Balaam and his Ass

Reading Portion

Num. 22:1-35

Lesson Content

1. Balaam was a prophet. King Balak of Moab feared the Israelites, who had pitched in the plains of Moab during their journey to Canaan. So he called for prophet Balaam to come and help him by cursing the Israelites (Num. 22:1-6).

2. God did not allow Balaam to go and curse them (Num.22:12).

3. When Balaam again sought God’s counsel, God permitted him to go but warned him to do only what He would tell him to (Num.22:19,20).

4. God’s anger was kindled against him, because he went on a mission against the will of God (Num.22:22).

5. God spoke to the disobedient prophet through his ass (Num.22:23-30).

6. The eyes of Balaam were opened and he saw the angel of the Lord; the angel of the Lord spoke to him and Balaam’s confession (Num.22:31-34).

Moral

If by love of money or due to desire for worldly honour and glory, we go against the will of God, the Lord Himself may turn to be our adversary.