GOD’S PLANS
Numbers 22:22–35
Israel has been traveling toward the promised land and is now camped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River near Jericho. Their victories over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, have made surrounding nations fearful (Num. 21). Moab, led by King Balak, sees Israel as a serious threat and seeks supernatural help.
In response to the threat, Balak sends messengers to Balaam, a well-known diviner from Pethor, asking him to curse Israel. His request shows he understands Israel’s victories are not just military but spiritual. However, instead of seeking reconciliation or submission to God, he tries to manipulate spiritual power for his own purposes.
With the rejection of his first attempt, Balak sends another delegation to Balaam with promises of great reward, appealing to Balaam’s greed and ambition. God tells Balaam he may go, but he must only speak what God commands.
There were three plans at work here: Balak’s plan to defeat the Israelites, Balaam’s plan to get wealthy and God’s plan. God’s plan was to bless and prosper His people.
Obstacles Met (22–27)
Though God permitted Balaam to go meet with Balak, His anger burns against him because He knows Balaam’s heart is not aligned with God’s will. God sends an angel to oppose Balaam and block his path.
Balaam’s donkey sees the angel blocking the way three times, each time taking action to save Balaam’s life. Balaam, blind to the spiritual danger, beats the donkey out of anger and frustration.
I have often heard people say when they encounter obstacles that it was just evil forces attacking them, but not every obstacle is from the enemy. Some are God’s way of sparing us from disaster.
Attention Gained (28–31)
Since Balaam still does not see the reality of the situation, God then speaks to Balaam directly from the donkey’s mouth. Using the donkey, God delivers a miraculous rebuke that exposes Balaam’s spiritual blindness.
God then opens Balaam’s eyes. He finally sees the angel standing in the road with a sword drawn. The angel informs Balaam that he had come to oppose him, and the donkey had saved his life three times. Then the angel warns him to speak only God’s words when he meets Balak, or the outcome next time might be different. Balaam agrees, but his inner motives remain suspect.
Sometimes God has to use some unusual ways to get our attention. We can be so distracted by what is happening in our lives that we cannot see the spiritual truths that are directly before us.
God’s Plan (32–35)
God often sends warnings through unexpected means. If we are spiritually blind or consumed with our own agenda, we may get angry at the very things God sends to save us. If we won’t listen to gentle warnings, God can use surprising — and even humiliating — methods to get our attention and bring us back to His plan.
In this situation, Balaam confesses his sin but still goes forward, this time with stricter obedience. When God reveals that we are on a dangerous path, repentance means realignment, not just regret.
God may send truth through people, events or even inconveniences you didn’t expect. Always be alert and look for God’s plan.
By Darrell Nimmo
Retired Baptist pastor living in Goodlettsville, Tennessee
