Book of Numbers - Chapter 22 - Verse 22

In this verse, we see the story of Balaam, a prophet who was hired by the king of Moab to curse the people of Israel. God had specifically instructed Balaam not to go with the Moabite officials, but Balaam disregarded God's command and set out on his journey anyway. As a result, God's anger was kindled against Balaam. The angel of the LORD appeared in the way as an adversary to Balaam, standing in front of him with a drawn sword. Balaam, riding on his donkey, was unable to see the angel, but his donkey could and veered off the path to avoid the angel. This disobedience and subsequent encounter with the angel serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's instructions and the protection that God provides even when we don't realize it. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith in following God's will.

One important theological interpretation of this verse centers around the concept of God's anger being kindled. In this passage, God's anger is sparked by Balaam's decision to go with the princes of Moab despite God's initial command for him not to do so. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfully following God's will.

Another key theological aspect of this verse is the role of the angel of the LORD as an adversary against Balaam. The angel serves as a symbol of God's justice and authority, standing in the way to block Balaam's path. This highlights the idea that God's presence is always vigilant, even in moments of disobedience or wrongdoing.

Additionally, the image of Balaam riding upon his ass with his two servants offers insight into themes of humility and obedience. Despite Balaam's status and authority, he is depicted as relying on a simple mode of transportation. This can be seen as a reminder of the importance of humility before God and the need to submit to His will.

Overall, this verse provides valuable insights into the theological themes of obedience, humility, and the consequences of disobedience in the face of God's will.