Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 22:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Numbers 22:20 (KJV)
Numbers 22:20 is part of the story of Balaam, a prophet who was approached by King Balak of Moab. Balak was afraid of the Israelites because they were numerous and powerful. He wanted Balaam to curse them so that he could defeat them in battle.
Balak sent messengers to Balaam, offering him great rewards if he would come and curse Israel. Balaam asked God for guidance, and God told him not to go with them and not to curse Israel because they were blessed (Numbers 22:12).
However, Balak did not give up. He sent more important officials and promised Balaam even greater rewards. Balaam told them that he could not go against God’s command, but he asked them to stay the night so that he could ask God again (Numbers 22:19).
In Numbers 22:20, God gave Balaam permission to go with the men, but with a strict condition—he was only allowed to speak what God commanded. This is a key moment in the story because it shows that sometimes God allows people to follow their desires, even if it is not His perfect will.
Numbers 22:20 (KJV)
“And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.”
Numbers 22:20 Meaning
Numbers 22:20 is a significant verse because it shows God’s response to Balaam’s persistence. Below are key points to understand its meaning:
1. God Allowed Balaam to Go but with Conditions
God had already told Balaam not to go with Balak’s men (Numbers 22:12). However, when Balaam asked again, God allowed him to go—but with the instruction that he could only speak what God commanded. This suggests that God sometimes permits people to follow their desires, even when it is not the best choice for them.
2. The Test of Balaam’s Heart
Balaam’s desire for wealth and honor led him to ask God again, even though he already knew the answer. God’s response in verse 20 was a test. If Balaam truly wanted to obey God, he would have stayed home. But because his heart was drawn to the rewards Balak offered, God allowed him to go, knowing that Balaam’s motives were not pure.
3. The Sovereignty of God
Even though Balaam was permitted to go, God made it clear that Balaam had no power of his own. He was only allowed to speak what God commanded. This highlights God’s sovereignty—He is in control of all things, and no human can alter His plans.
4. The Danger of Seeking Loopholes
Balaam had already received God’s answer, but he asked again because he hoped for a different response. This is a warning against trying to find loopholes in God’s instructions. When God gives a command, we should obey it fully instead of looking for ways to satisfy our personal desires.
5. God’s Patience but Firmness
God was patient with Balaam, but He later showed His displeasure when Balaam set out on his journey. In Numbers 22:22, God’s anger was kindled, and He sent an angel to block Balaam’s path. This shows that even though God may allow people to follow their desires, it does not mean He approves of their actions.
Numbers 22:20 Application in Life
Numbers 22:20 teaches us valuable lessons about obedience, temptation, and God’s will. Here are some ways we can apply this verse to our lives:
1. Accepting God’s First Answer
When God gives us a clear answer, we should accept it without trying to change it. Balaam already knew that God did not want him to go, but he asked again because he wanted a different answer. This can happen in our own lives when we pray about something but refuse to accept God’s response.
2. Avoiding the Trap of Greed
Balaam was tempted by wealth and honor, which influenced his decisions. This is a reminder that we should not let the desire for money, power, or approval lead us away from God’s will. The Bible warns that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
3. Trusting God’s Plan
God allowed Balaam to go, but He was still in control. We must trust that God’s will is always best, even when it does not align with our personal desires. When we obey Him, we experience His blessings and protection.
4. Obedience Over Personal Gain
Balaam’s story is a warning that we should never compromise our obedience to God for personal gain. Even though Balaam was a prophet, his desire for wealth led him to make wrong choices. We must prioritize God’s commands over any worldly rewards.
5. The Consequences of Persistence in the Wrong Direction
Balaam kept pushing to go with Balak’s men, and God allowed it. However, as the story continues, we see that his journey was filled with difficulties, including an encounter with an angel who nearly killed him (Numbers 22:22-35). This teaches us that when we insist on going our own way, we may face consequences.
Conclusion
Numbers 22:20 is a powerful verse that shows how God sometimes allows people to follow their desires, even when it is not His perfect will. Balaam had already received God’s answer, but he asked again, hoping for a different response. God allowed him to go but restricted what he could say.
This verse teaches us to accept God’s will, avoid greed, and trust that His plans are best. It also warns us against trying to manipulate God’s instructions for personal gain. True obedience means following God’s commands fully and trusting that His way is always right.
Balaam’s story serves as a warning that when we persist in pursuing our own desires instead of God’s will, we may face difficulties and consequences. Instead, we should seek to obey God wholeheartedly and trust that He knows what is best for us.
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