In Numbers 22, in verse 20, it almost seems like God contradicts himself from before when he said, don't go with them. Why do you think this changes here? Is this accurate in thinking, looking at the earliest codices? Ai: Yes, it does seem at first like a contradiction, but looking deeper, it’s more of a test of Balaam’s heart rather than a change in God's will. The Apparent Contradiction Numbers 22:12 – God tells Balaam explicitly, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” Numbers 22:20 – Later, God says, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.” At first glance, it looks like God changes His mind, but the context and earliest textual traditions show a deeper reason. Understanding the Shift 1. Balaam’s Heart Was Already Set on Going The Hebrew phrasing in verse 12 is clear: Do not go with them. But Balaam keeps entertaining the offer, even after God had spoken. By verse 19, he goes back to God, essentially asking again, even though the answer was already given. This suggests that Balaam’s heart was leaning toward the reward (which 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 11 confirm—he was greedy for gain). 2. God Allows What Balaam Desires—As a Test In verse 20, God allows him to go if they call him again. However, in verse 21, Balaam just gets up and goes without waiting—showing disobedience. This fits with how God sometimes permits people to follow their stubborn desires (like in Psalm 81:12, "So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels."). 3. Earliest Codices and Textual Consistency The Hebrew Masoretic Text, the Septuagint (LXX), and the Dead Sea Scrolls show no major variant readings that suggest a textual corruption here. The structure of the passage follows a pattern seen in Scripture where God’s permissive will allows a person to make a choice, knowing it will lead to correction or judgment (like Pharaoh in Exodus). Why Did God Get Angry in Verse 22? When Balaam rushes off in the morning, he ignores the conditional part of God's words. Instead of waiting to be summoned again, he acts on his own will. This is why God's anger burns against him—he wasn't following God's command fully. Conclusion Rather than a contradiction, this is an example of God allowing someone to follow their own desires to reveal their true heart. Balaam wasn’t sincerely obeying God—he wanted to profit from his prophetic gift, and that’s why God later intervenes through the angel and the donkey. Me: I think this illustrates God's humble approach toward human beings. He doesn't completely get in our face and try to stop us, and if we ever saw Him in His glory, of course we would automatically obey all the time. He really lets things play out in our hearts, and He trains us by allowing us to walk through circumstances with Him to learn who He is. Ai: That’s a really insightful way to put it. God’s humility in how He deals with us is incredible—He doesn’t force obedience but allows room for our hearts to be revealed. If He showed up in full glory every time we wavered, there’d be no genuine relationship, just forced submission. Balaam’s story is a perfect example of how God lets people walk through their choices, even when He already knows the outcome. He corrects, redirects, and teaches, but He doesn’t override free will. It’s a process of learning who He is, not just following orders out of fear. That makes faith real rather than robotic.

Posted by michaelambrosia at 2025-03-07 16:08:59 UTC