Donkey Wise

We often learn the best lessons when something absurd happens to us.  Balaam had an encounter with God and his donkey that would help him learn to do things God’s way. 

Balaam was a false prophet or sorcerer who liked to receive money for his services.  He was essentially hired by a king to curse the Children of Israel.  On the journey to his job, his donkey began to act weirdly.  On three occasions, Balaam beat the animal in response to its actions.  After the third beating, the Lord allowed the donkey to speak and the donkey began questioning and chastising Balaam.

The story is a bit comical.  First, who’s ever heard of a donkey speaking to a person.  But the story also provides a serious lesson.  While most people assess a donkey to be a stubborn, simple animal, it’s actually quite intelligent with phenomenal memory.  The animal in this story was characterized as a symbol of “service, suffering, peace and humility” (en.wikipedia.org). 

The donkey could see what the man could not.  The animal had the sense to try to get out of the way of the angel of the Lord, but because Balaam couldn’t see or sense what the donkey knew, he made assumptions about the donkey’s actions.  In fact, Balam blamed the animal for making him look badly (verse 29).  Until the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, he had no awareness of God’s presence.  Balam’s perspective was skewed but the donkey’s perspective was clear.   

Balaam and the king had one plan (curse the Children of Israel), but God had another plan (bless the Children of Israel).  God used the donkey to get Balam’s attention and cooperation.  And, as you’ve likely guessed, God won.