Why Did God Become Angry with Balaam in Numbers 22:20-22 NIV?

God came to Balaam at night in Numbers 22:20–22 NIV and instructed 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.'

The Context and Backdrop

Understanding the context is crucial to comprehend why God became angry with Balaam. Moab, Midian, and Balaam are all relatives of Israel, while Amorites are from Canaan. God had already given the lands of Moab, Midian, and Balaam to them as neighbors to dwell in peace. Unfortunately, Moab had chosen idolatry, which disqualifies them from the covenantal blessing.

Key Points to Consider

1. Moab’s Fear and Concern

Numbers 22:2–3 mentions that Moab was very afraid of Israel, noting that Moab had lost their cities and inhabitants to the Amorites, and now the Amorites had been driven out by Israel. This left Moab in a precarious position, fearing for their own survival.

2. Moab’s Attempts to Address the Situation

Moab’s king, Balak, and his elders approached Balaam, asking him to curse Israel to protect Moab's lands. This was a direct violation of God's orders, as He had instructed Moses to not contend with Moab (Deuteronomy 2:9).

3. God’s Prohibition and Balaam’s Perversity

God had explicitly told Balaam in Numbers 22:12 NIV not to go with the men, not to curse the people, and that they are blessed. Balaam, however, only complied with the last part and refused to curse the people, yet he did not bless them either. His actions were perverted.

Understanding God’s Anger at Balaam

God's anger in Numbers 22:20–22 stems from several underlying issues:

1. Violation of God’s Commands

Balaam’s actions were in direct defiance of God's directives. He was to bless Israel because God promised to bless those who bless Israel (Genesis 12:3). Instead, Balaam sought to assist Moab in cursing Israel, which goes against this divine mandate.

2. Moab’s Idolatry and Cruelty

Moab had already forsaken the covenant and committed idolatry, serving the god Chemosh, just as the Amorites did with Ba'?l Pe'or (Numbers 25:3). This idolatry outraged God and led to the destruction of the Amorites and other Canaanites.

3. Kinship and Responsibility

Balaam, being of Aramean descent and a relative of Israel, had a specific responsibility to uphold God’s covenant. His involvement with Moab in trying to curse Israel showed a lack of compassion and defiance against his kinship obligations.

Conclusion

God's anger at Balaam is rooted in the violation of divine commands, the perpetuation of idolatry, and a breach of familial and covenantal responsibilities. Balaam, by his actions, not only sinned against God but also sinned against his kinship and covenantal duties as a relative of Israel.

Keywords: God's Will, Prophet Balaam, Moab and Israel, Idolatry