August 17, 2010 Lesson 16 of Numbers 22. The story of Balaam

This is a difficult story. Before tackling it, it will probably be helpful to read 2 Pet 2:15, 16; Jude 11; Num 31:16 and Rev 2:14, which give a clue as to Balaam’s true character and motives.


Balaam’s influence and relationship to God are interesting. Think about them. Consider also Moab’s fear in the face of Israel’s advance. What does this show concerning the ways in which God works? Answer: I am not sure how this story ends, but if it is one thing I have learned is God is sovereign. He can stop anything that He wants any time He wants. He can cause anything to happen that He wants to happen. God uses this sovereignty to, in this story, make the donkey talk and open Balaam’s eyes to the angel of God.


What was the ‘chink’ in Balaam’s armor? Why did his ‘guidance’ seem all confused after that? Contrast v12 with verses 20, 22, 32, 35. What ought we to learn from his failure? Do you think Rom 14:22b, 23 and 1 Tim 6:9, 10 give us a similar warning? Answer: I am confused here. I do see the failure of Balaam, in that despite knowing and saying what he knows God commands he still eats the sacrificed animal. Other than that the only ‘chink’ that I see is that Balaam did not understand the seriousness of the situation. He only understood once the angel of God appeared to him with the donkey. Then, as I stated before, he ate the sacrificed foods. He still wants the riches, it appears. Having said that, yes, I think that the 2 other passages give very similar warnings.