The Story of Balaam and the Talking Donkey (Numbers 22)

After the Israelites had camped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, ready to enter the Promised Land, King Balak of Moab grew very afraid. He saw how numerous and powerful the Israelites were. So, he sent messengers to a man named Balaam, hoping to hire him to curse the Israelites and weaken them.

Balaam was a prophet known for his ability to bless or curse through the word of God. When Balak’s messengers arrived, Balaam asked God for guidance. God warned him not to go with them or curse the Israelites because they were blessed (Numbers 22:12).

But Balak sent more prestigious officials, promising Balaam great rewards if he would come and curse the Israelites. This time, God told Balaam to go with the men but to say only what God commanded (Numbers 22:20).

As Balaam traveled on his donkey to meet King Balak, an incredible event happened. God’s angel stood in the road to oppose him, but Balaam did not see the angel. His donkey did, though, and it turned aside to avoid the angel.

Balaam was angry and struck the donkey to get it back on the road. Then the donkey saw the angel again and pressed against a wall, crushing Balaam’s foot. Balaam struck the donkey again.

Finally, the donkey saw the angel a third time and lay down under Balaam. Balaam, frustrated, struck the donkey again.

At that moment, God opened the donkey’s mouth, and it spoke to Balaam: “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28).

Then God opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel standing in the road with a sword. The angel told Balaam that if the donkey had not turned aside, Balaam would have been killed.

Balaam humbled himself and promised to go only if God allowed it, speaking only the words God gave him.

Key Verse:

Numbers 22:31
"Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn."

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