“Balaam’s Donkey” recalls the remarkable account in which God used a humble donkey to prevent the prophet Balaam from acting against His will. When Balaam was summoned by King Balak of Moab to curse the people of Israel, God permitted him to go but remained displeased with the intentions surrounding the journey.
As Balaam traveled, the Angel of the Lord stood in the road with a drawn sword. Though Balaam could not see the angel, his donkey saw the heavenly messenger and repeatedly turned aside to avoid danger. Frustrated, Balaam struck the animal. Then God performed a miracle, enabling the donkey to speak and question why it was being beaten. Afterward, the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he finally saw the Angel of the Lord standing before him.
The story demonstrates that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding and that He can use even the lowliest of creatures to accomplish His purposes. It serves as a lesson in humility, obedience, spiritual discernment, and attentiveness to God’s guidance.
Numbers 22:21–35
Balaam’s donkey sees the Angel of the Lord and miraculously speaks.
Numbers 22:31
The Lord opens Balaam’s eyes, allowing him to see the angel.
Numbers 23:7–24:25
Instead of cursing Israel, Balaam speaks blessings as directed by God.
2 Peter 2:15–16
The Apostle Peter refers to Balaam and the donkey as a warning against spiritual error.
Illustration by: Colton Rompala