Numbers 22:27

When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.

Study Bible

When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD
In the biblical narrative, animals are rarely depicted as having spiritual insight, making this event unique. The donkey's ability to see the angel of the LORD, while Balaam could not, highlights the spiritual blindness of Balaam despite his reputation as a seer. The "angel of the LORD" is often considered a theophany, a manifestation of God Himself, which adds gravity to the situation. This encounter underscores the theme of divine intervention and guidance, even through unexpected means.

she lay down under Balaam
The donkey's action of lying down is significant as it demonstrates her submission and recognition of divine authority, contrasting with Balaam's obstinacy. In the cultural context, a donkey was a common mode of transportation, and its refusal to move would have been seen as unusual and frustrating. This act of lying down symbolizes a halt in Balaam's misguided mission, emphasizing the need for humility and obedience to God's will.

and he became furious and beat her with his staff
Balaam's reaction of anger and violence reveals his character and lack of spiritual discernment. The staff, a symbol of authority and guidance, is misused here, reflecting Balaam's misguided leadership. This incident parallels other biblical narratives where human anger leads to sin, such as Moses striking the rock in Numbers 20:11. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of reacting in anger rather than seeking divine understanding.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is summoned 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 Donkey
Balaam's donkey plays a crucial role in this account. She sees the angel of the LORD and acts to protect Balaam, demonstrating a spiritual awareness that Balaam initially lacks.

3. The Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who stands in the path to oppose Balaam. The angel's presence is a significant turning point in the account, representing God's intervention.

4. Balak
The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. His actions set the stage for the events involving Balaam and the donkey.

5. Moab
The region where Balak rules and where the Israelites are encamped. It is the backdrop for the unfolding drama between Balaam, the donkey, and the angel.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Awareness
The donkey's ability to see the angel of the LORD before Balaam serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment. We should seek to be attuned to God's presence and guidance in our lives.

Divine Intervention
God's intervention through the angel demonstrates His sovereignty and care. Even when we are unaware, God is actively working to guide and protect us.

Humility and Repentance
Balaam's initial anger and subsequent realization of the angel's presence call us to humility. We must be willing to acknowledge our blindness and repent when God reveals His truth to us.

Obedience Over Profit
Balaam's account warns against prioritizing personal gain over obedience to God. We are called to align our actions with God's will, even when it conflicts with our desires.

God's Use of the Unlikely
The donkey's role in this account illustrates how God can use unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. We should remain open to God's work through unconventional channels.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Balaam and the donkey challenge our understanding of spiritual awareness and discernment in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we identify and respond to God's interventions in our own life situations, similar to how Balaam eventually recognized the angel of the LORD?

3. Reflect on a time when you prioritized personal gain over obedience to God. How can Balaam's account encourage you to realign your priorities?

4. How does the account of Balaam and the donkey illustrate the theme of humility and repentance? What steps can we take to cultivate these qualities in our spiritual journey?

5. Consider the role of the donkey in this account. How can we remain open to God's guidance through unexpected or unconventional means in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Peter 2:15-16
This passage references Balaam's error and the speaking donkey, highlighting Balaam's love for gain from wrongdoing and the donkey's role in restraining his madness.

Jude 1:11
Jude warns against following the way of Balaam, emphasizing the danger of pursuing profit over righteousness.

Revelation 2:14
This verse mentions Balaam's teaching as a stumbling block, connecting his account to broader themes of idolatry and immorality.