The account of Balaam's donkey speaking is one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in the Old Testament, illustrating God's sovereignty and ability to use any means to accomplish His purposes. This event is found in the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 22:21-35.

Context and Background

Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites who were encamped on the plains of Moab. Despite God's initial command to Balaam not to go with Balak's messengers, Balaam was eventually permitted to go, but only under the condition that he would speak only what God instructed him.

The Miracle

As Balaam set out on his journey, riding his donkey, God's anger was kindled because Balaam's heart was inclined towards the rewards offered by Balak. The Angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. The donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing with a drawn sword and turned aside into a field. Balaam struck the donkey to get it back on the road.

The Angel of the LORD appeared a second time in a narrow path between vineyards, with walls on both sides. The donkey pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam's foot, and he struck her again. The third time, the Angel of the LORD stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn. The donkey lay down under Balaam, and in anger, Balaam struck the donkey with his staff.

At this point, the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and she spoke to Balaam: "What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?" (Numbers 22:28). Balaam, seemingly unfazed by the miraculous event, engaged in a conversation with the donkey, expressing his frustration. The donkey reasoned with Balaam, reminding him of her faithful service and questioning whether she had ever acted this way before.

Divine Revelation

Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. Balaam bowed low and fell facedown. The Angel of the LORD rebuked Balaam for his reckless path and explained that the donkey had saved his life by turning away. Balaam confessed his sin and offered to return home, but the Angel instructed him to continue, reiterating that he must only speak what God tells him.

Theological Significance

This miracle underscores several key theological themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Control: God demonstrates His control over creation by enabling a donkey to speak, highlighting His ability to use any means to fulfill His purposes.

2. God's Protection and Guidance: The incident reveals God's protective nature, as He intervenes to prevent Balaam from proceeding on a path that would lead to destruction.

3. Human Blindness and Divine Revelation: Balaam's inability to see the Angel of the LORD contrasts with the donkey's spiritual perception, illustrating the theme of spiritual blindness and the necessity of divine revelation for true understanding.

4. Obedience to God's Word: The narrative emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as Balaam is repeatedly reminded to speak only what God commands.

The account of Balaam's donkey serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and the unexpected ways He can communicate His will to humanity.Numbers 22:23-30
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.
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