Some people would like to twist the words of God to make them work for their own purposes, but God only speaks truth, and those who receive His Word should only speak the truth that’s in it. Balak, the king of Moab, wanted Balaam to curse Israel, but God made sure that Balaam would speak only the truth God gave him to say—even if it took a donkey speaking to show him the way!
God is not human, that he should lie,
not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill?
In this story, when you read the full account from Numbers 22–24, you see that Balaam knew cursing God’s people was wrong, but since he was being offered payment and riches, he kept thinking about doing what King Balak wanted him to do anyway. Balaam is not a prophet of Israel, but God used him in this instance to deliver a message to the king of Moab. And God used the angel and the donkey to show how foolish it is to disobey God’s true commands. By letting the donkey see the angel and making the donkey speak, God showed that Balaam, who had a reputation for being a man with spiritual powers, was really no better than a beast (and in fact, was a bit more foolish).
Balak was extremely intent on cursing the people of Israel. Look in Numbers 23 and 24 to see how many altars and how many bulls and rams in total Balak was willing to provide to get Balaam to curse Israel. Do you think Balak really believed that God was speaking to Balaam? Or was he just trying to persuade Balaam to say what he wanted to hear? Talk over these questions with family members or ministry leaders and give reasons for the answers you have.
God, I’m so glad You are faithful and always mean what You say. Help me to speak Your truth now and always. Amen.