Question 1

Who are Balak and Balaam in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Balak is the king of Moab, a nation living east of the Jordan River. He becomes very afraid when he sees how many Israelites there are and hears about their victories over nearby peoples. Balaam is a well–known diviner who lives far away near the Euphrates River. People believe that the blessings and curses he speaks have real power. Balak sends important men with gifts to hire Balaam to curse Israel. So Balak is the fearful king, and Balaam is the hired spiritual man tempted by honor and money.

Question 2

Why was Moab so afraid of Israel in this story?

Accepted Answer

Moab is scared because the Israelites are many and have just defeated powerful Amorite kings. From Moab’s view, this large nation has suddenly camped right next to them. Balak describes Israel like an ox licking up all the grass, meaning he thinks they will remove everything in their path. He does not know that God has already told Israel not to attack Moab. Instead of seeking true peace with God, Moab lets fear grow and turns to schemes and alliances, which only show how little they understand God’s plans for His people.

Question 3

Why did Balak ask Balaam to curse Israel?

Accepted Answer

Balak believes that spiritual words can decide battles. He has heard that whoever Balaam blesses is blessed and whoever he curses is cursed. Since he feels too weak to fight Israel with armies alone, he tries to use a curse to weaken them first. This shows his fear and his trust in magic instead of in the true God. Rather than asking God for mercy or trying to live at peace, he spends money and effort on a hired curse, thinking he can control what happens to a people whom God has already blessed.

Question 4

What does this passage teach about God’s blessing and curse?

Accepted Answer

The passage shows that when God blesses a people, no curse can overturn that blessing. God tells Balaam clearly that he must not curse Israel, because they are already blessed. Even when Balak sends more honored princes and larger promises, God does not change His mind. Later, when Balaam travels with them for his own gain, God sends an angel to block his way and even opens the donkey’s mouth to stop him. All of this shows that human words and magic cannot undo what God has decided to bless.

Question 5

Why was God angry with Balaam if He allowed him to go?

Accepted Answer

God first told Balaam plainly not to go with the men and not to curse Israel. When Balaam asked again, God allowed him to go, but only to speak what God would give him. Balaam’s heart, however, was not right. He was drawn by the promise of honor, silver, and gold. So when he went, God’s anger burned because Balaam was moving from greed, not simple obedience. The angel of the Lord blocking the way, and the donkey’s strange behavior, show that God saw Balaam’s path as twisted, even though Balaam tried to cover it with religious words.

Question 6

What is the meaning of Balaam’s talking donkey?

Accepted Answer

The talking donkey is a clear sign that God is in full control, even over nature. Three times the donkey sees the angel of the Lord with a drawn sword and turns aside, saving Balaam’s life, while Balaam sees nothing and only beats her. God then opens the donkey’s mouth so she can ask why she is being struck. This exposes Balaam’s blindness and stubbornness. After that, God opens Balaam’s eyes to see the angel. The scene shows that even an animal can see more than a greedy man when God withholds sight, and that God will use surprising means to stop sin.

Question 7

What does this story show about Balaam’s heart and motives?

Accepted Answer

Balaam’s words sound respectful toward God, but his actions reveal a double heart. He knows he should only speak what God says, yet he keeps looking for a way to go with Balak’s men. When the first group is turned away, he still invites the second group to stay the night so he can ask God again, hoping the answer will change. He mentions silver and gold in a way that shows he is thinking about the reward. His path is called “perverse,” meaning bent and corrupt. He wants to serve God and money at the same time, which cannot last.

Question 8

How does this passage show God’s protection of His people?

Accepted Answer

God protects Israel even when they do not see the danger. They are camped peacefully in Moab’s plains while Balak plots and sends for a diviner. God steps in at every point. He tells Balaam not to curse them because they are blessed. When Balaam still goes, God sends His angel as an adversary on the road and uses the donkey to stop him from being killed. Later, God will only allow words of blessing to come from Balaam’s mouth. All of this happens without Israel needing to fight or argue, showing God watching over them.

Question 9

Why does God use a flawed man like Balaam in this account?

Accepted Answer

God sometimes uses people whose hearts are not truly loyal to Him to carry out His purposes. Balaam is mixed: he knows about the Lord, yet he loves reward and practices forbidden divination. God still chooses to put true words in Balaam’s mouth and turns a hired curse into blessing. This shows that the power lies with God, not with the person speaking. It also warns us not to confuse spiritual gifts or correct words with a faithful heart. God can even speak through a donkey, so being used by God does not prove someone is godly.

Question 10

How can this story of Balak and Balaam apply to my life today?

Accepted Answer

This story pushes us to ask what we run to when we feel afraid. Balak ran to his own plans and hired spiritualists instead of seeking the true God. Balaam knew something of God, but his love of money pulled him toward disobedience. We can learn to trust God’s promises instead of trying to control everything. It also reminds us that no curse, plan, or gossip can undo what God has decided for His people. When we face pressure to twist God’s words for gain, we are called to speak only what He says, even if it costs us.

Numbers 22:1

And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.

Balak Summons Balaam

The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey

Balak Summons Balaam

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Numbers 22:1

And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.

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Balak Summons Balaam

The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey

Balak Summons Balaam

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