Numbers 22:35Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When Balaam sought the Lord in prayer, he was met with the same grace as that given to children. It is akin to how children can become frightened by something harmless, like a piece of wool; in order to alleviate their fear, we bring it to them ourselves or have a caregiver present it to them. In the same way, the Lord transformed the dread of the diviner into confidence.

The commentary on Numbers 22:13 reveals that the Lord, in His anger, instructed through the angel, "Go, but what I place in your mouth you shall declare." This implies that you will not communicate your own thoughts but rather those that are compelled by divine authority. I will resonate through you as an empty instrument. You will only convey what you hear, yet do not comprehend. You will find no benefit in this venture; you will return lacking both monetary gain and the blessings of grace.