Thematic Bible

Themes in Numbers 22

ISV

Themes in Numbers 22

Numbers 22:1 (show verse)

The Israelis continued their travels, eventually encamping on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River opposite Jericho.

journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab
Israel » Arrives » Plains of moab
Jericho » A city
Jordan » Plain of
Jordan » Plain of » Israelites camped in
Midianites » Dwelt east of jordan, beside moab

Numbers 22:2 (show verse)

Zippor's son Balak saw everything that Israel had done to the Amorites.

Zippor » Father of balak

Numbers 22:3 (show verse)

As a result, Moab greatly feared the people, because they were so numerous. Because a sense of impending doom was afflicting the Moabites as they faced the Israelis,

Armies » Fear occasioned by
journey of israel through the Desert » Caused universal terror and dismay
Moabites » Alarmed at the number, &c of israel

Numbers 22:4 (show verse)

the Moabites told the elders of Midian, "This horde of people is about to lick up everything around us, like an ox licks up the green ground."

Balak » King of moab
journey of israel through the Desert » Caused universal terror and dismay
Government » Mosaic » A similar senate existed » Among the midianites and moabites
Grass » Called » Grass of the field
Herbs » Mentioned in scripture » Grass
Midian » Son of abraham and keturah
Midianites » Dwelt east of jordan, beside moab
Midianites » Excited by moab against israel
Moabites » Balak was king of
Oxen » Rapid manner of collecting its food alluded to
Zippor » Father of balak

At that time, Zippor's son Balak was the king of Moab. He sent messengers to Beor's son Balaam in Pethor, near the Euphrates River, the land where the descendants of his people originated, to summon his aid. He said, "Look! A group of people have escaped from Egypt. They cover the surface of the whole earth, and are sitting here right in front of me.

balaam » General references to
balaam » Balak sends for, to curse israel
balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Famous,
Balak » Tries to bribe balaam to curse israel
Beor » Father of balaam
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balak sends for balaam
Leaders » Names of persons spoken of as » balaam
Midianites » With the moabites » Sent for balaam to curse israel
Pethor » Home of the prophet balaam
Prophets » Names of persons spoken of as » balaam
Religious » Names of persons spoken of as » balaam

Numbers 22:6 (show verse)

So come right now and curse this people for me, because there are too many of them for me to handle. Perhaps I'll be able to strike them down and drive them out of the land, since I know that whomever you bless is blessed and whomever you curse is cursed."

balaam » Balak sends for, to curse israel
balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Famous,
Balak » Tries to bribe balaam to curse israel
Curse » Barak commands balaam to curse israel
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balak sends for balaam
Midianites » With the moabites » Sent for balaam to curse israel
Sorcery » Practiced » By balaam

Numbers 22:7 (show verse)

So the elders of Moab and Midian left to visit Balaam, bringing an honorarium with them, and communicated Balak's concerns to him.

balaam » Balak sends for, to curse israel
Balak » Tries to bribe balaam to curse israel
Divination » Miscellaneous topics relating to
Divination » Effected through » A lucrative employment
Earthly » Reward » Earthly, a source of temptation
Government » Mosaic » A similar senate existed » Among the midianites and moabites
Magic » Divination
Midianites » With the moabites » Sent for balaam to curse israel
Reward » Spiritual crowns » Earthly, a source of temptation

Numbers 22:8 (show verse)

In answer, Balaam told them, "Stay here for the night and I'll bring back a message to you, depending on what the LORD says to me." So the officers of Moab stayed with Balaam overnight.

No Themes for this verse.

Numbers 22:9 (show verse)

God visited Balaam and asked him, "Who are these men with you?"

journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel

Numbers 22:10 (show verse)

Then Balaam told God, "Zippor's son Balak, king of Moab, sent them to me and said,

journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Zippor » Father of balak

Numbers 22:11 (show verse)

"Look! A group of people have escaped from Egypt. They cover the surface of the whole earth! So come right now and curse them for me. Perhaps I'll be able to fight against them and drive them out.'"

journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel

Numbers 22:12 (show verse)

But God told Balaam, "Don't go with them. Don't curse the people, because they're blessed."

balaam » General references to
balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Self-willed
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel

Numbers 22:13 (show verse)

So Balaam got up the next morning and told Balak's officials, "Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused me permission to go with you."

balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Self-willed
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel

Numbers 22:14 (show verse)

So Balak's officials got up, returned to Balak and reported, "Balaam refused to come with us."

balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Self-willed
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel

Numbers 22:15 (show verse)

In response, Balak sent more officers higher ranking ones, at that!

Numbers 22:16 (show verse)

who approached Balaam with this message: "This is what Zippor's son Balak says: "Don't let anything get in the way of your coming to me.

Numbers 22:17 (show verse)

I'm determined to reward you generously, and I'll do everything you tell me to do. So come right away and curse this people for me.'"

balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Self-willed
Balak » Tries to bribe balaam to curse israel
Decision » Instances of » balaam
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balak sends for balaam
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Earthly » Reward » Earthly, a source of temptation
Earthly » Of priests honour » General references to
Honour » Earthly » Offered as a bribe
Reward » Spiritual crowns » Earthly, a source of temptation
Temptation » Often arises through » Worldly glory
Temptation » Yielding to temptation » balaam
Temptation » Exemplified » balaam

Numbers 22:18 (show verse)

Balaam responded to Balak's entourage by saying, "Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I won't double-cross the command of the LORD my God in even the slightest way.

balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Self-willed
Christian ministers » Incorruptible » balaam
Christian ministers » Faithful » balaam
Decision » Instances of » balaam
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Money » Gold and silver used as
Prophets » Benefits of » Presents refused by
Temptation » Yielding to temptation » balaam

Numbers 22:19 (show verse)

Meanwhile, stay here overnight so I may learn what the LORD might say to me."

balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Self-willed
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Temptation » Yielding to temptation » balaam

Numbers 22:20 (show verse)

God came to visit Balaam that same night and told him, "If the men come to call on you, get up and go with them, but be sure to do only what I tell you to do."

Numbers 22:21 (show verse)

The next morning, Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and started to leave, accompanied by the Moabite officials.

Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
Domestic Donkeys » Was used » For riding
balaam » General references to
balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Self-willed
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Temptation » Yielding to temptation » balaam
Travelers » Of distinction » Rode on asses, camels, &c

Numbers 22:22 (show verse)

At this, the anger of the LORD flared up against Balaam, because he was leaving. So the angel of the LORD stood in the way to oppose him. As Balaam was riding his donkey, accompanied by two of his servants,

Angel (a spirit) » Functions of » Remonstrates with balaam
Angels » Execute the purposes of God
Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Self-willed
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Disobedience to God » Instances of » Of balaam, in accompanying the messengers from balak
Temptation » Yielding to temptation » balaam

Numbers 22:23 (show verse)

all of a sudden the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with an unsheathed sword in his hand! The donkey turned off the road and went into an open field. Balaam started beating the donkey in order to turn her back to the road,

Angel » of the Lord
Angel (a spirit) » Functions of » Remonstrates with balaam
Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
Domestic Donkeys » Urged on with a staff
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Miracles » Catalogue of » Balaam's donkey speaks

Numbers 22:24 (show verse)

but the angel of the LORD stood on a narrow path that crossed the vineyards. It had walls on both sides of the path.

Angel (a spirit) » Functions of » Remonstrates with balaam
Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Fence » Made of stone walls
Miracles » Catalogue of » Balaam's donkey speaks
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness
Vineyards » Frequently walled or fenced with hedges
Walls » Mentioned in scripture » Of vineyards

Numbers 22:25 (show verse)

When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she squeezed herself so close to the wall that Balaam's foot was pressed to the wall. So he beat her again!

Angel (a spirit) » Functions of » Remonstrates with balaam
Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Miracles » Catalogue of » Balaam's donkey speaks
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness

Numbers 22:26 (show verse)

Then the angel of the LORD went along a little further and stood in a much narrower space, where it was impossible to turn either right or left.

Angel (a spirit) » Functions of » Remonstrates with balaam
Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Miracles » Catalogue of » Balaam's donkey speaks
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness

Numbers 22:27 (show verse)

When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she crouched down under Balaam. As a result, Balaam got so angry that he started to whip the donkey with his staff.

Angel (a spirit) » Functions of » Remonstrates with balaam
Anger » Sinful, exemplified » balaam
Anger » Instances of » Balaam, toward his ass
Animals » Cruelty to
Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
Domestic Donkeys » Urged on with a staff
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
Beasts » Domestic » Not to be cruelly used
Cruelty » To animals
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Miracles » Catalogue of » Balaam's donkey speaks
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness

Numbers 22:28 (show verse)

That's when the LORD enabled the donkey to speak. She asked Balaam, "What did I do to you that you would beat me in the space of only three footsteps?"

Animals » Names of » Asses, beasts of burden
Animals » Instruments of God's will
Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
Domestic Donkeys » Miracles connected with » Mouth of balaam's opened to speak
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
Beasts » Domestic » Not to be cruelly used
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Miracles » Catalogue of » Balaam's donkey speaks
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness

Numbers 22:29 (show verse)

"Because you're playing a dirty trick on me," Balaam answered the donkey. "If only I had a sword in my hand! I'd kill you right now!"

Anger » Instances of » Balaam, toward his ass
Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
Beasts » Domestic » Not to be cruelly used
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Miracles » Catalogue of » Balaam's donkey speaks
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness

Numbers 22:30 (show verse)

But in response, the donkey asked Balaam, "I'm your donkey that you've ridden on in the past without incident, am I not, and I'm the same donkey you're riding on right now, am I not? Am I in the habit of treating you like this?" "No," he admitted.

Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
Beasts » Domestic » Not to be cruelly used
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Miracles » Catalogue of » Balaam's donkey speaks
Night » God frequently » Revealed his will in
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness

Numbers 22:31 (show verse)

Then the LORD enabled Balaam to see, so he observed the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with an unsheathed sword in his hand. So he bowed down and prostrated himself on his face.

Angel (a spirit) » Appearances of » To balaam
Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
Beasts » Domestic » Not to be cruelly used
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness

Numbers 22:32 (show verse)

Then the angel of the LORD asked him, "Why did you beat your donkey in the space of only three footsteps? I've come to oppose you, because I say that what you're doing is perverted.

Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
Beasts » Domestic » Not to be cruelly used
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness

Numbers 22:33 (show verse)

The donkey saw me and turned in front of me in the space of those three footsteps.

Animals » Cruelty to » balaam
Ass (donkey) » Domesticated » Used for riding
balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
balaam » The mercenary prophet, life summarized, » Saved from destruction by his beast
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness

Numbers 22:34 (show verse)

If she hadn't turned away from me, I would have killed you by now and left her alive!" At this, Balaam replied to the angel of the LORD, "I've sinned! I didn't know that you were standing to meet me on the road. So now, since it displeases you, let me go back."

balaam » Anger of, rebuked by his ass
Confession of sin » Examples of personal » balaam
journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
Repentance » Instances of » Balaam, of his spiritual blindness
Sin » Examples of personal » balaam

journey of israel through the Desert » Return to the plains of moab » Balaam not permitted to curse israel
High places » Signify a place of idolatrous worship
High places » Mentioned in scripture » Baal
Idolatry » Objects of, worshipped » On high places