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    Numbers 22 (KJV)

    Read Numbers chapter 22 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Numbers 22

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    Bible Story

    Balaam's Donkey

    Numbers 22:1–41 • warning

    Miracle

    Balaam's Donkey Speaks

    The Lord opened the mouth of a donkey to rebuke the prophet Balaam.

    Character

    Balaam in the Bible

    The Prophet Rebuked by His Donkey

    Q&A

    What Happened with Balaam's Donkey?

    Miracles & Supernatural

    Bible Quiz

    Numbers Bible Quiz

    Wilderness wanderings, the census, and rebellion at Kadesh.

    Commentary

    Numbers 10:35 Commentary

    In-depth study • Spiritual Warfare

    Numbers 22 Summary

    Numbers 22 introduces one of the Bible's most unusual stories: Balaam and his talking donkey. Balak, king of Moab, hires the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. God tells Balaam not to go, then permits him to go with conditions. On the way, Balaam's donkey sees the Angel of the LORD blocking the path three times and refuses to advance, prompting Balaam to beat her.

    God opens the donkey's mouth, and she rebukes Balaam. Then God opens Balaam's eyes to see the angel with a drawn sword. The angel warns Balaam to speak only what God commands. The chapter sets up the ironic reversal in chapters 23-24: the prophet hired to curse will bless Israel instead.

    Key Themes

    Balaam's donkeyGod controls the messageSpiritual blindnessHired to curse, compelled to blessAngel of the LORD

    Key Verses in Numbers 22

    "And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?"

    — Numbers 22:28

    One of Scripture's most dramatic moments — a donkey sees what a prophet cannot.

    "Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand."

    — Numbers 22:31

    The prophet needed his eyes opened — the donkey had clearer spiritual vision.

    "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed."

    — Numbers 22:12

    God's declaration settles the matter — no prophet or curse can override God's blessing.

    Life Application

    The irony is sharp: a donkey sees the angel while the prophet is blind. Balaam's problem wasn't lack of prophetic gifting — it was greed clouding his spiritual vision. This chapter warns that financial motivation can blind even gifted people to God's clear direction. Sometimes the least sophisticated voice in the room sees most clearly.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did the donkey really talk?

    The text presents it as a miraculous event — 'the LORD opened the mouth of the ass.' Peter confirms the historicity in 2 Peter 2:16, calling it a 'dumb ass speaking with man's voice' that restrained the prophet's madness. God used the extraordinary to expose Balaam's spiritual blindness.

    Who was Balaam?

    Balaam was a Mesopotamian diviner hired by King Balak of Moab to curse Israel. Though he had genuine prophetic ability, his character was compromised by greed. The New Testament treats him as a cautionary figure — the error of Balaam is pursuing profit over obedience (Jude 11, 2 Peter 2:15).

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