November 6, 2023

Just because God may permit us to sin, it doesn’t mean he approves our actions or is any less angry. God had promised Israel that he would be an enemy to their enemy, and Balaam was about to find that out as he ventured along the trail to meet Moab’s representatives. If you do not believe that God can do whatever he wants, this should intrigue you; an angel of the Lord stood in the pathway, but only Balaam’s donkey could see him. The donkey tried to go around him and ran into a field; Balaam hit her and turned her back. Then the angel moved down to a narrow section of the path with a wall on both sides; the donkey crushed his foot trying to avoid him; then Balaam hit her again! After getting beaten three times, God opened the donkey’s mouth, and she spoke! “What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?” After arguing with the donkey, God finally opened Balaam’s eyes so he could see the angel with his sword drawn. He then realized that the donkey had saved his life. 

All this anxiety and turmoil is about a so-called prophet speaking words against Israel. It’s a good lesson in the argument that words matter. God was so concerned about it that he sent an angel to stop Balaam from speaking cursing words against Israel and even used his donkey to try and stop him. God eventually allowed him to meet with the men, but he had something else in mind: Balaam could only speak blessings over Israel and not curses. This story shows how important it is to choose your words carefully and not harm anyone by them. God takes words seriously, and so should we. 

How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? Numbers 23:8

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29