ETB Numbers 22:22-35

Session 6: God’s Plans p.55

The Bible tells us that God is able to do more than we could ever imagine (Eph. 3:20). God’s ways and thoughts are far beyond us, just as the heavens are high above the earth (Isa. 55:8-9). He guides the universe and knows all the stars by name (40:25-26). By His miraculous power, He humbled the Egyptians and rescued His people from four centuries of bondage (Ex. 12:40-41).

God’s Word recalls His miracles on behalf of His people as they journeyed through the wilderness (16:1-36; 17:1-7). And it speaks of His intimate, personal work in the lives of individuals like Hagar and Ishmael (Gen. 21:14-21), Joseph (41:37-41), and even a young virgin named Mary in the little town of Nazareth (Luke 1:26-38). [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Fall 2025]

Thankfully, God’s interaction with humans however is not only with His people. Although today’s passage does ultimately benefit those in route to the Promised Land, God miraculously directs a enemy of the people.

In the Old Testament period God used the prophets and angels to speak His Word and write them down. Today we have God’s Word and He uses it to speak and confirm His will to us.

Ask: When have you been skeptical about someone’s claim to speak for God? Why?

I propose that not only those that claim to speaking to God, but everything we are inclined to act or comment upon should be filtered through the lens of Scripture. If it does not align then we need to consider carefully what is said. We may not be able to spend the time do the research on everything we read or listen to, but 2 verses can weed out a lot of ungodly considerations.

Philippians 4:8–9 “8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Pastor Barrett mentioned this last Sunday night, and it was a reminder to me how we can be draw into things that do not need to “thought about.”

For those journeying to the Promised Land, God’s Word was still mostly oral. Non-religious leaders had to rely on those who were more spiritually perceptive to discern God’s will. This was true for most nations in the Old Testament period. Today’s text moves away from the camps of the Israelites to an adjacent nation and land.

Understand the Context

Since our passage last week after Moses’ banning from the Promised Land, Aaron has died but the nation has begun to win battles against some of the surrounding nations.

Balak, king of Moab, heard about Israel’s victory over the Amorites, and his people were quite concerned (Num. 22:2-4). So, he sent messengers to Balaam, a diviner who lived near the Euphrates River, and asked him to come and curse the Israelites (22:5-6). When Balaam inquired of God, the Lord told him not to go with the Moabite leaders (22:7-14). The officials returned and informed Balak that Balaam had refused to come.

Balak then sent another delegation and offered Balaam an even greater reward (22:15-17). Again, Balaam inquired of the Lord. This time, the Lord told him to go. So, Balaam saddled his donkey and accompanied Moab’s leaders (22:18-21). [ETB:ALG Fall '25]

God had already promised the land to the Israelites and that they would have victory over the nations within it. Although there may have been others who attempted to “curse” the nation, today’s passage shows us one example of how God was keeping that promise and protecting His people. Later Balaam would eventually have a negative impact on the Israelites, but in this encounter with their God only God’s Will comes to fruition.

Explore the Text

Numbers 22:22–27 ESV

22 But God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road. 24 Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side. 25 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So he struck her again. 26 Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.

God’s anger was kindled because he went

We are unsure why God was angry, but we do know that He was, and He was righteous in it. His does not have to reveal His reason to us for He has already revealed His character in His Word so we can trust that He had a perfect reason to be angry with the man.

God saw things in Balaam’s heart not yet revealed to men on earth he was about to interact with. We actually do not learn much from the actions described here in Numbers, but in the New Testament, Peter and John are both led by the Spirit to write more about him.

2 Peter 2:14–16 “14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 15 Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 16 but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.”

Revelation 2:14–15 “14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”

From these verses what additional insight into the seer do we gain, what kind of person was Balaam?

adulterous, lust of sinful things, desire to lead others astray, greedy, accursed, forsaking the godly way, enjoys profit from sinful things.

If you gave him profession today, what would it be?

Now that we understand the true character and motives of the seer, we can use this to filter everything he says and does in our passage.

Ask: Why do you think God lets us set out on a path, knowing He is going to change it along the way? (p. 55)

Personally, there are some paths that I would not start down if I knew the end result that God was going to use to shape me to His Will. He knows this and knows what we need to get going and adjusts His revealing of the plan as we go so that His glory is magnified the best within the limits of our obedience.

The prophet’s donkey saw the angel standing in the roadway, but God prevented Balaam from seeing him (v. 31). Since the messenger stood with a drawn sword, the donkey left the road and ventured into a field. [ETB:ALG Fall '25]

The unaware false seer beats the animal in an attempt to get the animal back on the road. She probably just walks around the angel through the field being beaten along the way. Although her rider may have been annoyed, this is not unusual while riding an animal. He did not have a bit and bridle like we use today so a crop or stick was used to “redirect” animals as you rode.

Then the journey went on through a narrow path between the vineyards. This time, the angel’s position did not give the donkey the option of turning into the field. The donkey did not seem to feel as threatened to avoid the angel altogether and sensed she might have just enough room to get through the passage. So, she pushed against the wall; but, as she did, she pressed Balaam’s foot against the wall. Again, he struck her so she would return to the path. [ETB:ALG Fall '25]

Again, thinking the beast was being more onery than before, he used a little more force this time. Last time the animal just caused a delay. This time she had actually cause him some pain. From what we know about him; he probably responded intent on at least reciprocating this pain.

Finally, the angel moved farther down the path, to a spot where he completely restricted the donkey’s options. At this point, there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. [ETB:ALG Fall '25]

What did the donkey do?

For those of you that have been around such animals, is this something that a donkey would normally do?

If a donkey does not think it can carry a load, it will lay down until some is removed. Balaam’s donkey saw a different burden and refused to bear it as well.

How did Balaam respond to this act?

Balaam’s anger was kindled (the same expression used of God in v. 22) at the donkey’s behavior this third time. He again struck the donkey, probably harder and with more blows than before. He was determined to correct her and get on with his journey. [ETB:ALG Fall '25]

The seer was determined to force the animal to do his will, not realizing that he was about to suffer the same correction.

Now we come to the part that is miraculous, or mythical depending on your view of God’s Word.

Numbers 22:28–31 ESV

28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.” 30 And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.” 31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face.

If one of your animals started speaking to you in clear English, how would you react?

What does this tell us about the level of anger and “true” perception of Balaam?

When we are enraged, we do not think straight or notice other things as well because all of our attention and focus is on the object of our rage. This is why it is important to allow God to keep us in His peace, so we do not miss His wonderous works around us.

What was Balaam’s excuse for beating his animal?

you have made a fool of me

We see more of Balaam’s true character coming out in this statement.

What was he concerned about? What was being damaged?

If his reputation was being impugned by a donkey’s actions, it was not that great to start with.

When the donkey went around the angel and then sat down, what was she concerned about?

Which one had purer motives?

The donkey’s response made me think at little more.

Is it my habit to treat you this way?

God's established patterns in nature help us see His work more clearly. When He chooses to break them, we need to take notice and be willing to to see why He has done so. God is not flippant in His actions. If He changes a pattern, we need to discover the reason and accept His teaching through it.

Once Balaam’s anger subsided enough for him to begin to understand the situation and that the donkey’s actions were “un-natural” he was finally in a mindset to learn the lesson God had for him.

the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam

This expression generally parallels God opening the donkey’s mouth (v. 28). But the word translated “opened” literally means “uncovered.” The Lord removed the barrier and allowed Balaam to see the angel for the first time. The omnipotent God who can allow donkeys to talk can also remove the blinders from wayward prophets. [ETB:ALG Fall '25]

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 22

This renowned “seer of the gods” could not see what his lowly donkey saw. Furthermore, this donkey was a female, placing the animal in an even lower status when compared to the relative value and usefulness of male donkeys. Balaam beat her into submission, though she was ultimately more submissive to God than was the one whom God was sending to pronounce blessing upon Israel.

the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand

An immediate shift of position and perspective.

What had Balaam just threatened the donkey about doing?

What was he now facing?

Have you ever been in a role reversal like this?

There are two examples in the New Testament of this same type of role change both deal with a servant who owes a great debt. One acts shrewdly but with compassion and endears himself to many people by “forgiving” some of their debts (Luke 16:1-9). The other forgets the kindness of his authority and abuses those that own him much smaller amounts (Matt 18:21-35). Christ calls us to act more like the first and not the second. In today’s passage, we are to be more like the donkey - aware of God’s presence and resistance, yielding to His messenger as His authority.

The angel now continues the conversation that the donkey started.

Numbers 22:32–35 ESV

32 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. 33 The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.” 34 Then Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now therefore, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.” 35 And the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only the word that I tell you.” So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak.

Why have you struck your donkey these three times?

His question echoes the donkey’s query. It also implies that Balaam should have known better than to treat her as he did. The angel was hinting that Balaam should have suspected God’s hand was at work in his animal’s strange behavior. [ETB:ALG Fall '25]

The inference also suggests that the angel would have done the same to Balaam had not the donkey interfered. Unlike Balaam’s multiple beatings of the donkey for submission, the angel would only have struck once and killed the man.

I would have killed you and let her live.

The donkey did not know this, or she might not have stopped or turned aside, but she acted as she was created. She acted on her God given instinct. She perceived a threat and acted in a way to protect her own life; Balaam was just along for the ride. She would have done the same thing if she wasn’t being ridden. She was obedient to how she was created and to the Creator’s messenger.

Could the same be said of Balaam?

Could we same the same thing about us? Do we act and do as God has gifted and instructed us, or do we go against His divine nature and act according to the flesh?

I have sinned

Balaam’s words are not a penitent statement but one trying to mitigate penalties. The seer is attempting to “win over” the angel of the Lord like he would anyone else for personal gain. He may have bowed to the ground to escape the sword, but his brashness and fleshly pride is growing again. Look at the next statement remembering the manipulative nature of the man.

I did not know that you stood in the road against me.

Who is he blaming for his sin?

Sounds very similar to “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate” (Gen 3:12)

if it is evil in your sight

This statement reveals a lot about Balaam’s view of Yahweh.

“If it is evil?” He said it (22:12), He sent a messenger to say it, He spoke it through a donkey. How many ways does God have to tell him before he understands it is against God’s plan?

Balaam questioning God’s command and the holiness of God lets us know that the false prophet does not intend to obey the Lord any more than he has to and will seek personal gain at the first opportunity. Every statement of Balaam oozes with false piety. This is what truly kindled God’s anger in verse 22.

Go with the men

Although commanded to go, this is not a condonement by God for Balaam’s actions.

Think about the times that the people complained to Moses about meat, then God gave them quail until they were sick off it.

Psalm 106:15 “15 he gave them what they asked, but sent a wasting disease among them.”

Apply the Text

Life Application Bible Notes Profile: Balaam

The donkey saved Balaam’s life but made him look foolish in the process, so Balaam lashed out at the donkey. We sometimes strike out at blameless people who get in our way because we are embarrassed or our pride is hurt. Lashing out at others can be a sign that something is wrong with us. Don’t allow your own hurt pride to lead you to hurt others.

We must be sensitive to all of God’s promptings, even the painful and uncomfortable ones.

Pray: Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see how You are working around us and open our ears to hear from You every day. Holy Spirit, guide us that we may avoid the blindness of Balaam and how we can remain sensitive to Your presence and leading in our lives. Teach us to better recognize the obstacles to our plans may be that Your plans are different and we need to adjust. Help us to be willing to surrender our plans and will to Your Will and Ways every day, putting it in our hearts and desires to intentionally seek them out through Your presence in our lives.

“Goodness of God” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sE5kEnitqE