Free group study handout
Numbers 22: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Numbers 22 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The children of Israel camped in the plains of Moab, near Jericho (vv. 1-2). Balak, king of Moab, feared Israel because of their size and strength.
Key verse
“Then Yahweh opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw Yahweh’s angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.”
Numbers 22:31 (WEB)
Outline
- Numbers 22:1–4 Israel's Presence Frightens Moab
- Numbers 22:5–8 Balak Seeks Balaam's Help
- Numbers 22:9–14 God's First Response to Balaam
- Numbers 22:15–21 Balak's Persistence and Balaam's Consent
- Numbers 22:22–35 The Divine Encounter on the Journey
- Numbers 22:36–41 Balaam Arrives in Moab
Discussion questions
- In v6, why does Balak want Balaam to come and curse the Israelites?
- What happens in vv. 22-23 that causes Balaam to strike his donkey?
- Balaam’s response in v18 suggests what about his priorities compared to God’s command?
- In v35, why does Yahweh’s angel repeat the instruction to Balaam to only speak what he is told?
- When have you been motivated by rewards like Balak offered Balaam in v17?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Numbers 22: Numbers 23, Numbers 24, 2 Peter 2.
Before next time: read Numbers 23.