Num 22:22-34 | TNotes | STEP | 22:22 God’s anger is puzzling in light of the permission he granted to Balaam in 22:20 . The Lord knew that the diviner’s intentions and character were not as honorable as he claimed in conversation with Balak’s messengers. Balaam’s foolish beating of the donkey demonstrates his ungodly character (Prov 12:10 ; cp. 1 Sam 25 ).

a22:22►

b22:20►

cProv 12:10►

d1 Sam 25►

e22:28-31►

fGen 3:1-5►

g2 Pet 2:15-16►

h22:34►

‏ Numbers 22:22-34

22:22 ^a God’s anger is puzzling in light of the permission he granted to Balaam in 22:20 ^b. The Lord knew that the diviner’s intentions and character were not as honorable as he claimed in conversation with Balak’s messengers. Balaam’s foolish beating of the donkey demonstrates his ungodly character (Prov 12:10 ^c; cp. 1 Sam 25 ^d).
Summary for Num 22:28-31: 22:28-31 ^e The only scriptural parallel to this phenomenon of a talking animal is the serpent who spoke with Eve (Gen 3:1-5 ^f). God used the donkey to rebuke the foolish diviner (2 Pet 2:15-16 ^g).
22:34 ^h I have sinned: Balaam admitted his mistake in not perceiving the angel of the Lord or his intention and offered to go back.