Balaam's Donkey Speaks

When King Balak of Moab saw the massive Israelite army camped at his border, he was terrified. He sent elders with generous payment to summon the diviner Balaam to curse the Israelites. God warned Balaam not to go, and initially he refused. But when Balak sent more distinguished messengers promising greater rewards, Balaam's greed overcame him, and God permitted him to go but told him to speak only what God commanded. As Balaam rode his donkey, an angel of the Lord stood in the way with a drawn sword. The donkey saw the angel and veered away three times, but Balaam could not perceive it and beat the donkey. Then God enabled the donkey to speak, and only then did Balaam's eyes open to see the angel. He fell face down in reverence and acknowledged his sin.