One of the most unusual and fascinating accounts in the Bible is found in Numbers 22—the account of Balaam and his talking donkey. While it may seem like an odd moment in Scripture, this event carries profound truths about God’s providence, man’s stubbornness, and divine intervention.
Balaam was a prophet-for-hire, a man with spiritual gifts but a heart that was easily swayed by greed. His encounter with the donkey was not just about a miraculous talking animal—it was God Himself stepping in to prevent Balaam from making a disastrous mistake.
Who Was Balaam?
This account takes place during Israel’s journey to the Promised Land. The Israelites had grown strong in number, and the surrounding nations feared them.
Balak, the king of Moab, was terrified of Israel’s power. Instead of attacking them outright, he sought spiritual assistance—he wanted a curse placed on Israel.
“Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: ‘Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! Therefore, please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me.’” (Numbers 22:5-6)
Balaam was known as a diviner, a prophet-for-hire, someone who could pronounce blessings or curses. He was not an Israelite, yet he had some knowledge of Jehovah, the true God.
When Balak’s messengers came with money, Balaam asked God what to do, and God clearly said:
“You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12)
At first, Balaam obeyed and sent them away. But Balak sent more messengers with greater riches, appealing to Balaam’s greed. This time, Balaam sought God again—even though God had already made His will clear. God allowed Balaam to go with them, but He was angry because Balaam’s heart was compromised. Balaam’s willingness to entertain the offer of riches showed that he desired gain more than obedience to God.
The Talking Donkey: Divine Intervention on the Road
As Balaam set out on his journey to Moab, something supernatural happened.
“Then God’s anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.” (Numbers 22:22)
Unbeknownst to Balaam, the Angel of the Lord (likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ) stood in the road to oppose him. However, Balaam could not see him—but his donkey did.
Three times, the donkey tried to avoid the Angel of the Lord:
- It turned off the road into a field (Numbers 22:23).
- It pressed against a wall, crushing Balaam’s foot (Numbers 22:25).
- It stopped and lay down, refusing to move (Numbers 22:27).
Each time, Balaam beat the donkey in anger, not realizing that the animal was trying to save his life.
Then something miraculous happened:
“Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?’” (Numbers 22:28)
Instead of being shocked that his donkey was speaking, Balaam argued back!
“And Balaam said to the donkey, ‘Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!’” (Numbers 22:29)
The donkey then rebuked Balaam with wisdom:
“Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?” (Numbers 22:30)
Balaam finally realized that something greater was happening, and at that moment, God opened his eyes.
“Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.” (Numbers 22:31)
The Angel of the Lord confronted Balaam, telling him that if the donkey had not stopped, He would have killed Balaam but spared the donkey (Numbers 22:33).
What Does This Teach Us About God?
God Can Use Anything to Speak to Us
If God can speak through a donkey, He can speak through circumstances, people, and even the unexpected. Balaam was too stubborn to listen to God’s voice in his heart, so God used something extraordinary to get his attention.
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)
God’s Providence Cannot Be Manipulated
Balak wanted Balaam to curse Israel, but God had already blessed them. No amount of bribery, sorcery, or human intervention could undo what God has blessed.
“For there is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob And of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’” (Numbers 23:23)
God Resists the Proud But Gives Grace to the Humble
Balaam thought he was in control, but God humbled him through a donkey. His arrogance and greed led him to oppose God unknowingly.
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
Partial Obedience is Still Disobedience
Balaam tried to obey God halfway—he sought permission to go, even when God had already spoken. His heart was divided, and he ultimately paid the price for his compromise (Numbers 31:8).
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
My Final Thoughts
The account of Balaam and the talking donkey is not just about a miraculous event—it is a powerful lesson in obedience, humility, and God’s blessings.
God will use whatever it takes to warn His people and correct their paths. Balaam’s greed blinded him, and he needed an animal to open his eyes. How often do we miss God’s warnings because we are too focused on our own desires?
God is speaking to us through His Word. The question is, are we listening?
