Faith, Judgment, and Divine Intervention
Numbers 21 and 22 recount key events in Israel’s journey to the Promised Land, including victories over their enemies, God’s judgment for their impatience and complaints—leading to the bronze serpent—and their encounter with Balak, the king of Moab, and the prophet Balaam. These chapters highlight God’s sovereign control, showing how He works through both judgment and grace to fulfill His purposes.
Numbers 21 records a series of key events in Israel’s wilderness journey. As Israel approached Canaan, the king of Arad (a Canaanite king) attacked them, taking some Israelites captive (v. 1). In response, the Israelites made a vow to God, promising to destroy the cities of their enemies if He granted them victory (v. 2). God heard their prayer and delivered the Canaanites into their hands, leading to the destruction of their cities. They named the place Hormah, meaning “devotion to destruction” (v. 3). The Israelites’ first victory against the Canaanites at Hormah stands in stark contrast to the crushing defeat they suffered here years earlier (14:45). This victory marks a turning point, shifting the focus from the exodus generation—condemned to die in the wilderness (14:29-35)—to the new generation born during their journey. This event also notes a change in how Israel responds to adversity—rather than fearing their enemies, they turned to God in faith. Unlike previous occasions of doubt and complaint, this time, they sought God in prayer and trusted Him for victory.
However, despite their military success, the Israelites quickly returned to complaining as they traveled from Mount Hor toward the Red Sea. They grew impatient and spoke against both God and Moses, saying, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” (v. 5). Their ungrateful hearts led to divine discipline—God sent venomous serpents among them, and many Israelites died (v. 6). Realizing their sin, the people confessed and pleaded for mercy (v. 7). Instead of immediately removing the serpents, God provided a way of salvation—He instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole. Anyone who looked at the serpent in faith would be healed (v. 8-9). Ultimately, it was not the snake that healed the people, but their belief that God could heal them. This belief was demonstrated by their obedience to God’s instructions.
Jesus later referenced this event in John 3:14-15, saying, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.” The bronze serpent serves as a symbol of Christ’s crucifixion—just as the Israelites had to look at the serpent to be saved from physical death, we must look to Jesus in faith for salvation from spiritual death (Romans 6:23).
Following this event, Israel continued traveling, making several stops along the way (v. 10-20). During this time, they encountered hostile opposition from Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. Instead of allowing Israel to pass peacefully, both kings waged war against them. Sihon refused to let Israel pass and attacked them, but Israel defeated him and took control of his land (v. 21-31). Og, king of Bashan, also fought against Israel, but God delivered him into their hands as well (v. 32-35). These victories were important milestones—they demonstrated that God was fulfilling His promise to give Israel the land (Deuteronomy 2:24-25). Israel’s success in battle foreshadowed the future conquest of Canaan.
There are several important takeaways from Numbers 21. First, we can trust God in difficult situations. The Israelites won victories when they trusted God instead of fearing their enemies. When you face challenges, do you turn to God or rely on your own strength? (Isaiah 41:10). Like Israel, bring your battles before God in prayer. Trust Him to lead you to victory, whether it’s over fear, doubt, sin, or obstacles in your life.
Secondly, we are to guard against a complaining spirit. The Israelites’ impatience led to sin and judgment. Are you thankful for what God has provided, or do you focus on what you lack? (Philippians 2:14-15). A heart of gratitude protects us from bitterness and doubt (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This week, focus on thanking God daily for His blessings.
Third, God provides a way of salvation. The bronze serpent was a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work (John 3:14-15). Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to be healed, we must look to Christ alone for salvation (John 3:16). Have you fully trusted in Him for forgiveness and eternal life? If you are struggling with sin, look to Jesus for forgiveness and renewal. Read John 3:14-16 and reflect on what Christ has done for you.
Finally, we are to walk in faith, not fear. Israel’s victories remind us that God fights for His people and He fulfills His promises. The victories over Sihon and Og (v. 21-35) showed that God was faithful to His word. What He promises, He accomplishes. Are you living boldly in faith, or do you let fear hold you back from obeying God?
This chapter challenges us to trust God in battles, walk in gratitude, and keep our eyes fixed on Christ, our ultimate source of victory.
Numbers 22 introduces one of the most intriguing figures in the Bible—Balaam, a pagan prophet-for-hire—and recounts how God sovereignly protects Israel from curses and turns them into blessings. This chapter reveals God’s authority over all nations, His ability to use even ungodly people for His purposes, and His unwavering commitment to bless His people. Through Balaam’s encounter with his donkey and divine intervention, we see that no scheme of man can override God’s will.
As Israel continued their journey, they camped in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River, across from Jericho (v. 1). Seeing their growing strength, Balak, the king of Moab, was filled with fear. He had heard about Israel’s victories over the Canaanites, Amorites, and Bashanites, and he feared that his kingdom would be their next conquest (v. 2-4). Rather than trusting in military power, Balak sought supernatural help. He sent messengers to Balaam, a pagan prophet, offering riches and rewards if he would curse Israel (v. 5-7). Balaam was known for his spiritual influence—whoever he blessed was blessed, and whoever he cursed was cursed (v. 6).
The nature and extent of Balaam’s knowledge of the true God is uncertain. Though a famous sorcerer and false prophet, Balaam has some regard for the true God, and the Lord uses Balaam to communicate His word. Fundamentally, however, Balaam seems to be an opportunist who seeks to manipulate the spirit world for his own gain. In the course of this narrative, Balaam establishes himself as a prime example of the false prophet and teacher (2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 11).
When Balak’s messengers arrived, Balaam told them to stay the night while he consulted the Lord (v. 8). That night, God spoke directly to Balaam, commanding him not to go with them or to curse Israel, because Israel was already blessed (v. 12). The next morning, Balaam relayed God’s message, refusing to go with the messengers (v. 13). Refusing to accept Balaam’s refusal, Balak sent more important officials with a greater reward (v. 15-17). This time, God permitted Balaam to go, but with a condition—he must only speak what God commands him to say (v. 20).
The next day, Balaam set off for Moab on his donkey, but the Lord was angry because he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to block his path (v. 21-22). The Lord had already given Balaam permission to go (v. 20), so this resistance was possibly against his unspoken motive or intention (he “loved the wages of wickedness,” 2 Peter 2:15), which was obviously contrary to God’s will. The identity of the angel of the Lord is debated. According to some scholars, the angel of the Lord appears in many instances to be a theophany, a visual manifestation of God Himself.
The angel, invisible to Balaam, stood in his path with a drawn sword. Balaam’s donkey saw the angel and turned aside three times, saving Balaam’s life (v. 23-27). Frustrated, Balaam beat the donkey, unaware that God was using it to protect him. Then, God miraculously opened the donkey’s mouth, allowing it to ask Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me three times?” (v. 28). This shocking event finally got Balaam’s attention, and God opened his eyes to see the angel standing in his way (v. 31). The angel rebuked Balaam, telling him that if not for the donkey, he would have been struck down (v. 32-33). Balaam then confessed his sin, but the angel still allowed him to continue his journey—with the warning that he must only speak what God commands (v. 34-35).
Sometimes, God uses unexpected means to get our attention—even a donkey! Balaam’s donkey saw what he couldn’t, reminding us that spiritual blindness often comes from a stubborn or prideful heart. Are you truly open to God’s guidance, or do you ignore His warnings when they conflict with your plans? Reflect on areas where you may be compromising your obedience to God in favor of personal gain, approval, or convenience. Are you asking God for guidance with a heart ready to obey, or are you hoping He will approve what you already desire? Take time this week to surrender any selfish ambitions and seek God’s will above all else.
God used the donkey to redirect Balaam. Sometimes, God blocks our path to protect us from danger (Proverbs 16:9). Balaam ignored the obvious signs that God was against his journey. Unlike Balaam, when obstacles arise, we should stop and ask whether God is redirecting us (Isaiah 30:21). Are there obstacles in your path that God is using to redirect you? (Proverbs 3:5-6). Pray for spiritual awareness and ask God to open your eyes to His guidance and help you recognize when He is redirecting your steps.
When Balaam finally arrived, Balak eagerly welcomed him, expecting him to curse Israel (v. 36-37). However, Balaam immediately clarified that he could only say what God put in his mouth (v. 38). Balak took him to a high place overlooking Israel’s camp, preparing for the curses to begin (v. 39-41). This sets the stage for Numbers 23-24, where Balaam attempts to curse Israel but ends up pronouncing blessings instead.
Numbers 22 highlights God’s sovereign control over His people and His ability to use even unbelievers to accomplish His purposes. Balaam’s encounter with the angel and the talking donkey reminds us that God will intervene when we are on the wrong path. Ultimately, this chapter assures us that nothing can overturn God’s blessing—when He declares His people blessed, no one can curse them.
In conclusion, these two chapters challenge us to trust in God’s provision, remain faithful in trials, and recognize that His plans will always prevail, no matter the opposition. Numbers 21 teaches us that sin leads to suffering, but God provides a way of salvation. Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent in faith, we must look to Christ for deliverance from sin. Additionally, this chapter reminds us that God fights for His people, securing victories when they trust and obey Him. Numbers 22 warns about the danger of divided loyalties—Balaam knew God’s will but entertained the idea of compromising for personal gain. Like Balaam, we may sometimes seek to justify actions that go against God’s direction when they seem beneficial to us. We must learn to trust and obey God fully rather than trying to manipulate His will for our own desires.
This week, identify an area where you need to step forward in faith—whether it’s trusting God in difficulty, resisting temptation, or surrendering your own plans to Him. Will you listen to God’s voice and follow Him wholeheartedly, or will you allow fear, doubt, or personal ambition to lead you astray? Let Numbers 21-22 challenge you to fully trust in God’s faithfulness, seek His direction, and obey Him without hesitation.
Comments