Balaam’s Mission: A Prophet Hired to Curse
Balaam lived near the Euphrates River. Though not an Israelite, he had some knowledge of the God of Israel. When the Israelites began conquering territory on their way to the Promised Land, King Balak of Moab grew afraid. He sent princes to Balaam with a request: come and curse this growing nation.
Balaam prayed, and God responded:
“You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12)
When more messengers came offering riches and honor, Balaam asked again. God allowed him to go but gave a condition:
“Only the word that I speak to you, that you shall do.” (Numbers 22:20)
The Journey: A Donkey Sees What the Prophet Cannot
Balaam set out on his donkey, accompanied by two servants. Though God allowed him to go, Scripture says:
“God’s anger was kindled because he went.” (Numbers 22:22)
An angel of the Lord stood in the path, sword drawn. Balaam couldn’t see the angel — but the donkey could.
- First, the donkey veered off the road. Balaam struck her.
- Then she pressed Balaam’s foot into a wall. He struck her again.
- Finally, with nowhere to turn, the donkey lay down. Balaam, now furious, struck her a third time.
Then God Opened the Donkey’s Mouth
“What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” (v. 28)
Balaam replied, “You made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword so I could kill you.”
The donkey answered, “Am I not your donkey, which you have ridden all your life to this day? Was I ever known to do this?”
“No,” Balaam admitted.
Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way. He fell on his face.
The angel said:
“Your way is perverse before me. The donkey turned aside these three times. If she had not, I would have killed you and let her live.” (vv. 32–33)
Lessons From the Talking Donkey
God Can Use Anything — Even a Donkey
If God can use an animal to speak truth, He can use anything in your life — a delay, a detour, even a struggle — to warn, guide, or protect you.
Spiritual Blindness Is Real
Balaam was a prophet, yet it was the donkey who saw the angel first. Many today, even believers, can become so fixed on their goals that they miss divine redirection.
Humility Matters
Balaam’s path looked righteous, but his heart was tempted by reward. The fear of man and the desire for honor can dull our hearing. Stay humble and discerning.
God’s Mercy Often Looks Like Interruption
The donkey’s behavior seemed inconvenient — but it saved Balaam’s life. What frustrates you may be God’s mercy in disguise.
Prophetic Echoes: God Still Speaks Through the Unexpected
This is not just a lesson about animals. It’s a warning for our times. Scripture tells us deception will increase in the last days. Yet God still interrupts destruction, still protects His people, and still speaks — sometimes through the lowly, sometimes through what the world ignores.
“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:27
Final Thought: What’s God Using to Get Your Attention?
Have you been ignoring that “donkey” in your life — that delay, that discomfort, that blocked path? God may be speaking. He may be protecting you. He loves you enough to stop you — even if it takes the supernatural.
So next time something strange happens…
Pause.
Pray.
And ask, “Lord, are You speaking through this?”
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