By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
GOD CALLS
Numbers 22:22–35
God calls individuals to Himself in unique ways. He spoke to Adam and Eve as He walked in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:8). God called Abram to leave his father’s land and idolatry (Gen. 12:1–3; Josh. 24:2–3). In Midian, He captured Moses’ attention through a bush that burned yet was not consumed (Ex. 3:1–6). God spoke directly to Samuel from within the tabernacle (1 Sam 3:3) as a little boy and throughout his lifetime at Shiloh (1 Sam. 3:21). On occasion, the Torah records that God also revealed Himself to Gentiles to call them for His purposes.
Balaam was a Gentile prophet who discerned cosmic messages or “signs” through divination. Ancient Near East diviners often sacrificed a sheep in order to observe the condition of its liver, or they predicted the future by a variety of other signs (Ezek. 21:21). Prophets and seers would experience visions and dreams (Num. 12:6; 1 Sam. 9:9). Our passage explains that God revealed Himself to Balaam by speaking to him at night, by enabling an animal to speak to him and by giving him ability to see the angel of the Lord.
Balak, the king of Moab, hired Balaam to call down curses upon Israel. After an initial refusal, Balaam consented. His only condition is that he would only speak the words which God allowed him to say.
Three Strikes (22–27)
As Balaam rode, the angel of the Lord stood in the path, blocking the donkey’s way. Balaam struck the donkey as she veered off the road. Diverted into a vineyard, the donkey pressed against a wall when she saw the angel. Balaam struck her again. Then the donkey lay down, which provoked Balaam to strike her with his staff. His stubborn donkey was not cooperating. He was to be honored by the king. The donkey saw what Balaam could not see.
Two Questions (28–30)
The narrative takes yet another turn when Balaam’s donkey speaks to him, asking him questions: “Am I not the donkey you’ve ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?”
Which is the stranger part of this story—that the donkey spoke, or that Balaam actually answered back to the donkey? Speaking animals? Are we supposed to believe that animals spoke in the Old Testament, a serpent (Gen. 3) and a donkey (Num. 22)? Actually, the New Testament mentions an eagle that speaks (Rev. 8:13).
C. S. Lewis created the world of Narnia where humans, animals, and other creatures spoke with one another. Is it too far-fetched an idea that the sovereign God of the universe created a world where, on occasion, animals speak with humans?
A talking donkey illustrates that God enables speech. The lesson for Balaam was that he was supposed to say something about Israel, but only the words given to him by God. Through the years, I have learned from and served with Christians who are better ambassadors than myself, who have represented the King and communicated the gospel more effectively. It is comforting to know that if God can use a donkey, He can use anyone.
One View (31–35)
Angelic visitations occur occasionally in Scripture, including visits to Abraham, Moses, Joseph and Mary. This passage records a rare instance when humans catch a glimpse of the angelic realm (see also 2 Kings 6:17). Balaam was unable to see the angel until God allowed him to see.
Once Balaam gained a spiritual perspective, he confessed his sin and repented. Only then was he prepared to speak as God’s chosen vessel.
“But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy…” is necessary before we are “ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15).
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