민수기 Chapter 22

Translation: ESV

5

sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the people of Amaw, to call him, saying, "Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me.

Key Message

The powers of the world fear God's people because God is with them; even foreigners recognize the power of God.

▸King Balak of Moab, fearing Israel, attempts to hire the famous foreign prophet Balaam.

King Balak of Moab, fearing Israel, attempts to hire the famous foreign prophet Balaam. Balaam is a resident of Mesopotamia whose reputation was known beyond national borders. The expression 'they cover the face of the earth' expresses Balak's fear at the immense scale of Israel.

12

God said to Balaam, "You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed."

Key Message

A human being cannot curse those whom God has blessed; all hostile attempts against God's people are powerless before God's providence.

▸God clearly tells Balaam not to go with them and not to curse Israel.

28

Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"

Key Message

God can speak even through a donkey; those who are spiritually blind cannot see what even an animal sees. Open your heart to God's voice.

▸The remarkable miracle of God opening the donkey's mouth to speak takes place.