Balaam and His Donkey, Numbers 22

What does it take for God to get our attention? How great is the protection of the Lord on those whom He chooses to bless? How serious is it when we determine to follow our own will, instead of the Lord’s?

In the beginning of Numbers chapter 22 we see Israel camped in the plains of Moab and the king of Moab, Balak, terrified. He could see that Israel was large in number, he had heard of their victory over the Amorites, and he knew that his country didn’t have the power to defeat them. Balak decided to put his faith in Balaam, a seer. Balak believed that whom Balaam cursed was cursed and whom Balaam blessed was blessed. So, Balak teamed with the people of Midian and sent messengers, bearing gifts to Balaam, begging him to curse Israel. God gave Balaam a very clear answer, “And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed.”

When his messengers returned telling him that Balaam had said no, Balak sent messengers a second time with a greater offer than before; “For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me; come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.” Balaam, tempted by the promise of great earthly reward, decided to inquire of God again regarding cursing Israel. This time God told Balaam to go with the men, but God knew that he would use Balaam to accomplish His will and that Balaam would die for his greedy disobedience.
Later we read of Balaam traveling along the road, planning on cursing Israel, the people whom God had clearly stated were blessed, all the while God was very angry with him. Suddenly, his donkey sees something that Balaam doesn’t, the angel of Lord holding a sword, and barring their way. The donkey runs into the field, Balaam not seeing the angel of Lord strikes his donkey and tries to turn her back on course. The donkey still seeing the angel of the Lord in their path runs into a wall. Balaam, his foot crushed against the wall now, strikes his donkey again.
Finally, the donkey seeing that the angel of Lord has completely blocked the way, leaving them no way to turn from the right or the left, the donkey just brings him and Balaam to the ground. After Balaam strikes the donkey a third time, the Lord allows the donkey to speak to him. The donkey, who had more common sense than Balaam, the seer, asks his master what did I do to deserve to be hit three times. Now, I ask you, wouldn’t you think that by now Balaam would have stopped and thought about what going on? His donkey has prevented him from continuing on his path three times, not to mention the fact that God clearly told him right from the start not to curse Israel. Now his DONKEY IS SPEAKING TO HIM! Determined and stubborn, Balaam rather than admit that he should do God’s will instead of his own, still doesn’t wake up! Instead, he just carries on a conversation with his DONKEY! This is just so absurd! Balaam pretty much just answers his Donkey by saying, I hit you because you mocked me, you didn’t respect me. Funny how, Balaam is concerned with the fact that his donkey doesn’t respect him, but he’s not concerned with the fact that he didn’t respect God.

Finally, God opened Balaam’s eyes and allowed him to see the angel of the Lord and Balaam finally admited that he was wrong. But now it was too late for Balaam. God had decided to use him to bless Israel, when he meant to curse them. God also allowed him to die for his disobedience and greed (Genesis 31:8).

Is this really much different from what we do today? God has given us a very clear statement as to what is right and wrong in the Bible. Yet, so often, we are determined to do what we want, sometimes in hope of earthly gain, sometimes because it’s the simplest way, and sometimes just because we want our own way. In our faithlessness we don’t trust God to bring us happiness or contentment, so we seek it by our own means. God opened the mouth of what many consider to be one of the dumbest and most stubborn of all the animals, to get the attention of this stubborn and willful man. What will he use to get our attention?

"...the Covert of Thy Wings.."

Lately, I have had some problems that seem insurmountable. In fact, I have even talked with quite a few friends today that have mentioned things that they needed prayer about. Then I sit down, just now, to do my Quiet Time, and I am once again shocked at the answers that the Bible gives. It is funny how people can think that the Bible is outdated, because it is almost miraculous how it is SO not outdated, but also how when I have a need I just "happen" to read a verse or chapter that answers or speaks directly to that need. If fact it does not, just "happen" at all.

Psalm 61:1-8
"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. Thou wilt prolong the king's life; and his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows."

So, this tells me that David felt overwhelmed. And really his problems seem a bit more frightening then mine, since David was running and hiding from a son who wanted to kill him. Sounds pretty overwhelming to me! But then David says that he can trust in God to give him a shelter, a tower to escape from enemies, he can trust in the covert of God's wings. I can just imagine, hiding under powerful wings completely safe from danger! The verses also say that God will preserve David's life and God did save David from this danger. David, even in this horrible danger was able to feel safety from God's protection. And that protection is not only for David, it is for me, too!!! Not only that, God will not get bored of me going to him with every single need I have. Because it also says "I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever" and "He shall abide before God for ever"

Actually this promise will be kept for anyone who comes to Jesus and trusts in the "Covert of thy wings". I can't help but remember another verse...

Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that are weak and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."