Balaam’s Talking Ass is a fascinating and memorable biblical narrative in the story Balaam’s donkey in Numbers 22:21–38. There’s divine intervention, human stubbornness, and a donkey that speaks to deliver a divine message in this tale. The passage reveals profound truths about obedience, spiritual blindness, and God’s sovereignty in guiding His people, even in the midst of the most unexpected circumstances.
It is Balak, the king of Moab, who summons Balaam, a prophet known for his ability to bless and curse, to curse the Israelites. Despite God’s explicit warning against going, Balaam saddles his donkey and sets out with Moabite officials, despite persistent requests and the lure of reward. As a result, God sends an angel to block Balaam’s path, setting up a dramatic confrontation, not between Balaam and the angel, but between him and his donkey.
As soon as the donkey sees the angel with a drawn sword, it reacts with increasing urgency. It first veers off into a field. Balaam beats it back, unaware of the angel. In a narrow vineyard path, the donkey presses against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot, prompting another beating. Balaam beats the donkey again when it lies down, refusing to move, in a space where there is no room to turn.
Despite appearing to disobey Balaam, the donkey’s actions are actually in response to divine obstacles.
In a moment that defies natural expectations, God opens the donkey’s mouth. The donkey speaks, asking, “What have I done to you to deserve beating me three times?” (Numbers 22:28). As Balaam converses with the donkey, he expresses his frustration: “You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you now” (v. 29).
When Balaam questions the donkey about its behavior, the donkey responds calmly and logically, pointing out its loyalty and questioning why Balaam assumes the behavior of the donkey is malicious.
It is a funny and sobering exchange. The donkey, an ordinary beast of burden, becomes the voice of reason, while Balaam, the prophet, is blinded by pride and anger. Balaam’s spiritual shortsightedness is shown by the absurdity of arguing with his donkey. Rather than seeing God’s intervention, he is focused on his own agenda, which is likely the promise of wealth and prestige.
As he sees the angel of the Lord, sword in hand, standing in the road, God opens Balaam’s eyes. According to the angel, the donkey’s actions saved Balaam’s life: “I would certainly have killed you by now if it hadn’t turned away, but I would have spared it” (v. 33). In response to Balaam’s sin, he immediately repents: “I did not realize you were standing in the road in opposition to me” (v. 34). Although the angel permits him to continue, he is instructed only to speak what God instructs.
Despite being attuned to God’s voice, Balaam is blind to His presence, while the donkey, lacking spiritual insight, sees what Balaam cannot. This reversal highlights a critical theme: spiritual blindness. Because of our own stubbornness or distractions, we can miss God’s guidance too often.
The story of Balaam’s donkey offers timeless lessons for modern readers. First, it reminds us of God’s sovereignty. Even when we stray, God can use unexpected means—a talking donkey, a difficult circumstance, or a timely word-to redirect us.
The donkey’s obedience to God’s unseen messenger contrasts with Balaam’s reckless pursuit of his own desires. This urges us to align our actions with God’s will.
Second, the passage warns against spiritual blindness. Balaam’s anger blinded him to the donkey’s wisdom and intervention. You read that correctly Balaam was so mad he didn’t notice his donkey was talking. I digress. How often do we lash out at obstacles or people in our lives, failing to see God’s hand? It encourages humility and openness to divine correction, even when it comes from unlikely sources.
God gives Balaam a chance to realign with His purpose, despite his initial disobedience. This grace reminds us that God is patient, and ready to guide us back when we acknowledge our errors.
The tale of Balaam’s donkey is more than a Bible story. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s ability to speak through the mundane and correct through the unexpected. Whether through a stubborn donkey or a challenging situation, God’s voice guides us toward obedience and truth. As we navigate our own paths, may we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts ready to follow wherever God leads. Even if the messenger is as unlikely as a talking donkey.
The satirical way God rebukes Balaam with his donkey is not the only reason I love this story. When your donkey scolds Balaam in his own language he doesn’t react, just goes along with it. What level of anger is that?
