When God Showed Up For Balaam

When God Showed Up For Balaam

Numbers 22

Balaam is a strange figure in Scripture and his story is unique. He speaks with God, hears God’s voice clearly, and yet, he does not love what God loves. His problem is not ignorance, but resistance. Balaam is stubborn and God will use the most stubborn of all animals to teach us something about Himself.

Balaam wants God’s Word—but on his own terms. God tells Balaam plainly not to curse Israel. The answer is unambiguous. Still, Balaam presses forward, hoping that his persistence might soften God’s resolve. He does not openly rebel; he negotiates. He seeks permission where God has already spoken and that is where the trouble begins.

As Balaam travels, God places an angel in his path. The prophet does not see him—but the donkey does. Again and again the animal turns aside, crushed between obedience and a master who will not yield. Balaam finally strikes the donkey in anger, blind to the mercy restraining him.

Then God does something unforgettable. He opens the donkey’s mouth.

The irony is deliberate. The man hired to speak for God can’t see the truth before him, while a beast of burden perceives it clearly. God exposes Balaam’s stubbornness by using the is stubborn animal around. The prophet is unmasked by the very thing he despises.

What God reveals about Himself is essential: His Word does not depend on the dignity of the messenger. Truth is not elevated by status, nor diminished by humility. God’s blessing cannot be rented and His purposes cannot be manipulated. God will still be heard even if His servant will not submit.

God’s mercy interrupts Balaam before he goes further down a path that would destroy him. Just like His Word, God’s love refuses to be bent.

When God shows up, He reminds us that obedience matters more than influence and surrender more than success. God’s Word will be spoken—whether by a prophet or a donkey—and blessed are those who learn to listen before they are forced to hear.

Numbers 22:31

“Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way…”