Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 22:21 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Numbers 22:21 (KJV)
Numbers 22:21 is part of the well-known story of Balaam, a prophet who was asked by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites. Balak feared the Israelites because they were growing in number and strength. He wanted Balaam to use his prophetic power to weaken them through a curse.
Initially, Balaam sought God’s guidance, and God told him not to go with Balak’s messengers and not to curse Israel because they were blessed (Numbers 22:12). However, when Balak sent more honorable messengers with greater rewards, Balaam told them to stay the night while he asked God again (Numbers 22:19).
In Numbers 22:20, God allowed Balaam to go with the men but with one condition—he could only say what God commanded. Then, in Numbers 22:21, Balaam rose early in the morning and left with the princes of Moab.
Numbers 22:21 (KJV)
“And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.”
Numbers 22:21 Meaning
Numbers 22:21 seems like a simple verse, describing Balaam’s actions. However, it carries deep meaning about obedience, intentions, and God’s sovereignty.
1. Balaam’s Eagerness to Go
Balaam rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and set out with the Moabite officials. His eagerness suggests that he was excited about the journey. Even though God had given him permission, Balaam’s heart was not fully aligned with God’s will. He was more focused on the rewards promised by Balak.
2. Balaam’s Actions vs. His Heart
God had told Balaam that he could go, but only under specific instructions (Numbers 22:20). However, Balaam’s willingness to leave so quickly suggests that his motives were not entirely pure. He may have been hoping for an opportunity to receive Balak’s riches and honor.
3. God’s Anger Against Balaam
Immediately after this verse, in Numbers 22:22, it says, “And God’s anger was kindled because he went.” This raises an important question: if God allowed Balaam to go, why was He angry?
- God permitted Balaam to go, but it was not His perfect will.
- Balaam’s heart was not focused on obedience but on potential rewards.
- God saw Balaam’s true intentions, and that is why He was angry.
This teaches us that God looks at the heart, not just external actions. Balaam was technically following God’s command, but his true desire was for wealth and status.
4. Balaam’s Journey Led to a Warning
As Balaam traveled, God sent an angel to stand in his way (Numbers 22:22-35). The angel was invisible to Balaam but visible to his donkey. The donkey refused to move forward, causing Balaam to beat it. Eventually, God opened the donkey’s mouth, and it spoke to Balaam. This supernatural event was a warning to Balaam that he was on a dangerous path.
5. A Lesson in Partial Obedience
Balaam’s story shows that partial obedience is not true obedience. He followed God’s permission to go but ignored the warning signs that his heart was not right. Many people today follow God’s commands outwardly but have the wrong intentions in their hearts.
Numbers 22:21 Application in Life
Numbers 22:21 teaches several important lessons about obedience, motives, and God’s will.
1. Obedience Requires the Right Heart
It is not enough to follow God’s commands on the surface; we must obey with the right heart. Balaam went with the Moabites, but he was not fully committed to God’s will. We must examine our own motives when we make decisions. Are we truly seeking to obey God, or are we looking for personal gain?
2. Be Careful What You Ask for Repeatedly
God had already told Balaam not to go (Numbers 22:12), but Balaam asked again, hoping for a different answer. Sometimes, when we persist in asking for something, God may allow it—but it may not be the best for us. We must trust God’s first answer and not try to manipulate His will.
3. Wealth and Honor Can Be Dangerous Temptations
Balaam was likely motivated by the rewards promised by Balak. Many people today are tempted by wealth, power, or success, even if it means compromising their faith. We must remember that following God’s will is more important than any earthly reward.
4. God Sees Our True Motives
Even when Balaam thought he was doing the right thing, God saw his heart. In the same way, God knows our true intentions. We may fool others, but we cannot fool God. He looks beyond our actions and examines our hearts.
5. God Will Warn Us Before We Make a Big Mistake
Before Balaam could go further down the wrong path, God sent an angel to stop him. Likewise, God often sends warnings in our lives—through His Word, the Holy Spirit, or even through other people. When we face obstacles, we should consider whether God is trying to redirect us.
6. Don’t Ignore God’s Warnings
Balaam ignored the warning signs and kept going. This led to his encounter with the angel and his talking donkey. If we ignore God’s warnings, we may face unnecessary struggles. Instead of resisting, we should listen when God tries to redirect us.
7. God’s Sovereignty is Greater Than Our Plans
Even though Balaam had his own motives, God was still in control. Balaam was only able to say what God commanded (Numbers 22:38). This shows that no matter what people try to do, God’s plans will always prevail.
Conclusion
Numbers 22:21 may seem like a simple verse, but it teaches deep lessons about obedience and motives. Balaam rose early and went with the Moabite officials, showing his eagerness. However, God saw his true heart and was angry. Balaam’s journey led to a supernatural warning through his donkey, reminding us that God is always watching our intentions.
This verse teaches us that obedience is not just about actions—it is about the heart. We must trust God’s first answer, avoid the temptation of wealth and honor, and listen when God warns us. Most importantly, we must remember that God’s will is always best, and His plans cannot be changed.
Balaam’s story is a warning to all believers: do not let personal desires override God’s commands. Instead, seek to follow Him with a pure heart, trusting that His way is always right.
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