While the Bible contains many well-known stories and events, there are also some truly peculiar and oft-overlooked passages. One such episode is the account of Balaam's talking donkey found in the Book of Numbers. This bizarre narrative not only features a miraculous event but also carries significant theological implications.
The text of the passage is Numbers 22:21-31:
And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him. And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. (Numbers 22:21-31 KJV)
The passage continues with the angel rebuking Balaam and allowing him to proceed on the condition that he speaks only what God tells him.
The story begins with Balaam, a pagan diviner, being hired by the Moabites to curse the Israelites. On his way, an angel of the Lord blocks Balaam's path, but Balaam cannot see the angel. However, his donkey can perceive the angel and tries to avoid it by turning off the road three times, causing Balaam to beat the animal in frustration.
Then, in a remarkable twist, the donkey speaks and questions Balaam's treatment of it, asking, "What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?" (Numbers 22:28). Balaam, seemingly unfazed by the miraculous occurrence, engages in a conversation with the donkey, revealing his inability to see the angel obstructing their way.
This event is unique in the Bible, as it is one of only two instances where an animal is granted the power of speech (the other being the serpent in the Garden of Eden). This miracle highlights God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to work through unconventional means.
The passage portrays Balaam as blind to spiritual realities that even a donkey could perceive, emphasizing humankind's tendency toward spiritual blindness and the need for God to intervene dramatically at times.
This obscure account underscores how God uses parables and paradoxical teachings to shake people from spiritual complacency, just as Jesus did during His ministry. It also highlights God's desire to bless all nations, not just Israel, as Balaam was a non-Israelite prophet hired to curse God's chosen people.
Moreover, the story serves as a reminder that God can speak through the most unexpected and unlikely means, challenging our assumptions and preconceptions about how He works.
The bizarre yet profound narrative of Balaam's talking donkey encourages readers to slow down and not overlook the spiritual treasures contained even in the Bible's strangest stories. It reminds us to approach Scripture with open minds and hearts, ready to be challenged and transformed by God's unconventional ways.
Written by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com) and posted at ultrafree.org/articles. Fell free to copy and repost, free of charge.