Numbers 22-24: When Donkeys Speak...

"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth." Numbers 24:17

When's the last time you heard a donkey speak? Besides watching the movie Shrek, I bet you that it's never happened to you before. However, it did happen to a guy named Balaam, and we turn to his story today.

In the context of the three chapters of Numbers we find ourselves in today, we find the Israelites wandering in the wilderness and dwelling in the plains of Moab. A man named Balak, who was the king of Moab, sees them and is terrified that they might conquer him and his people because of their great number. Thus, he sends for Balaam, who was something equivalent to a false prophet, to utter curses on the Israelites, that they might be cursed and fail to overcome the Moabite people.

However, Balaam knows of the great God of the Israelites, so he refuses to come and curse them. However, the Lord eventually speaks to Balaam and commands him to go with Balak to speak over the people of Israel, but God commands him to only speak what he is led to say by the Lord. Thus, Balaam arises and goes to Balak.

However, on his way, the Lord becomes angry with him because he went. Let us quickly note here that this passage is a confusing one since it seems as if the Lord is angry with Balaam for obeying his very word. At points like these in scripture, we must realize that scripture never contradicts itself, even though it may seem like it at some points. Thus, we must read it diligently in order that we might find out how that consistency plays out. As for today's chapter, I'll let you go and read it and figure it out for yourself. Nevertheless, God is angry with Balaam, so he sends an angel of the Lord to stand between the donkey that he is riding on and where he is trying to go. The donkey sees the angel of the Lord, but Balaam cannot see him, and thus rebukes his donkey for steering in the wrong direction. However, the donkey then lies down, and the Lord opens its mouth in order that it might rebuke Balaam for rebuking him. The donkey claims his innocence, and then Balaam's eyes are opened to see the angel of the Lord, who rebukes him for rebuking his donkey, and then commands him to speak over the people of Israel only what the Lord commands him to speak.

Next, as if the story wasn't funny enough, we find Balaam speaking blessings over the people of Israel rather than cursings over them. Thus, Balak is enraged at Balaam and demands that he curses the people again. However, Balaam tells him that he will only speak that which the Lord leads him to say, and he thus blesses the people once again. This happens one more time, after which Balak just gives up and goes home.

Let us first note that this story is absolutely crazy, but secondly note that it is absolutely amazing as well. Through the words of this story (both from Balaam's mouth and the donkey's), we find a God who is sovereign over every situation. An evil people desired to curse the children of God, yet God knew about it, and turned that evil desire into blessings for his very people. He used a false prophet and a donkey to carry out his plan, but in the end, he got it done.

Let us also realize that this is a story that speaks of how God keeps his promises. Remember Genesis 12:1-3, where God promised to bless the nation of Israel? Well, here we find that being played out in one small way. However, let us note that the Israelites have no clue that any of this is happening. Amidst their grumbling and complaining, God is blessing the very people who are sinning against him. He is keeping his promises behind-the-scenes even when his people are not.

Lastly, let us observe how this text points to Christ. In the verse quoted above, we find Balaam prophesying that "a star shall come out of Jacob." Who is this star, and what is Balaam talking about here? Most obviously, we find that Balaam was speaking of the future Messiah who would come and "crush the forehead of Moab" (that is, destroy the enemies of God's people). Thus, we find that even though the words of a false prophet, Jesus is being proclaimed and pointed to. For surely we have a God who is sovereign over all things, working out each and every scenario for the good of his people! Amen.