Try the latest Words of Life as Spotify Podcasts.

Tip: To see latest Words of Life, use Refine Search to list by Year. If using Mobile device, Refine Search may be located at end of page.

We find that Balaam is a biblical figure mentioned in the book of Numbers, in the Old Testament.  He is known for an incident involving a talking donkey. Here I wish to give a summary of the story: Balaam was a prophet from the region of Pethor, The King of Moab, Balak, saw that the Israelites were becoming a powerful nation and feared their presence. Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites in oracle to weaken them. Balak sent messengers to Balak, offering him rewards if he would curse the Israelites, Balaam consulted with God, who initially instructed him not to go with the messengers. However, when Balak sent more prominent officials with greater promises, Balaam sought God’s guidance again.

God allowed Balaam to go but wanted him to speak only what God commanded him. As Balaam was on his way, an angel of the Lord stood in the path with a drawn sword, Although Balaam’s donkey saw the angel and tried to avoid it, Balaam, in his impatience, became angry and struck the donkey three times.

Then a remarkable event occurred: the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it spoke to Balaam, asking why he had beaten her. Balaam’s eyes were opened, and he saw the angel standing before him. The angel explained that the donkey had saved Balaam’s life by turning away from the angel’s sword.

Realizing his error, Balaam acknowledged his sin and offered to turn back, but the angel instructed him to continue on his journey to see Balak. However, Balaam was only allowed to speak the words that God put in his mouth.

When Balaam reached Balak, instead of cursing the Israelites, he pronounced blessings over them according to God’s instructions. Balaam’s attempts to curse the Israelites were repeatedly thwarted by God, and he ended up pronouncing blessings three times.

The story of Balaam and his talking donkey serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His commands. It highlights the concept that even when someone intends to do harm, God can use unusual means to accomplish His purposes.

We must remember that Balaam brought a prophesy, that took almost 1500 years to come to pass when he prophesized the birth of Christ. Numbers 24:17 “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, And shall smite the corners of Moab, And destroy all the children of Sheth”.