Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, writes that all scripture was inspired by God, and is useful to equip the servants of God. The story of Balaam and his donkey in Numbers 23-25, though comical, teaches us several things about prophecy. Three things we learn are: God has His people even in the enemy’s camp, the prophet got His words from God, and God, and His plans, are sovereign.
Balaam
Balaam was not one of the Israelites escaping Egypt. He lived among the Moabites. When Balak, the king of the Moabites was terrified by the encroaching Israelites, he remembered Balaam’s reputation of success. If he blessed or if he cursed, it stuck. He thought if Balaam would curse the Israelites, he would then be able to defeat them. Thus he sent for Balaam, explained the situation, and offered a reward.
Words of God
God’s word was also alive in Moab. Balak, the King of the Moabites, sent messengers with offer of a reward to the prophet. Balaam was not in a hurry. “Stay the night,” he said. In that precious time, he talked to God.and received a clear answer. “Don’t go with them, don’t curse them for they are blessed.”
However, King Balak didn’t like the answer and sent more important princes with a greater reward. Balaam was steadfast, “I could not go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.” But it required another night of prayer. The next morning, following God’s words, he saddled his donkey and went along but not to curse the Israelites.
God’s Word is Sovereign
Even though God allowed Balaam to go, He was angry and sent an angel to intercept him. The talking donkey is amusing but Balaam’s lack of spiritual vision is not. “Your way is perverse before Me,” were God’s words to him. The incident brought him to his senses and he offered to turn back, but he was instructed to continue. “The words that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” And so in the four places the king of the Moabites sent Balaam, God’s word of blessing descended on the Israelites.
The prophet could not go against the words of God. The situation was perverse and thus angered God. God allowed him to go, but did not permit him to speak against His people. Instead God’s people were blessed four times.