Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:23
And the ass saw the angel - When God granted visions those alone who were particularly interested saw them while others in the same company saw nothing; see Daniel 10:7 ; Acts 9:7 . read more
Numbers 22:22-31 Asv
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:26
And the angel - stood in a narrow place - In this carriage of the angel says Mr. Ainsworth the Lord shows us the proceedings of his judgments against sinners: First he mildly shakes his rod at them but lets them go untouched. Secondly he comes nearer and touches them with an easy correction as it were wringing their foot against the wall. Thirdly, when all this is ineffectual, he brings them into such straits, that they can neither turn to the right hand nor to the left, but must fall before... read more
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:28
The Lord opened the mouth of the ass - And where is the wonder of all this? If the ass had opened her own mouth, and reproved the rash prophet, we might well be astonished; but when God opens the mouth, an ass can speak as well as a man. It is worthy of remark here, that Balaam testifies no surprise at this miracle, because he saw it was the Lord's doing. Of animate and inanimate things receiving for a short time the gift of speech, the heathen mythology furnishes many fictitious examples,... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:22
Verse 22 22.And God’s anger was kindled because he went. How is it consistent that God should be angry when Balaam had attempted nothing, thus far, contrary to His command? But we must bear in mind, what I have lately hinted, that God apparently permits much which He does not approve. He allowed the people in the wilderness to eat flesh: He permitted men to give a writing of divorce to their wives, and even to marry several at once; still it was not right for them to eat the flesh, nor were... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:28
Verse 28 28.And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass. Sceptical persons criticize this passage, and ridicule it, as if Moses related an incredible fable. And, indeed, their scoff appears to be plausible, when they object that there is a great difference between the bray of all ass and all articulate voice; but, however they may now indulge in such wanton observations, they will at length be made to feel how seriously and reverently we ought to speak of the marvellous works of God, by their... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 22:31
Verse 31 31.Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam. This passage teaches us, that whatever be the acuteness of our senses, it is not only implanted in us by God, but also either sustained or extinguished by His secret inspiration. Balaam’s eyes are opened; consequently there was a veil before them previously, which prevented him from seeing what was manifest. Thus God at His pleasure makes dull the senses of those who seem to themselves to be very acute; since perception is His special gift. ... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 22:1-40
I. The character and position of Balaam with regard to God and man; II. The policy of Balak in sending for Balaam; III. The conduct of Balaam when asked and urged to come to Balak; IV. The incidents, natural and supernatural, of Balaam's coming. I. THE CHARACTER OF BALAAM , AND HIS POSITION WITH REGARD TO GOD AND MAN . Consider under this head— 1 . That Balaam had a true knowledge of the most high Cod. He was not in any sense a heathen as far... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 22:1-40
I. BALAAM 'S LOFTY POSITION AND PRIVILEGES . II. THE SECRET OF BALAAM 'S HUMILIATING FALL . II. Balaam's name mentioned in the New Testament only three times, and each time it is covered with reproach ( 2 Peter 2:15 ; Jud 2 Peter 1:11 ; Revelation 2:14 ). His root sin was the ancient, inveterate vice of human nature, selfishness. He knew God, but did not love him, for "he loved the wages of unrighteousness." He did not follow the Divine voice, but "followed... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 22:1-40
1 . When the first embassy came, his knowledge of God and of Israel's history should probably have led to a decisive refusal. But if we assume that he needed direction, it is clear that the rewards of divination made him anxious to go. Not that he had a desire to curse Israel; he would just as soon have blessed them for reward. Yet he had no intention then to disobey. If a prophet could have shown him that evening his future career, he might have shrunk in loathing from the self that was to... read more
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John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 22:31
Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam ,.... Who either was struck with blindness, as the men of Sodom were, so some think, or rather his eyes were held, that he could not see the angel; he could see other objects, as his ass, but he could not see that; as Elisha's servant could see the host that compassed the city, but not the chariots and horses of fire about Elisha, till his eyes were opened, 2 Kings 6:15 and so it was with Balaam until the Lord uncovered his eyes, or rolled away the... read more