Numbers 22

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the Israelites setting up camp in the plains of Moab, which alarms King Balak. He summons the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, offering him a substantial reward. However, God appears to Balaam in a dream and instructs him not to go. Balak's officials return with a higher offer, and Balaam asks God again, who this time allows him to go but warns him to only speak what God tells him. On the way, Balaam's donkey sees an angel of the Lord standing in their path and refuses to move, prompting Balaam to beat the donkey. God then opens the donkey's mouth, and it speaks to Balaam, rebuking him for his treatment. The angel appears to Balaam, who realizes his sin and offers to return home. The angel instructs Balaam to continue on but to speak only what God commands. When Balaam arrives, Balak takes him to various locations to curse the Israelites, but each time Balaam blesses them instead, citing God's words and the Israelites' special status as God's people.

Context for the Chapter

Numbers 22 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The chapter fits into the book of Numbers as a demonstration of God's protection and blessing of the Israelites, despite the efforts of their enemies to curse them. It also sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual entry into the Promised Land, highlighting God's fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The story of Balaam and the donkey serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His plan to bless His people, which is a central theme throughout the Bible and is later fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting in His sovereignty, even when faced with challenging circumstances or temptations. It encourages us to seek God's will and to be mindful of His presence and intervention in our lives, just as Balaam learned through his experiences. By reflecting on Balaam's story, we can grow in our understanding of God's character and our role in His plan, leading to a deeper faith and a more obedient heart.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Numbers 22 tells the story of Balaam, a prophet who is asked to curse the Israelites but instead blesses them because of God's intervention. The chapter shows how God can use anyone to fulfill His plans and how important it is to obey God, even when it's hard. It also includes a miraculous event where a donkey speaks to Balaam, warning him of his sin and prompting him to obey God. The story highlights God's sovereignty and His plan to bless His people, as seen in Numbers 22:18.

Voices from the Church

“The story of Balaam and his donkey is a powerful reminder of God's ability to speak through the most unlikely of sources, and to use even the most hardened of hearts for His glory.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“In the person of Balaam, we see the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, as he is torn between his desire for wealth and his obligation to obey God's commands.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Balaam and Balak (Numbers 22:1-14) — The chapter introduces Balaam, a prophet who is summoned by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites, and explores the initial interactions between Balaam and God regarding this request.
2. Balaam's Journey and the Talking Donkey (Numbers 22:15-35) — This section details Balaam's journey to Moab, including the supernatural event of the talking donkey, which serves as a correction to Balaam for his disobedience and lack of faith.
3. Balaam's First Oracle (Numbers 22:36-24:9) — Balaam, despite initial intentions to curse the Israelites, is compelled by God to bless them, highlighting God's sovereignty over human actions and the fulfillment of His promises to the Israelites.
4. Balaam's Second and Third Oracles (Numbers 23:1-24:9) — Balaam is taken to different locations by Balak to curse the Israelites, but each time he blesses them instead, citing God's words and the Israelites' special status as God's people, further emphasizing God's plan to bless His people.
5. Conclusion and the End of Balaam's Story (Numbers 24:10-25:9) — The chapter concludes with Balaam's final oracles and the beginning of a new section in the book of Numbers, setting the stage for the Israelites' eventual entry into the Promised Land and the fulfillment of God's promises to them.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all events and decisions, guiding human actions according to His will, as seen in Balaam's journey and the supernatural intervention of the talking donkey.

Importance of Obedience

The story of Balaam emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, even when faced with opposition or temptation, highlighting the need for faithfulness and trust in God's sovereignty.

Supernatural Intervention

The chapter illustrates God's ability to intervene in the natural world in supernatural ways, such as through the talking donkey and the angel of the Lord, demonstrating His power and presence in human affairs.

God's Plan to Bless His People

Numbers 22 demonstrates God's unwavering plan to bless the Israelites, despite the efforts of their enemies to curse them, showcasing His faithfulness to His promises and His people.

Lessons from Numbers 22

1. God's Sovereignty is Absolute — The chapter teaches us that God's sovereignty is not limited by human decisions or actions, and that He can use anyone to fulfill His plans, as seen in the story of Balaam and the donkey.
2. Obedience is Crucial — Balaam's journey highlights the importance of obeying God's commands, even when faced with opposition or temptation, and the consequences of disobedience, as Balaam experienced.
3. God Speaks Through Unlikely Sources — The talking donkey serves as a reminder that God can speak through the most unlikely of sources, and that we should be open to hearing His voice, even in unexpected ways.
4. God's Plan to Bless His People is Unwavering — Despite the efforts of their enemies to curse them, God's plan to bless the Israelites remains unchanged, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises and His people, as seen in Numbers 22.
5. Trust in God's Sovereignty — The story encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging, and to have faith that He is working all things for our good and His glory.

Themes from Numbers 22

1. Sovereignty of God — The chapter explores the theme of God's sovereignty, highlighting His control over all events and decisions, and His ability to guide human actions according to His will.
2. Importance of Obedience — The story of Balaam emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands, even when faced with opposition or temptation, and the consequences of disobedience.
3. Supernatural Intervention — The chapter illustrates God's ability to intervene in the natural world in supernatural ways, such as through the talking donkey and the angel of the Lord.
4. God's Plan to Bless His People — Numbers 22 demonstrates God's unwavering plan to bless the Israelites, despite the efforts of their enemies to curse them, showcasing His faithfulness to His promises and His people.
5. Faith and Trust — The story encourages us to have faith in God's sovereignty and to trust in His plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the story of Balaam and the donkey teach us about God's sovereignty and intervention in human affairs?
2. How does the chapter illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands, and what are the consequences of disobedience?
3. What role does the angel of the Lord play in the story, and what does this reveal about God's presence and guidance in the lives of believers?
4. How does Balaam's experience relate to the broader theme of God's plan to bless His people, and what lessons can we apply to our own lives from this story?
5. In what ways can we, like Balaam, be more mindful of God's presence and intervention in our daily lives, and how can we cultivate a deeper trust in His sovereignty?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Numbers 22

	Sermon	Description
	Error of Balaam - Part 1 by Keith Green	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Balaam from the book of Numbers in the Bible. Balaam, a prophet of God, misused his gifts and relationship with God for personal
	God at War With Flesh by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the battle between Joshua and Amalek. The preacher emphasizes that the outcome of the battle was not dependent on Joshua's abilities, but ra
	A Sneak Attack (Part 3) by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing for Jesus and not giving in to temptation, even when others may mock or ridicule. The speaker encourages the audie
	The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear understanding of God's purpose in our lives. He warns that if we lose sight of this purpose, our Christian l
	Profiteering Christianity by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance
	Jude: Last Days - Balaam 2 by Martin Geehan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the love of Christ to be present in the world. He believes that until people have Christ's love in their hearts towards one ano
	A Parable of Security, Stagnation, Seduction, Survival - Part 1 by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the messages he has preached in the United States, mostly from the New Testament. However, he feels led to speak from the book of Numbers an
	Jude: Last Days - Balaam 3 by Martin Geehan	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Balaam and his talking donkey from the book of Numbers in the Bible. The preacher emphasizes how Balaam's donkey saw an angel o
	A Parable of Security, Stagnation, Seduction, Survival - Part 2 by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the messages he has preached in the United States, mostly from the New Testament. However, he feels led to speak from the book of Numbers an
	What the Spirit Says: Smyrna & Pergamum - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Balak and Balaam from the book of Numbers. Balak, the king of Moab, wanted to curse God's people but was unable to do so because

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 22

In Numbers 22, we find the story of Balaam, a prophet who is summoned by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites. However, God intervenes, instructing Balaam to bless them instead, as seen in Numbers 22:18. This chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events and decisions, guiding human actions according to His will. The story of Balaam and the talking donkey serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to speak through the most unlikely of sources and to use even the most hardened of hearts for His glory. As Matthew Henry notes, the chapter teaches us about the importance of obeying God's commands, even when faced with opposition or temptation, and the consequences of disobedience. Ultimately, the story of Balaam points to the gospel, highlighting God's plan to bless His people and the importance of faith and trust in His sovereignty, as seen in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?