journeys?

4. How can the account of Balaam serve as a warning against the dangers of compromise in our spiritual lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced pressure to act against your faith. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can guide you in similar situations in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:3
God's promise to Abraham that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed. This connection underscores the futility of Balak's request to curse Israel.

2 Peter 2:15
Peter references Balaam as an example of someone who loved the wages of wickedness, highlighting the danger of pursuing personal gain over God's will.

Revelation 2:14
Balaam is mentioned in the context of leading others into sin, illustrating the broader impact of his actions and decisions.