The Seeing Donkey’s Tale of the Blind Prophet

Or The Beating of a Faithful Donkey

Numbers records the King of Moab went to Balaam asking him to curse the Israelites. This course of action, Balak believed, would help his people, the Moabites, defeat the Israelites in battle. God took a dim view of this approach and told Balaam twice not to go. Still, Balaam wishing the reward offered by the King Balak continued to desire to go to the Moabite kingdom, and hopefully, God would allow him to meet enough of the King’s requirements that he would receive all the wealth promised. Balaam, therefore, returned to God and asked again. This time, however, God said he could go but with restrictions.

Apparently, Balaam did not care that God had restrained him from speaking anything detrimental to the nation of Israel. At first light, with dreams of wealth, Balaam saddled his donkey to travel to Moab. It is possible Balaam’s mind daydreamed of his potential wealth or some other thing because he was not aware of his surroundings and suddenly who woke up off the road.

In the meantime, the donkey diligently paying attention to the path, could see the obstacles ahead, but the prophet (seer or one who sees) was blind. How ironic that a beast not known for wisdom or following directions had been obedient except on this occasion. To spare her master’s life, she veered off the road and finally laid down under Balaam. All this happened without him discerning God’s presence on the road.

When Balaam consulted with God only minutes before, why was he blind to God’s presence, but the donkey could see? From the context, God was trying to point out first that Balaam was going not to serve God but his own sinful desires. Balaam’s intentions did not align with God’s will. Second, Balaam focused on the temporal wealth rather than the eternal reward God would give him through obedience to His direct command. Do you think he was scheming a course to curse Israel but planned to do it in such a way as to appear to obey God? In any case, Balaam’s heart was indifferent to God’s presence and His will.

God allowed the donkey to talk to Balaam; I suspect she shocked him with her speech for his betrayal and unfounded beatings. In the same way, God called Balaam to examine his heart’s deceitfulness, and to be aware of the spiritual battle waging for his soul.

God illustrated He would block Balaam’s schemes to attain wealth and honor over obedience. In the same way, God calls us to examine our hearts and minds to see if our intentions align with God’s word.

Before I end today, I wanted to share the poem below:

Ode to a Donkey

When Balaam saddled his faithful steed,
He was blinded by his greed.
The wise donkey’s clear visage
Enabled her to safely steer
Away from danger into the clear.

In payment for her faithful work
Balaam thrice beat her sore
Very angry with his mare
After the whipping, he swore.

The little girl, gifted by God, then spoke
“What have I done wrong, Master?
Thrice I saved you from disaster.”

Then Balaam admitted his error.
Eyes now open to the peril
Falling before God in terror.

God in His mercy spared him,
But warned him, “Not a single word
Beyond what I gave you
Or you will surely die by the sword.”

Eons pass; God informs the church
These examples are for instruction
To prevent travel on paths to sin
Guard all your minds from corruption
Submit to Me and live eternally.

Go with God into this year, walk in His path, follow His leading.

Maranatha,

S.D.G., To God Be the Glory