jimkenney12
Well-Known Member
The Story of Balaam’s Ass: Numbers 22
Bible Gateway passage: Numbers 22 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Background: Israel, while still wandering in what is not really wilderness but lands occupied by a variety of people. In Numbers 21, they complained about being in this forsaken land, complained about Moses and God, and were visited by a plague of poisonous snakes. Eventually Moses was instructed to make a copper snake on a pole. When people bitten by a snake looked at the snake on the pole, they were healed.
As they approached Moab, Moses asked for permission to cross the land of the Amorites. Permission was refused and they were attacked by the Amorites, They defeated the Amorites and took all of their land and cities. Then they attacked and killed all the people of Bashan, and occupied their land. They were then facing Moab which is where our story begins. Balak, the king of Moab, was frightened by the nearness and numbers of the Israelites. He knew of Balaam, a person connected to God who had the power to bless or curse armies, helping them succeed or causing them to lose. He sent for Balaam offering him several enticements to come and curse the Israelites. Balaam talked to God and refused the first request. More emissaries were sent. This time, God said to go with them, but say what I tell you to say.
Balaam then leaves for Moab on his loyal and reliable ass. Three times the ass detours, bruising Balaam’s leg the second time and lying down on the road the third time. Each time Balaam beats the ass. The third time the ass asks him what she did that caused him to treat her so badly. At that point, Balaam sees the angel of death who was waiting for him. Balaam apologizes and begs forgiveness from God. God directs him to continue on to Moab but to say only what God tells him to say.
Balak greets him and Balaam tells him he can only say what God tells him to say. Then Balak makes battle preparations.
Bible Gateway passage: Numbers 22 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Background: Israel, while still wandering in what is not really wilderness but lands occupied by a variety of people. In Numbers 21, they complained about being in this forsaken land, complained about Moses and God, and were visited by a plague of poisonous snakes. Eventually Moses was instructed to make a copper snake on a pole. When people bitten by a snake looked at the snake on the pole, they were healed.
As they approached Moab, Moses asked for permission to cross the land of the Amorites. Permission was refused and they were attacked by the Amorites, They defeated the Amorites and took all of their land and cities. Then they attacked and killed all the people of Bashan, and occupied their land. They were then facing Moab which is where our story begins. Balak, the king of Moab, was frightened by the nearness and numbers of the Israelites. He knew of Balaam, a person connected to God who had the power to bless or curse armies, helping them succeed or causing them to lose. He sent for Balaam offering him several enticements to come and curse the Israelites. Balaam talked to God and refused the first request. More emissaries were sent. This time, God said to go with them, but say what I tell you to say.
Balaam then leaves for Moab on his loyal and reliable ass. Three times the ass detours, bruising Balaam’s leg the second time and lying down on the road the third time. Each time Balaam beats the ass. The third time the ass asks him what she did that caused him to treat her so badly. At that point, Balaam sees the angel of death who was waiting for him. Balaam apologizes and begs forgiveness from God. God directs him to continue on to Moab but to say only what God tells him to say.
Balak greets him and Balaam tells him he can only say what God tells him to say. Then Balak makes battle preparations.
