Odd Stories in the Bible
Balaam and the Talking Donkey: Numbers 22:22-35
That sounds like a kid’s fictional story, but yes, it’s in the Bible, so let’s dive in.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
That’s a good reason to consider this story. Balaam, a pagan prophet, has a reputation for speaking things that come true. He’s commissioned by the king of Israel’s enemies to curse them so they’ll have victory. God decided He needed to have a ‘conversation’ with this guy. That’s never good. Balaam is warned by God Himself not to curse His people because they remain under His blessing. He complied with God and refused the king. Good decision. The king tries again, in fact, he tried 3 times!
God’s now raging mad because Balaam’s going to comply with the king, therefore, made himself God’s adversary. Bad decision. God sent an angel to block Balaam’s way on his female donkey … here’s where it gets weird. The donkey was not only able to see the angel with his sword drawn, but diverts the trip into a field. Now, Balaam is fiery-angry too, so he pounds on the poor animal, who’s obviously scared to death, and gets her back on track. The angel blocked his way again! She did what any intelligent creature would do: she laid down. As he was continuing to beat her God gave this donkey the ability to speak and have another conversation. She asked, “Do I deserve this? You own me and I’ve served you well, is this normal behavior for me?”
Then God opened Balaam’s eyes, seeing the sword-wielding angel he collapsed. God was opposing this prophet and even the donkey knew it. The angel explained the donkey saved his life and he was sorry. He was ultimately never able to curse Israel, only bless her.
This inspired Bible story has some good points to consider that’ll teach and even correct us. First, the lower story shows us that God will go to any measure to protect you. His supernatural power is beyond our ability to understand and He’s not afraid to use it: that’s the upper story. He also has a sense of humor; a talking donkey, really? Next, God gets mad when the enemy, Satan … not people, oppose us and uses miraculous means to make His point. Finally, God created animals before His image bearers to serve us, but they also deserve our care as well. I wonder if God needs to have a ‘conversation’ with some of us who aren’t behaving well toward others. Are you holding a grudge, raging mad, or even malicious toward anyone? Are your words cursing or blessing others?
Let this odd story be your warning to make a good decision and speak life.
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