Permission vs. Approval: Understanding God's Will in Balaam's Story
Numbers 22:20-22
Text: Numbers 22:20-22
Introduction:
At first glance, it may seem confusing that God allows Balaam to go in Numbers 22:20, but then becomes angry when he goes in Numbers 22:22. The key to understanding this lies in the difference between permission and approval—God permitted Balaam to go, but Balaam’s heart and intentions made God angry.
1. Numbers 22:20 - God’s Conditional Permission
“That night God came to Balaam and said, ‘Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.’”
- God permits Balaam to go but gives a strict condition: Only say what I command you.
- This is a test—will Balaam go with a heart of obedience or with selfish motives?
- Balaam had already been told in Numbers 22:12 not to go, but he kept pushing for a different answer.
Lesson: Sometimes, when we persistently ask God for something that is not His best for us, He may allow it—but that doesn’t mean it has His full blessing. We must be careful to discern God's will and not try to manipulate Him into giving us what we want.
2. Numbers 22:22 - God’s Anger at Balaam’s Heart
“But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.”
- Even though God had permitted Balaam to go, Balaam’s intentions were corrupt—he was motivated by greed and the rewards Balak offered (2 Peter 2:15).
- God saw Balaam’s heart, and that’s why He became angry and sent the Angel of the Lord to block him.
- Balaam was outwardly obedient, but his heart was set on personal gain.
Lesson: Obedience is not just about following orders—it’s about having the right heart. God looks beyond actions and examines motives. Are we truly seeking to please God, or are we more concerned with our own desires and ambitions?
Summary of the Difference
| Verse | What Happened | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers 22:20 | God permitted Balaam to go but told him to only speak what He commanded. | Permission does not equal approval. God sometimes allows people to follow their desires as a test. |
| Numbers 22:22 | God became angry because Balaam went with wrong motives (greed, selfishness). | God sees the heart. Even if we outwardly obey, wrong intentions can lead to His discipline. |
Application for Us Today
- Are We Seeking God’s Will or Our Own Desires?
- Are we asking God for something over and over because we don’t like His first answer?
- God may allow us to go our own way, but it could lead to hardship. Are we willing to surrender our will to His, even if it means giving up something we want?
- Obedience Must Come from the Heart, Not Just Actions
- Balaam technically obeyed, but his heart was impure.
- True obedience means aligning our motives with God’s will, not just our actions. Are we motivated by love for God and others, or by selfish ambition?
- Pay Attention to Roadblocks
- If God is putting obstacles in our path, it might be a sign that we need to check our hearts and realign with His will. Are we sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and willing to change course when necessary?