Wild TestamentSample

Donkey Talks to Balaam

What’s the most bizarre way God has ever got your attention? In Numbers 22, God speaks to  Balaam with a talking donkey. Yep, a talking donkey. Here’s how it went down. 

Balaam was a prophet — someone who would communicate to God’s people what He was saying to them. Balak, the king of Moab, was scared of Israel, so he offered Balaam money to curse them. 

Instead of saying no immediately, which is what Balaam should have done, he entertains the thought. And because of the greed in his heart, Balaam goes to Moab to meet Balak.  

Along the way, the donkey Balaam is riding begins to turn from the path and refuses to go forward. Balaam strikes the donkey for being disobedient, but “then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey,” and the donkey began to talk (Numbers 22:28). Crazy right?!

The Bible says Balaam was “rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey — an animal without speech — who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness” (2 Peter 2:15-16). Balaam was so blinded by his sin, God had to use a talking donkey to get his attention!

Even though Balaam was a prophet and knew God’s voice, he still had the ability to disobey. Balaam still needed God’s help, and in this case, His correction, to overcome the evil in his heart.  

The good news for us is that when we are saved, we receive a helper, the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to walk in obedience. 

When we are tempted to do wrong, like Balaam was, we can turn back to God. And instead of being met by judgment, we will be met with grace and forgiveness because of Jesus’ finished on the cross. The penalty for our sin has already been paid, giving us the freedom and forgiveness we need to get up each day and begin again. 

Reflect:

• What is one crazy way God has gotten your attention? 


• Are you asking the Holy Spirit to help you walk in obedience? Or, are you trying to do it on your own?


• Is there any area of your life where you know you’re being disobedient? What would it look like for you to turn and run back to God?