The children of Israel have escaped the slavery of Egypt because of the miracles of God that have manifested themselves through Moses. However, from the time of the parting to the Red Sea, to where we find our next “appearance” of the angel of the LORD, more than 40 years have elapsed. “Appearance” in quotes, since during this time, God has been present with His people as a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night.
And the LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. Exodus 13:21-22
The next theophany (appearance of the angel of the LORD) is chronicled in the Book of Numbers in the well-known story of the “talking donkey” and the “prophet for hire” Balaam. Balaam is “hired” by the ruler Balak (of Moab) to curse the people of Israel. Against God’s desire, Balaam travels to Moab, riding on his donkey, in order to be the “prophet for profit.” The angel of the LORD makes His appearance in placing Himself between Balaam and his destination.
However, the initial appearance of the angel of the LORD was not seen by Balaam, but rather by his donkey!
When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand, the donkey turned off from the way and went into the field; but Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the way. Numbers 22:23
Principle #1: Unless the Lord gives illumination, even a Donkey will see with greater insight than a wrongfully motivated prophet!
Three times the donkey sees the theophany and three times Balaam fails to see! After the third beating, the donkey’s mouth is given speech!
And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” Numbers 22:28
Balaam is so mad and driven he appears to not notice his donkey is talking!
Then Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.” Numbers 22:29
Balaam’s eyes are finally opened and he sees the theophany for himself. In Number 22-24 we read this three “curses” that Balaam prays over the people of Israel as each time he is hired to curse, he is only able to bless. In the third blessing, Balaam understands that he really finally sees.
And he (Balaam) took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, and the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered...” Numbers 24:15-16
This “opening of the eye” of Balaam, when read in the context of Numbers 24:10 (Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times!”) reminds us of how in anger, Balaam reacted to the donkey.
Principle #2: Before Balaam the Seer could see, he had to be treated like a donkey!
What man desired to curse, God turned into blessing… and not once, but three times!
THEOPHANY: The Angel of the Lord
1. Hagar: The God Who Sees
2. Sarah: The God Who Delivers
3. Ishmael: The God Who Hears
4. Isaac: The God Who Provides
5. Jacob: The God Who Wrestles
6. Moses: The God Who Waits
7. Israel: The God Who Abides
8. Balaam: The God Who Blesses
THEOPHANY: The Angel of the Lord
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
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