Introduction

Numbers 22:35 captures a pivotal moment in one of the most unusual stories in Scripture—the account of Balaam and his donkey. After a supernatural encounter where his donkey spoke to him and an angel of the Lord blocked his path, Balaam received a clear command from God: \ Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you. This verse encapsulates the tension between God's permissive will and His perfect will, between outward obedience and heart obedience, and between speaking for God and speaking for profit.This comprehensive exposition examines Numbers 22:35 in its full context, explores the dramatic story of Balaam's journey, analyzes the theme of obedience, and applies the lessons to contemporary believers who must choose between God's word and personal gain.---

The Story Unfolds

The Initial Request: Numbers 22:7-8 (KJV): And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam. Balaam's Response: Asked them to stay overnight - Would consult the Lord - Seemed spiritual - Sought divine guidanceGod's Clear Answer:'Numbers 22:9-12 (KJV): And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? And Balaam said unto Balak, The king of Moab hath sent to me, saying, Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: or they are blessed. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: or the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you. God's Command:1. Thou Shalt Not Go" - Don't make the journey"2. Thou Shalt Not Curse" - Don't curse Israel"3. For They Are Blessed" - God has blessed themBalaam's Initial Obedience: Sent princes awayRefused the requestCited God's refusal'Seemed obedientThe Problem:Balaam knew God's will'But was tempted by rewardHeart not fully committedLeft door open for returnBalak Persists:Numbers 22:15-17 (KJV): And Balak sent yet again princes", more, and more honourable than they. And they came to Balaam, and said unto him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. Increased Pressure:More princesMore honorableGreater promises Whatever you say The Temptation:Great honorUnlimited authorityWhatever he wantedHouse full of silver and goldBalaam's Response: Numbers 22:18-19 (KJV): And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more. But now, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more. Seeming Piety: I cannot go beyond God's word Sounds spiritualClaims loyalty to GodBut asks God againThe Problem:God already spoke clearlyAsking again shows divided heartHoping for different answerTemptation weakening resolveGod's Permissive Will: Numbers 22:20 (KJV): And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. God's Permission: If the men come to call - They did Rise up, and go with them" - Permission granted But yet" - Important restriction Only what I say" - Strict limitationWhy Did God Allow It?1. Balaam's Heart Was Set" - Wanted to go - God let him test - Revealed true motives2. God's Sovereignty' - Would use Balaam anyway - Blessings would come - God's purposes fulfilled'3. Discipline Through Journey - Angel confrontation - Humbling experience - Heart exposed---

The Angel Encounter (Numbers 22:22-35)

And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. The Paradox:God said go" (v.20)God was angry he went (v.22)How both true?Understanding the Tension:1. Permissive Will vs. Perfect Will - Perfect will: Don't go at all - Permissive will: If you go", obey Me - Balaam chose permissive - God not pleased2. Heart Attitude Matters - Balaam's heart was greedy - God knew his motives - Outward obedience, inward rebellion - Anger at divided loyalty3. God Uses Reluctant Servants - Still accomplished purpose - But servant disciplined - Blessing came despite Balaam - Not because of Balaam The Angel of the Lord":Divine messengerOften theophany (pre-incarnate Christ)Speaks as GodAuthority to judge For an Adversary" (לְשָׂטָן - le-satan):Same root as Satan Adversary, accuserOpposing Balaam's pathBlocking the wayFirst Obstruction (v.23): And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. The Donkey's Vision:Saw what prophet couldn'tAngel with drawn swordDeadly danger aheadTurned to avoidBalaam's Response:Didn't see the angelThought donkey stubbornSmote her (beat her)Forced her backSecond Obstruction (v.24-25): But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And the ass saw the angel of the Lord, and she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. Narrower Path:Between vineyard wallsLess room to maneuverDonkey pressed to wallCrushed Balaam's footBalaam's Response:Still didn't seeThought donkey maliciousSmote her againPain increased angerThird Obstruction (v.26-27): And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And the ass saw the angel of the Lord, and she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with his staff. No Way Out:Path extremely narrowNo room to passDonkey couldn't avoidFell down under BalaamBalaam's Rage: Anger was kindled Furious at donkeySmote with staffLost all controlGod Opens the Mouth: And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? The Miracle:Donkey spoke human languageRational question askedConfronted BalaamThree times referencedBalaam's Answer: And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. Balaam's State:So angry he argued with donkeyWished for swordWould kill his own animalCompletely irrationalThe Donkey's Defense: And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. Logical Argument:Long relationshipAlways faithfulNever behaved this waySomething different nowBalaam Admitted: Nay (No)Donkey never did this beforeShould have realizedSomething supernaturalThe Revelation: Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam", and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. Spiritual Sight: Opened the eyes Finally saw realityAngel with swordImmediate worshipBalaam's Response:Bowed headFell on faceProper reverenceToo late for journeyThe Angel's Question: And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: Three Times:Emphasized for significanceDonkey faithfulBalaam abusivePattern revealed Thy Way Is Perverse: Perverse" (סָרַר - sarar)Rebellious", stubbornHeadstrong, recklessAgainst God's willThe Real Issue:Not just the journeyBut the heart attitudeGreed over obedienceSelf over GodThe Warning: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive. Donkey's Reward:Saw dangerAvoided judgmentPreserved aliveFaithful animalBalaam's Narrow Escape:Would have been killedDonkey saved himIrony: animal more spiritualGrace shownBalaam's Confession: And Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: ow therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again. I Have Sinned":Confession madeAdmitted wrongdoingBut with excuse I knew not The Excuse: I knew not Partial truthShould have knownHeart was the problemThe Offer: I will get me back again If it displeases youConditional obedienceStill negotiatingGod's Final Word: And the angel of the Lord said unto Balaam, Go with the men, but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Permission Repeated: Go with the men Journey allowedBut strict limitationOnly God's wordsThe Restriction: Only the word Nothing addedNothing changedExact obedience required That Thou Shalt Speak:Divine dictationNo improvisationNo personal agendaPure obedienceBalaam's Compliance: So Balaam went Obeyed the commandWith restrictionsHeart still divided---"

Balaam's Later Prophecies

How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied? ... Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! Blessing Instead of Curse:Couldn't curse God hadn't cursed'Israel too numerousWanted to die like righteous God is not a man, that he should lie... Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: he Lord his God is with him... God's Faithfulness: God doesn't lie'Commanded to blessCan't reverse it'God with Israel How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! ... He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee. Beautiful Blessing:Tents goodlyLion imageryPowerful nationBlessing/cursing principle I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: here shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel... Messianic Prophecy:Star from JacobScepter from IsraelFuture kingChrist prophesied---

Lessons on Obedience

Balaam's Problem:Went when toldSpoke God's words But heart was wrongStill loved profit1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV): And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.",Application:God wants heart obedienceNot just external complianceMotives matterWholehearted serviceBalaam's Choice: Could have stayed homeChose to goGod allowed itBut consequences followedGalatians 6:7-8 (KJV): Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.",Application:Permissive will not perfectConsequences follow choicesSow greed, reap judgmentChoose God's best Balaam's Downfall:Gifted prophetCould have been greatGreed corrupted himDied in disgrace1 Timothy 6:"10 (KJV): For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after", they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.",Application:"Guard against greedMoney corrupts ministryContentment is gainEternal rewards matterBalaams Sight: Blind to angelDonkey saw firstGod opened eyesToo late for journeyPsalm 119:18 (KJV): Open thou mine eyes", that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Ephesians 1:18 (KJV): The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,",Application:Ask God to open eyesSee spiritual realityDon't wait for crisis Walk in lightBalaam's Restriction:'Only God's words'Nothing addedNothing changedPure messageDeuteronomy 18:18-20 (KJV): I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.",Application:Speak only God's word Don't add or subtract'Pure message mattersAccountability is real---'

Introduction

Numbers 22:35 captures a pivotal moment in one of the most unusual stories in Scripture—the account of Balaam and his donkey. After a supernatural encounter where his donkey spoke to him and an angel of the Lord blocked his path, Balaam received a clear command from God: \ Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you. This verse encapsulates the tension between God's permissive will and His perfect will, between outward obedience and heart obedience, and between speaking for God and speaking for profit.This comprehensive exposition examines Numbers 22:35 in its full context, explores the dramatic story of Balaam's journey, analyzes the theme of obedience, and applies the lessons to contemporary believers who must choose between God's word and personal gain.---

The Story Unfolds

The Initial Request: Numbers 22:7-8 (KJV): And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam. Balaam's Response: Asked them to stay overnight - Would consult the Lord - Seemed spiritual - Sought divine guidanceGod's Clear Answer:'Numbers 22:9-12 (KJV): And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee? And Balaam said unto Balak, The king of Moab hath sent to me, saying, Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out. And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: or they are blessed. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: or the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you. God's Command:1. Thou Shalt Not Go" - Don't make the journey"2. Thou Shalt Not Curse" - Don't curse Israel"3. For They Are Blessed" - God has blessed themBalaam's Initial Obedience: Sent princes awayRefused the requestCited God's refusal'Seemed obedientThe Problem:Balaam knew God's will'But was tempted by rewardHeart not fully committedLeft door open for returnBalak Persists:Numbers 22:15-17 (KJV): And Balak sent yet again princes", more, and more honourable than they. And they came to Balaam, and said unto him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. Increased Pressure:More princesMore honorableGreater promises Whatever you say The Temptation:Great honorUnlimited authorityWhatever he wantedHouse full of silver and goldBalaam's Response: Numbers 22:18-19 (KJV): And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more. But now, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will say unto me more. Seeming Piety: I cannot go beyond God's word Sounds spiritualClaims loyalty to GodBut asks God againThe Problem:God already spoke clearlyAsking again shows divided heartHoping for different answerTemptation weakening resolveGod's Permissive Will: Numbers 22:20 (KJV): And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. God's Permission: If the men come to call - They did Rise up, and go with them" - Permission granted But yet" - Important restriction Only what I say" - Strict limitationWhy Did God Allow It?1. Balaam's Heart Was Set" - Wanted to go - God let him test - Revealed true motives2. God's Sovereignty' - Would use Balaam anyway - Blessings would come - God's purposes fulfilled'3. Discipline Through Journey - Angel confrontation - Humbling experience - Heart exposed---

Theological Themes

Balaam's Plan:Go to MoabCurse IsraelReceive rewardReturn home richGod's Plan: Go to Moab (permissive)Bless Israel (required)No reward (disappointed)Return humbledProverbs 19:21 (KJV): There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. Proverbs 16:9 (KJV): A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.",Application:God's purposes prevail Human plans submitCan't thwart God's willTrust His sovereigntyBalaam's Heart:'Knew God's will'But tempted by profitOutwardly obedientInwardly rebelliousMatthew 6:24 (KJV): No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. James 1:8 (KJV): A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.",Application:Choose one masterDon't serve both Divided heart failsWholehearted obedience requiredBalaam's Blindness:'Prophet couldn't see angel'Donkey saw clearlySpiritual ironyAnimal more perceptive2 Kings 6:17 (KJV): And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV): But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.",Application:Ask God to open eyesSpiritual things need spiritual sightPride blindsHumility revealsBalaam's Reluctance: Didn't want to obey fully'Heart was greedyBut God used him anywayBlessings pronouncedGod's Sovereignty:'Doesn't need willing servants'Can use anythingDonkey, rock, whateverPurposes accomplishedLuke 19:40 (KJV): I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.",Application:God can use anyoneBut willing service betterDon't be like Balaam Serve with whole heartBalaam Couldn't Curse:'Tried but couldn't'God's word prevails'Blessing pronouncedDespite Balaam's desire'Isaiah 55:11 (KJV): So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Numbers 23:19-20 (KJV): God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.",Application:God's word is powerful Cannot be thwartedBlessings standTrust His promises---'

Appendix: Quick Reference

On Obedience:1 Samuel 15:22 - To obey is better than sacrificeJohn 14:15 - If ye love me", keep my commandmentsJames 1:22 - Be doers of the wordHebrews 5:9 - Author of eternal salvation to those who obeyOn Greed:1 Timothy 6:10 - Love of money is root of evilLuke 12:15 - Beware of covetousnessEphesians 5:5 - Covetous man is idolaterHebrews 13:5 - Be contentOn God's Will: Proverbs 19:21 - Counsel of Lord shall standRomans 12:2 - Prove God's will'1 Thessalonians 4:3 - This is God's will'1 John 2:17 - Doeth will of God abidesOn Balaam:2 Peter 2:15-16 - Loved wages of unrighteousnessJude 1:11 - Ran greedily after errorRevelation 2:14 - Doctrine of BalaamNumbers 31:8 - Balaam slainNumbers 22:35 (KJV): And the angel of the Lord said unto Balaam, Go with the men, but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Numbers 23:19 (KJV): God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV): And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Hebrews 13:5 (KJV): Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."1. Why was God angry when He had permitted Balaam to go?2. What does the donkey seeing the angel teach us about spiritual perception?3. How did Balaam's heart differ from his outward actions?"4. What are modern examples of the way of Balaam"?5. How can we ensure our obedience is from the heart?6. What's the difference between God's permissive and perfect will?7. How does Balaam's story warn ministers today?"---This article is intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes. For counseling related to obedience, greed, or discerning God's will, consult qualified pastoral counselors.

Key Verses

• -- — Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5, KJV)" } ], reflectionQuestion: As you reflect on this passage, what one truth stands out most to you today — and how might it change the way you live this week?", authorNote: Based on careful study of the relevant biblical passages with cross-references across Scripture.", wordCount: 5862, lastUpdated: 2026-03-18