A Standard through a Donkey

A Standard Through a Donkey

 Numbers 22:32 The angel of the Lord asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.” (NIV)

 

 

               The Israelites were a powerful people whom the Lord had blessed tremendously. Jehovah Nissi had delivered them from the hands of their enemies, the Egyptians, and the other nations were fearful of them when they went to various places. The Israelites traveled to the land of Moab where the Moabites were in fear of them because there were so many of them. Therefore, they complained to their elders and the king of Moab responded by sending for the prophet Balaam to place a curse on them. Numbers 22:6 Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed. (NIV) However, King Balak of Moab did not know that whom Jehovah Nissi has blessed, no man can curse. Jehovah Nissi had a banner of protection over His children and as long as they walked in His ways, his Banner would not be broken.

               The elders went to the prophet Balaam to see if he would agree to curse the Children of Israel. Balaam let them know that he had to consult God and would return to them with an answer. Balaam was not a prophet of God, but a sorcerer. He did not worship Jehovah Nissi, but consorted with the magic arts. However, Jehovah Nissi still spoke to Balaam because He was letting both the people of Moab and Balaam know that He was God and that He had a Banner of protection over His people. Numbers 22:12 But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.” (NIV) God was letting Balaam know that no one could undo what He as God had done. Therefore, Balaam was not allowed to put a curse on the Children of Israel. This lets you know that even the servants of the devil are subservient to the will of God. The devil cannot do anything unless he gets permission from God as we see in the story of Job. Job 2:4-6 ⁽⁴⁾ “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. ⁽⁵⁾ But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” ⁽⁶⁾The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.” (NIV)

               The elders returned to the king and told them that Balaam had refused to cursed the Children of Israel. After getting the refusal, King Balak sent other princes and of higher caliber than the first he sent out. King Balak offered to pay Balaam greatly to accomplish his diabolical plans. Balaam told them that he could not do what they wanted, but God came to Balaam that night and told him to go with the princes, but to only speak what He wanted. Numbers 22:21-22 Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. But God was very angry when he went and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. (NIV) Why was God angry at Balaam? God knows the heart and minds of man. Balaam was out for money. Even though he spoke of obeying God, Jehovah Nissi knew deep down that his heart full of greed rather than obedience. Therefore, this angered the Lord. 2 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (NIV)

               As Balaam headed to King Balak, an angel appeared on the road and the donkey, in an attempt to dodge the angel, turned off the road the first time, crushed Balaam’s foot into the wall the second time, and knelt under Balaam the third time. Each time, Balaam beat the donkey. His blindness by greed did not allow him to see that it was God who was disrupting the donkey’s course. The Lord opened the mouth of the donkey so that she could speak. The donkey wanted to know why she was being beat because she had never done such things to him before. Balaam answered back as if this was a sense of normalcy to be speaking with an animal. God used the donkey to communicate with Balaam as a sign that He, Jehovah Nissi was in control. It should have scared him knowing that his animal was verbally communicating with him. Unfortunately, when the devil has your mind, you do not think normally and therefore, Balaam was too enticed by money in order to see straight. Romans 1:28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not be done. (NIV)

 

 

               Jehovah Nissi did not allow Balaam to curse the Children of Israel. He was only able to utter blessings over them. Jehovah Nissi, our Banner, is the standard by which we must all live our lives. He provides us protection against our enemies and the satanic forces that are sure to come our way. Whenever we are in trouble and need protection, all we have to do is cry out to Jehovah Nissi and He will lift a Banner, a Standard, an arm of protection against anything that comes up against us. He is our protection and in Him, we find shelter. Psalm 91:9-10 If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the Lord, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you no disaster will come near your tent. (NIV)