Numbers Chapter 22 — Balaam and the Talking Donkey
King Balak of Moab hires the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, but God intervenes through a series of divine encounters, including a talking donkey.
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Notable Verses
Numbers 22:12
“God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.””
This verse establishes God's firm protection over Israel and his refusal to allow them to be cursed.
Numbers 22:28
“The LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?””
This is one of the few instances in the Bible where an animal speaks, serving as a miraculous intervention to correct a prophet.
Numbers 22:38
“Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you. Have I now any power at all to speak anything? I will speak the word that God puts in my mouth.””
It highlights the theme that even a pagan prophet is subject to the ultimate authority of God's word.
Chapter Summary
Numbers 22 follows the Israelites as they camp in the plains of Moab. Fearing their numbers, King Balak of Moab sends for Balaam, a man known for his blessings and curses, to come and curse the Israelites. Although God initially tells Balaam not to go, he eventually departs with Balak's messengers. On the journey, an angel of the Lord stands in the path to block Balaam, though only his donkey can see the divine figure. After Balaam strikes his donkey three times for refusing to move, God miraculously enables the animal to speak and then opens Balaam's eyes to see the angel. The angel warns Balaam that he must only speak the words God provides. The chapter concludes with Balaam meeting King Balak and preparing to observe the Israelite camp from the high places of Baal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Balak saw the large number of Israelites and remembered their victory over the Amorites. He feared that their presence would deplete the resources of his land, likening them to an ox licking up the grass of a field.
The donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the path with a drawn sword, whereas Balaam was initially blind to the spiritual presence. The donkey turned into a field, crushed Balaam's foot against a wall, and finally lay down to avoid the angel.
God told Balaam that he could go with Balak's men but emphasized that he was only allowed to speak the specific words that God gave him. This instruction was repeated by the angel of the Lord after Balaam's donkey spoke.
Study Note
The location of Pethor 'by the River' likely refers to the Euphrates, suggesting Balaam traveled a significant distance from Upper Mesopotamia to reach Moab.
Related Chapters
Numbers Chapter 23
The narrative continues as Balaam attempts to offer sacrifices and deliver his first oracles to Balak.
2 Peter Chapter 2
This New Testament chapter references the character of Balaam and his donkey in a warning against false teachers.
Joshua Chapter 24
Joshua later recounts the history of Balak and Balaam when reminding Israel of God's faithfulness.
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