Numbers 22:1-41

Balak Seeks Supernatural Help to Defeat the Israelites

Numbers 22:1-41

I. Context (What does the passage say?)

Who are the main characters in the passage? What do we know about them?

Balak:

Balaam:

When and where does this passage take place?

When: This week's passage occurs sometime between the Israelites' defeat of the Amorites and their crossing of
the Jordan into Canaan. We know this based on the fact that Balak is concerned about what they did to the
Amorites (v. 2) and that the Israelites camped across from Jericho (v. 1) but did not yet enter into it.

Where: We are told that the Israelites camped along the Jordan, across from Jericho in verse 1. The other places
include Moab, which we know from last week to be the area between the Zered and Arnon Rivers (21:12-13), and
Pethor, which is where Balaam lived, near the "River" (Euphrates).

What is going on? (Summary of Events)

Balak, king of Moab, sends messengers to seek Balaam's help in cursing the Israelites (v. 2-7)

The Lord told Balaam not to curse the Israelites, so he refused Balak's offer. (v. 8-14)

Again, Balak sends messengers to urge Balaam to cooperate. The Lord allows Balaam to go (v. 15-20)

Thrice on the journey, Balaam's donkey see's an angel of the Lord and turns away so Balaam beat her into
submission. The Lord allow's Balaam's donkey to talk to him and reveals the presence of the angel (v. 21-31)

The angel confronts Balaam and after their discourse, allows him to continue. When Balaam arrives Balak
welcomes him and begins to seek his counsel in the Israelite matter (v. 32-41)

II. Interpretation (What does the passage mean?)

What principles are illustrated in this passage? What would you consider the theme of this passage?

What do we learn of God's character from this passage? Does this passage point us toward Christ? If so, how?

What are the differences between Balak and Balaam's motivations?

Why do you think that the Lord allowed Balaam to go to Balak? How might this be consistent with God's will in the
world?

III. Application (What does the passage mean for my life?)

The Lord chooses to use whom he wishes, when he wishes, for whatever purposes he wishes; this is part of his
sovereinty. Yet many times as we look back in retrospect, we see how this is also for our good and even for the good of
others. This is why obedience is so critical, even when we don't fully understand God's motives behind the events.