Numbers 22:12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.”
I was confused when I read this chapter initially. It seemed like God gave Balaam permission to do something and then got mad when he did, which made no sense, as God is not fickle nor irrational. Commentary helped me make sense of what I was reading. Balaam asked. God said no. Balaam was offered more money and REALLY wanted to say yes, so he asked again, and God said no. Again. But more money was offered, so Balaam asked a third time. God said, “Go but only say what I tell you.” His answer every time was very clear, yet Balaam kept asking, so He allowed Balaam to go, testing his faithfulness.
Numbers 22:16-17 They came to Balaam and said: “…Do not let anything keep you from coming to me, because I will reward you handsomely….”
I am reminded very clearly of Jesus praying on the Mount of Olives, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Balaam is essentially advocating for the exact opposite: “I hear You tell me no, but I’m going to keep asking in hopes you’ll see things my way.”
Numbers 22:20 That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for these comparisons. Thank You for showing us the humble heart of Your servant Jesus, a heart worth emulating. Thank You also for showing us Balaam’s heart, which is selfish and self-serving. Help us to root out that side of ourselves and humble ourselves before You. Draw us closer. Amen.
Numbers 22:21-22 Balaam… saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite officials. But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.