The donkey and the sword

February 3, 2021 (Wednesday)

 

Last time we left Balaam in God’s dog house. Let’s recap the story. When King Balak panicked, he sent messengers to Balaam with the intent of having Israel cursed. The first time, God told Balaam no. Balak asked a second time. God told Balaam to go, but only do what he is told to do.

 

But first, and introduction to the hero of the story! “So Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.” [Numbers 22:21 ESV] Believe it or not, a donkey will be the hero of this episode.

 

Then we read this, “But God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him.” [Numbers 22:22 ESV] I suggested, Balaam’s problem was not that he went as instructed. I think Balaam intended to sell out for the house full of silver and gold.

 

This verse is terrifying for three reasons. First, God’s “anger was kindled” against Balaam. Second, God had become Balaam’s adversary. Finally, God took a direct means to prevent Balaam’s behavior. Think about having God angry with you. Multiply that with God marking you for special treatment as a personal “adversary.” Now imagine God sending His “angel” to stop you.

 

Balaam is ignorant of all this, which makes this both a comedy and a tragedy. “And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road.” [Numbers 22:23 ESV] This happened not once, not twice, but three times!

 

I think it is funny the donkey saw what the prophet did not. I think it is sad the donkey got beat for saving Balaam’s life. We often use a donkey as an illustration of a stupid and stubborn animal. I think it is twisted that, “And Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.” [Numbers 22:27b ESV] Notice the same wording as God being angry with Balaam. Balaam has assumed the position of God and the donkey is in Balaam’s place.

 

Here’s where the story gets interesting, “Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” [Numbers 22:28 ESV] So what would you do if the donkey you have ridden all your life talked to you?

 

The only logical answer? Argue with it! “And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.” [Numbers 22:29 ESV] It’s foolish to argue with a donkey but Balaam loses the argument! “And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.” [Numbers 22:30 ESV]

 

Balaam is so blinded by is rage, he actually talks back to the donkey. After the Lord opens Balaam’s eyes, “And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me.” [Numbers 22:32 ESV] Aside: there seems to be a connection between someone’s spiritual state and how they treat animals (see Proverbs 12:10).

 

Balaam, someone who should have been listening to God became ignorant because of his own motivations. Greed is a dangerous pursuit and rage is a blinder. Kind of nice to have a donkey on your side to knock you out of your own world when that happens. Just don’t argue with the donkey when he talks to you.