Bible Chapter Summary
Numbers 22 Summary
Balak Summons Balaam to Curse Israel
Balak king of Moab, alarmed by Israel's encampment in the plains of Moab and by their victories over the Amorites, sends messengers to the diviner Balaam son of Beor requesting that he curse the Israelites. God twice appears to Balaam: first forbidding him to go, then permitting him to travel with the second, more distinguished delegation while commanding him to speak only what God directs. As Balaam journeys toward Moab, the Angel of the LORD blocks his path three times; his donkey sees the Angel each time and veers away, and Balaam beats her until God opens the donkey's mouth to speak and then opens Balaam's eyes to see the armed Angel standing before him. Balaam confesses his sin and submits to the Angel's charge to speak only God's words, after which he continues to Moab, meets Balak, declares he can only speak what God puts in his mouth, and is brought to the high places of Baal to view the Israelite encampment.
Key themes
Key verses
Numbers 22:12
“And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.”
Numbers 22:20
“And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.”
Numbers 22:28
“And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?”
Numbers 22:38
“And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.”
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