If only Balaam had abided by his first answer to Balak's request, he would have been saved from the disgrace and suffering which ensued. But he seemed to think that it was possible to alter God's mind; hence his request to the second company of messengers that they give him time to ascertain God's will. Already that will had been clearly made known to him; what object had he in pressing for a further response?
When, finally, he was told that he might go, he rose up in the morning, saddled his ass, and started post-haste. He was trying to serve two masters-to speak as God bade him, but to please Balak and pocket his gold.
How many agencies God uses to arrest our evil courses! Peter specially refers to this incident, 2 Peter 2:16. Many cries are raised to stop the boat that is caught in the rapids above Niagara! Thus the way of transgressors is made hard by the love of God! [source]
Chapter Summary: Numbers 22
1Balak's first message for Balaam is refused 15His second message obtains him 22An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey 36Balak entertains him
What do the individual words in Numbers 22:39 mean?
So wentBalaamwithBalakand they came-to Kirjath Huzoth