Big Idea: Speak only what the Lord says.
Understanding the Text
In Numbers 22:1–19 Balak king of Moab sends dignitaries to try to hire Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner, to come curse Israel, who has recently come to occupy the plains of Moab. Although Balaam does not object in principle to cursing Israel, Yahweh, apparently in a dream, forbids him to go. But Balak finds Balaam’s refusal unacceptable and sends the dignitaries back to persuade him further.
In Numbers 22:20–40, Yahweh once more appears to Balaam in a dream. He gives Balaam permission to go with these dignitaries, but he must speak only what God tells him to say. This is intertwined with the story of Balaam’s talking donkey, a creature that appears wiser than its owner.
Interpretive Insights
22:20 That night God came to Ba…