Numbers 22

Here in this chapter we read of the king of Moab, Balak, threatened by the presence of Israel near them. So he sent for Balaam, a man whom he believed had the power to curse Israel.

Balaam, at first, refused, being told by God not to go. Then, a second delegation of men were sent back to him to convince him to come, this time with a promise of a rich payout from them. Balaam piously responded that even though they would give him a huge reward of money, he would not do anyting that would be against God's will. Balaam again consulted the Lord about the matter. This time, God, as a test for Balaam, permitted him to go, on the condition that Balaam would only speak God's word to Balak.

When he went, apparently, a perverse motivation entered his heart. The glitter of riches apparently took root in his heart as 2 Peter 2:15 tells us: "They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness." He was tempted to compromise for the sake of money.

He did not go to obey God, but, now, he went for the sake of money. As an illustrative rebuke of his dumb stubbornness, God caused his donkey to be stubborn from obeying Balaam's will. Balaam wanted to go one way, but his donkey would not, it would go another way, because the Angel of the Lord prevented it. As his donkey was to Balaam, so was Balaam to the Lord.

The Angel of the Lord showed himself to Balaam and was rebuked, again reiterating that he should only speak what God wants him to speak and not compromise for the sake of money.

Eventually, he and Balak met and Balak showed him Israel and portrayed them as a threat that needs to be cursed.