Numbers Chapter 22 is the story of Balak, king of Moab, calling Balaam to curse Israel. This chapter revolves around Balaam's adventures, the message he receives from God, and his interaction with the donkey. The main contents of this chapter are explained in detail below.
background
After escaping from Egypt, the Israelites are heading towards the land of Canaan. They battled various kingdoms in the wilderness and reached the borders of the kingdom of Moab. King Balak of Moab fears Israel's power and wants to curse them.
1. Balak’s request (Numbers 22:1-6)
Balak, king of Moab, sees the Israelites as a threat to his kingdom. He hears a rumor from a prophet named Balaam that if he curses a person, the curse will come true, so he calls Balaam and asks him to curse Israel.
- Ballack's message :“Behold, Israel has come into my land and is covering my people. Come now and curse this people for me, for they are stronger than I am, and I may be able to strike them and drive them out.”
2. Balaam’s first response (Numbers 22:7-14)
Balak sends messengers to Balaam and asks him to curse Israel. Balaam gives them hospitality, but he says he will not do anything until he asks God. God commands Balaam not to curse Israel.
- God's response :“Do not go with them, nor curse their people, for they are blessed.”
Balaam delivers God's word to Balak's messengers and says he will not go with them.
3. Balak’s second request (Numbers 22:15-21)
Balak sends more noble messengers to try to persuade Balaam. He asks Balaam to come and curse Israel, promising a greater reward. Balaam prays again to ask God's will.
- God's response :“When they come to call you, rise up and go with them. But do only what I tell you.”
Balaam wakes up in the morning and goes with Balak's messengers.
4. Balaam’s donkey and God’s angel (Numbers 22:22-35)
As Balaam was on his way, God became angry because he thought Balaam had thoughts of cursing Israel in his heart. God sends an angel to block the way. Balaam's donkey deviates from the path when it sees the angel, and Balaam hits the donkey three times. Eventually, the donkey speaks to Balaam, and Balaam's eyes open and he sees the angel.
- Angel's Warning :“If you hadn’t had this donkey, I would have killed you by now and saved the donkey.”
Balaam admits his sin and pledges to go to Balak as the angel commands and tell him only the words God gives him.
5. Meeting between Balak and Balaam (Numbers 22:36-41)
Balak prepares to curse Israel as soon as Balaam arrives. Balaam clearly tells Balak once again that he will only convey the words that God gives him.
- Balaam's declaration :“Behold, I have come now; what shall I say? I will speak only what God puts into my mouth.”
summary
Numbers Chapter 22 is the story of Balak inviting Balaam to curse Israel, showing Balaam's efforts to follow God's will and God's rule. The interaction between Balaam's donkey and the angel is an important event that emphasizes God's sovereignty and Balaam's obedience. This chapter contains the lesson that God protects his people and directs all things according to his will.