22:31-35
Now God opens Balaam’s eyes to see the angel. Balaam now understands and bows down before the angel. God then warns Balaam that he is now walking in disobedience. Balaam utters words of repentance and offers to turn round and go back. Yet the angel tells him to continue with the men, but he must say only what the Lord tells him to say. “If it is evil ..” could be seen as questioning God, even so God’s approach here is difficult to understand. There is also a mocking of Balaam. The donkey could see the angel, but the supposedly wise Balaam could not. The donkey saved his life!
2:36-41
Balak was excited that Balaam had finally agreed to come and see him. His meeting Balaam at the “extremity of the border” was a mark of respect for Balaam. Balak was putting all his hope in Balaam. However, Balak also expressed his displeasure that Balaam had been so hard to get hold of. Balaam appears to be humble at this stage, stating clearly that any power or wisdom that he has is wholly dependent upon the Lord. And he can only speak the words that God gives him. Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, though we are not told to whom or what they are sacrificed.
So we are now ready for Balaam to give his oracle.
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