Balaam and God's Wrath

Balaam and the Ass (1626) by Rembrandt

 

Q. In the Book of Numbers, when Balak's envoys came to Balaam a second time, Balaam set out on his journey with God's permission. Yet, why did God become angry and send an angel to obstruct his path?

 

A. The story of Balaam and Balak, as recorded in Numbers 22, is far more than a simple historical event. It serves as a profound spiritual lesson about the contrast between God's divine will and human greed. At first glance, it may seem puzzling that God granted Balaam permission to go with Balak's messengers, only to later express His anger and send an angel to hinder his journey. However, a deeper examination of the text reveals that the issue was not merely Balaam's physical journey but rather the condition of his heart. To fully grasp this event, we must carefully analyze the context and motivations involved.

 

Balaam and God's Wrath: Why Did God Oppose His Journey?

1. Balak’s Invitation and God’s Initial Response

Balak, the king of Moab, grew increasingly anxious as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness and became a powerful presence. Fearing that Israel would overtake his kingdom, he sought to weaken them by calling upon Balaam, a well-known prophet, to pronounce a curse upon them (Numbers 22:2-6). Balak sent envoys to Balaam, promising great wealth and honor if he would comply with this request.

Balaam, understanding that he could not act on his own authority, sought the will of God regarding Balak’s offer. God’s response was explicit and unambiguous:

"Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed." (Numbers 22:12)

This statement made it clear that God had already chosen to bless Israel. As a result, any attempt to curse them would be both futile and against God's plan. Since God's blessing cannot be overturned by human intervention, Balaam’s consideration of the request was inherently problematic. However, at this stage, Balaam adhered to God’s command and declined Balak’s offer, sending the messengers away.

2. The Second Invitation and God’s Conditional Permission

Balak, unwilling to accept Balaam’s refusal, decided to escalate his efforts. He sent even more distinguished envoys and promised greater rewards, urging Balaam once again to come and curse Israel (Numbers 22:15-17). This time, despite already knowing God’s will, Balaam sought God’s guidance again. His willingness to reconsider the matter suggests an internal struggle—he desired the honor and wealth Balak offered.

God responded differently in this instance:

"Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you." (Numbers 22:20)

On the surface, it may seem as though God had changed His mind. However, a closer examination indicates that this was not the case. Rather, this was a test of Balaam’s heart. God had already given a definitive answer, but because Balaam continued seeking permission, God allowed him to proceed—not as an endorsement of his motives but as a means of exposing his true intentions.

3. Balaam’s Departure and God’s Anger

Once Balaam received what appeared to be God’s permission, he wasted no time setting out on his journey. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn:

"But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him." (Numbers 22:22)

At first glance, this may seem contradictory. Why would God permit Balaam to go and then become angry when he obeyed? The answer lies in the motivations of Balaam’s heart. God knew that Balaam was not traveling in obedience to Him but rather out of a desire for personal gain. Although God had permitted the journey, Balaam's eagerness revealed his underlying greed.

The apostle Peter later confirms this in the New Testament:

"They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness." (2 Peter 2:15)

This passage reinforces the idea that Balaam’s primary concern was financial gain rather than faithfulness to God. Consequently, God's anger was directed not at the physical act of Balaam traveling but at the greed and disobedience that fueled his actions.

4. The Donkey’s Reaction and Balaam’s Awakening

To teach Balaam an important lesson, God sent an angel to obstruct his path. However, Balaam himself was unaware of the angel’s presence. Instead, his donkey saw the angel standing in the way and attempted to avoid it three times (Numbers 22:23-27). Frustrated, Balaam beat the donkey, failing to recognize that the animal was acting out of divine intervention.

Then, in a remarkable turn of events, God opened the donkey’s mouth, allowing it to speak:

"What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?" (Numbers 22:28)

This moment is deeply symbolic. Despite being a prophet, Balaam was spiritually blind, whereas his donkey, an animal lacking human reasoning, was able to perceive God’s presence. This highlights Balaam’s lack of spiritual discernment and the extent to which his greed had clouded his judgment.

Finally, God opened Balaam’s eyes, allowing him to see the angel. The angel rebuked him, saying:

"I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me." (Numbers 22:32)

This statement underscores the true issue—Balaam’s journey was not inherently wrong, but the motivation behind it was. He was driven by selfish ambition rather than obedience to God.

5. Balaam’s Later Actions and the Final Lesson

Despite encountering the angel and receiving a clear warning, Balaam continued his journey. However, when he arrived, he ultimately blessed Israel instead of cursing them, as per God’s command (Numbers 23-24). Yet, Balaam’s desire for wealth did not dissipate. He later devised a plan that led Israel into idolatry and immorality, resulting in divine judgment (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14). As a result, Balaam met a tragic end when he was killed in battle (Numbers 31:8).

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Conclusion: God’s Will and the Dangers of Human Desire

This story serves as a powerful reminder that God’s will is not merely about outward actions but also about the state of our hearts. Balaam’s greatest mistake was not just his journey but his unwillingness to fully submit to God’s will. His repeated attempts to negotiate with God, despite already receiving a clear answer, demonstrate how personal desires can distort one’s ability to discern divine guidance.

Many believers today may find themselves in similar situations—appearing to follow God’s direction while secretly pursuing their own ambitions. Additionally, repeatedly seeking a different answer from God when His will is already known can lead to dangerous spiritual consequences, much like Balaam experienced.

Ultimately, God desires obedience from a sincere heart, not reluctant compliance motivated by self-interest. Balaam’s story warns us against allowing greed, pride, or ambition to cloud our judgment. Instead, we are called to fully trust and submit to God, knowing that His plans are always higher and better than our own.