Chapter 22

The Call of Balaam to Curse Israel

1. INTRODUCTION
1. Division of the Chapter
1. The Israelites set forward (Numbers 22:1And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
   See All...).
2. The fear of the Moabites (Numbers 22:2-4 [2] And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. [3] And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. [4] And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
   See All...)
3. The request for Balaam’s services (Numbers 22:5-14 [5] He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: [6] Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. [7] And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. [8] And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam. [9] And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? [10] And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying, [11] Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. [12] And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. [13] And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you. [14] And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.
   See All...)
4. The second request for Balaam’s services (Numbers 22:15-21 [15] And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they. [16] And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: [17] For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. [18] And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. [19] Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more. [20] And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. [21] And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
   See All...)
5. The angel of the Lord stands in the way (Numbers 22:22-27 [22] And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. [23] And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. [24] But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. [25] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. [26] And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. [27] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
   See All...).
6. Balaam’s ass speaks (Numbers 22:28-30 [28] And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? [29] And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. [30] And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
   See All...).
7. The angel of the Lord reveals himself to Balaam (Numbers 22:31-35 [31] Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. [32] And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: [33] And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. [34] And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. [35] And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
   See All...).
8. The reception of Balak (Numbers 22:36-38 [36] And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast. [37] And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour? [38] And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.
   See All...)
9. The offering of Balak (Numbers 22:39-41 [39] And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth. [40] And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. [41] And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.
   See All...)
2. The Number Three in this Chapter
1. The scriptures give three reasons why Moab was afraid of Israel (Numbers 22:2-4 [2] And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. [3] And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. [4] And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
   See All...).
2. Balaam was supposed to go with the messengers after the third time (Numbers 22:20And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.
   See All...).
3. The Lord gives a threefold response to Balaam (Numbers 22:12And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.
   See All...).
4. Balaam and two of his servants went with the princes (Numbers 22:22And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
   See All...).
5. The ass saw the angel of the Lord in the way three times.
6. Balaam smote the ass three times (Numbers 22:28And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
   See All...).
7. The ass asked Balaam three questions (Numbers 22:28And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
   See All..., 30).
8. Balak asked Balaam three questions (Numbers 22:37And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?
   See All...).
2. THE ISRAELITES SET FORWARD (Numbers 22:1And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
   See All...)
3. THE FEAR OF THE MOABITES (Numbers 22:2-4 [2] And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. [3] And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. [4] And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
   See All...; Exodus 15:13-15 [13] Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. [14] The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. [15] Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.
   See All...)
1. Israel’s Defeat of the Amorites (Numbers 22:2And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
   See All...)
2. The Number of Israelites (Numbers 22:3And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
   See All...)
3. Fear of Their Own Future Defeat (Numbers 22:4And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
   See All...)
1. This was an unnecessary fear (Deuteronomy 2:9And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.
   See All...).
2. Israel had defeated one of Moab’s enemies (Numbers 21:26For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon.
   See All...).
3. They had departed from Lot’s faith (Numbers 21:29Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.
   See All...; Proverbs 28:1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
   See All...).
4. The ox licketh up the grass.
1. Licketh up means to devour or consume (1 Kings 18:38Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
   See All...).
2. Israel is elsewhere likened to an ox (Deuteronomy 33:17His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.
   See All...).
3. The wicked are elsewhere likened to grass (Psalm 37:1-2 [1] Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. [2] For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
   See All...).
4. THE REQUEST FOR BALAAM’S SERVICES (Numbers 22:5-14 [5] He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: [6] Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. [7] And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. [8] And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam. [9] And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? [10] And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying, [11] Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. [12] And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. [13] And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you. [14] And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.
   See All...)
1. The Call for Balaam (Numbers 22:5He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
   See All...)
1. The son of Beor
2. A soothsayer (Joshua 13:22Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.
   See All...)
3. A prophet (2 Peter 2:16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
   See All...)
4. Of Pethor of Mesopotamia (Deuteronomy 23:4Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
   See All...)
2. The Job for Balaam (Numbers 22:6Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
   See All...)
1. Curse this people.
2. That we may drive them out
3. Balaam’s reputation for results
3. The Pay for Balaam (Numbers 22:7And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.
   See All...)
1. The rewards of divination – gifts and money given to those who tell fortunes, bless, curse, etc.
2. Balaam’s love for the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
   See All...)
4. The Submission of Balaam (Numbers 22:8-13 [8] And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam. [9] And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? [10] And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying, [11] Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. [12] And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. [13] And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.
   See All...)
1. Balaam expected to hear from God (Numbers 22:8And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
   See All...).
2. God questions the identity of the men with Balaam (Numbers 22:9And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?
   See All...).
3. Balaam explains the purpose for which these men sought his services (Numbers 22:10-11 [10] And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying, [11] Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.
   See All...).
4. God gives Balaam a response (Numbers 22:12And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.
   See All...).
1. Thou shalt not go with them.
2. Thou shalt not curse the people.
3. They are blessed.
5. Balaam refuses to go with the princes (Numbers 22:13And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.
   See All...).
1. Balaam only gave them part of God’s answer.
2. If he had declared all of God’s answer, they would have known that he was no use to them.
5. The Return of the Princes Numbers 22:14And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.
   See All...)
5. THE SECOND REQUEST FOR BALAAM’S SERVICES (Numbers 22:15-21 [15] And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they. [16] And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: [17] For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. [18] And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. [19] Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more. [20] And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. [21] And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
   See All...)
1. The Second Call for Balaam (Numbers 22:15And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.
   See All...)
1. Balak sends princes again.
2. This time he sends more in number and in honour that the first.
2. The Deal Offered by Balak (Numbers 22:16-17 [16] And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: [17] For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.
   See All...)
1. Let nothing hinder you from coming.
2. I will promote thee unto great honour.
3. I will do whatsoever you say unto me.
3. The Response of Balaam (Numbers 22:18And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
   See All...)
1. If Balak offered his house full of silver and gold
2. I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord.
4. The Seeking of the Will of the Lord (Numbers 22:19-20 [19] Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more. [20] And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.
   See All...)
1. Balaam was looking for the Lord to say more.
2. The Lord says that if the men come again, then Balaam is to go with them.
5. The Rebellion of Balaam (Numbers 22:21And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
   See All...)
1. Balaam rose up in the morning and went with them.
2. The men had not come again.  They were still there from the night before.
3. Balaam had already heard from the Lord that he was not to go.  He had no business asking again.  Notice also that in verse 18, Balaam says that he cannot do less or more than what God tells him.
6. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD STANDS IN THE WAY (Numbers 22:22-27 [22] And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. [23] And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. [24] But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. [25] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. [26] And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. [27] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
   See All...)
1. God’s Anger was Kindled (Numbers 22:22And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
   See All...).
1. God was angry with Balaam for going with the men.
2. The angel of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary.
2. The Ass’s First Vision of the Angel of the Lord (Numbers 22:23And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
   See All...)
1. The ass saw the angel of the Lord with His sword drawn.
2. The ass turned aside out of the way and went into the field.
3. Balaam smote the ass to turn her into the way.
3. The Ass’s Second Vision of the Angel of the Lord (Numbers 22:24-25 [24] But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. [25] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
   See All...)
1. The angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards.
1. A wall being on this side
2. A wall on that side
2. The ass saw the angel of the Lord.
3. She thrust herself unto the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot.
4. Balaam smote the ass again.
4. The Ass’s Third Vision of the Angel of the Lord (Numbers 22:26-27 [26] And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. [27] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
   See All...)
1. The angel of the Lord went and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or to the left.
2. Note:  Notice the progression of difficulty to avoid the angel of the Lord.
1. The first time the ass could turn into the field to avoid the angel.
2. The second time the ass could thrust herself up against the wall to avoid the angel.
3. This time the ass could only fall down.
3. The ass saw the angel of the Lord.
4. She fell down under Balaam.
5. Balaam smote the ass with a staff.
7. BALAAM’S ASS SPEAKS (Numbers 22:28-30 [28] And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? [29] And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. [30] And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
   See All...)
1. The Lord Opens the Mouth of the Ass (Numbers 22:28And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
   See All...; Job 12:7-8 [7] But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: [8] Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
   See All...).
2. The Ass’s First Question (Numbers 22:28And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
   See All...)
1. What have I done unto thee
2. That thou hast smitten me these three times
3. Balaam’s Response (Numbers 22:29And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
   See All...; Proverbs 12:10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
   See All...)
1. Thou hast mocked me.
2. I wish I had a sword for now would I kill thee.
4. The Ass’s Second Question (Numbers 22:30And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
   See All...)
1. Am not I thine ass
2. Upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day
5. The Ass’s Third Question (Numbers 22:30And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
   See All...)
6. The Irony of Balaam’s Response (Numbers 22:30And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
   See All...)
1. The ass speaks as does a man and makes complete sense.
2. Balaam responds “nay” like an animal.
8. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD REVEALS HIMSELF TO BALAAM (Numbers 22:31-35 [31] Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. [32] And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: [33] And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. [34] And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. [35] And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
   See All...)
1. The Lord Opens Balaam’s Eyes (Numbers 22:31Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
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1. Notice that Balaam could not see the angel of the Lord until his eyes were opened.  This is not said of the ass, only that the Lord had to open its mouth.
2. Balaam sees the angel of the Lord standing in the way with His sword drawn (Revelation 2:12-14 [12] And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; [13] I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. [14] But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
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3. Balaam bowed down his head and fell flat on his face.
2. The Life Saving Ass (Numbers 22:32-33 [32] And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: [33] And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
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1. The angel of the Lord defends the ass (Numbers 22:32And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
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2. The angel of the Lord rebukes Balaam (Numbers 22:32And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
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3. If the ass had not turned from the angel of the Lord, Balaam would have been slain and the ass would have been spared.
3. The Fear of Balaam (Numbers 22:34And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.
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1. His ignorance of the opposition from God
2. If it displeases the Lord I will go back.
4. The Command of the Angel of the Lord (Numbers 22:35And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
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1. Go with the men.
2. Speak only the words that I speak unto you.
9. THE RECEPTION OF BALAK (Numbers 22:36-38 [36] And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast. [37] And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour? [38] And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.
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1. Balak’s Questions for Balaam (Numbers 22:37And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?
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2. Balaam’s Response (Numbers 22:38And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.
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10. THE OFFERING OF BALAK (Numbers 22:39-41 [39] And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth. [40] And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. [41] And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.
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