Today, I want to talk about the powerful lessons from Balaam’s Talking Donkey. Yes, it might be the weirdest story in the Bible, but it actually packs with so many spiritual insights and inspirations that could help us better understand what it really means to be a true follower of Yahshua, also known as Jesus Christ.
Let’s be honest: sometimes the Bible has some truly incredible stories.
Stories that, if we didn’t know better, would sound more like fairy tales than divine wisdom.
Balaam’s talking donkey is one of those stories.
But behind this wild tale, we find some of the most powerful lessons in all of Scripture—lessons on listening, humility, and obedience that speaks to us today as urgently as it did thousands of years ago.
We all have moments when we feel we know exactly what we need to do.
We have our plans, our ambitions, and sometimes even that relentless, driving determination to follow our desires.
But the story of Balaam and his donkey? It reminds us that God’s perspective is not only better—it’s essential.
And sometimes, God will go to extraordinary lengths to get our attention.
So let’s unpack this story and see what we can learn from an unlikely messenger: a humble, stubborn, and shockingly vocal donkey.
The Context: Who Was Balaam?
Balaam wasn’t your average prophet.
He was known across the land for his powers of blessing and cursing, and people actually believed his words held spiritual authority.
When Balak, the king of Moab, saw the people of Israel drawing near his land, he got nervous.
So he sent for Balaam, hoping that Balaam would curse the Israelites and prevent them from conquering Moab.
Balaam wanted to go.
But God had already warned him not to curse the Israelites, saying, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12, ESV).
However, as the story unfolds, Balaam’s heart is pulled by the allure of riches, power, and the favor of the king.
Even though he knew what God wanted, Balaam was ready to do whatever it took to get what he wanted. And that’s where we see things start to unravel.
Now, that you have a background of our story, let’s now go through the 5 lessons from Balaam’s talking donkey.
Lesson #1: When God Speaks, It’s Best to Listen
We’re told in Numbers 22:21-34 that Balaam saddled his donkey and set out on his journey.
The fact that he ignored God’s initial warning is already telling. And then God sends an angel to block his path.
The donkey—seeing the angel that Balaam is blind to—stops, refusing to move forward. Balaam, blinded by his own desires, grows furious and beats the donkey.
What strikes me here is how many of us, in moments of frustration, can be so focused on getting our way that we fail to see God’s intervention in our lives.
Have you ever had a door slam shut unexpectedly?
Or felt as if circumstances were just conspiring to make you slow down or reevaluate your choices?
Sometimes, those interruptions are God’s way of redirecting us, reminding us to listen.
In Balaam’s case, God had to literally make a donkey talk to get his attention.
If God can use a donkey, He can use anything and anyone in our lives.
That person who seems to get in our way, that delay that’s driving us crazy, that failure that frustrates us—they might all be divine roadblocks, inviting us to pause and seek God’s will.
Lesson #2: Pride Can Blind Us to God’s Will
Balaam’s donkey saw the angel, but Balaam didn’t. Isn’t that interesting?
This spiritually acclaimed prophet, the one everyone looked up to for his “connection to the divine,” was completely oblivious.
Why?
Pride and self-interest blinded him.
When we’re focused on our own glory, wealth, or desires, it’s easy to miss the quiet whispers of God.
Pride convinces us that we know best.
Balaam thought he was entitled to the reward and prestige Balak promised, so he ignored every warning.
How often do we do the same?
We might think, “I know what I’m doing,” or, “I’ve got this,” even when we feel God nudging us in a different direction.
Pride dulls our spiritual senses. I
t’s a wall that blocks us from hearing God clearly.
That’s why humility is crucial in our walk with God. As James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
If we want to experience God’s guidance, we have to be willing to let go of our pride and open our hearts to His direction.
Lesson #3: God Cares Enough to Redirect Us—Even If It Hurts
When Balaam’s donkey veers off the path three times, he’s humiliated, angry, and frustrated.
But think about this: God cared about Balaam’s well-being enough to intervene.
He didn’t let Balaam go down a path that would ultimately harm him.
Sometimes, God’s intervention isn’t comfortable.
Sometimes, it feels like a detour.
But this story shows us that God is deeply invested in protecting us, even when we stubbornly push against His guidance.
When we feel roadblocked, it’s worth asking, “Is God trying to save me from something here?”
We serve a God who doesn’t just sit back and watch us go astray. He actively pursues us.
He cares about the details of our lives, and He wants to lead us in ways that will bless us, not harm us.
So, when God intervenes, even if it’s painful or humbling, we can trust that His motives are always rooted in love.
Lesson #4: God Uses the Unlikely to Speak to Us
Let’s not forget the star of this story—the donkey.
In the ancient world, donkeys were known for their stubbornness, not their wisdom.
And yet, this donkey, with no prophetic gifting or status, ends up being the vessel God uses to deliver His message.
God often speaks through the unexpected.
In today’s world, He might use a stranger’s words, a child’s innocent question, or even a tough conversation with a friend.
He could speak to us through a challenging situation, a health scare, or a sudden career change.
God’s voice isn’t limited to those we consider “qualified.” He speaks through whoever and whatever He chooses.
Let’s not dismiss the “donkeys” in our lives.
When we’re open to God’s guidance, we can find wisdom in the most unexpected places.
Lesson #5: God’s Will Cannot Be Manipulated
Despite Balaam’s reluctance, the story ultimately reveals that God’s will is sovereign.
Even though Balaam tried to push forward for his own gain, God ensured that His blessing on Israel was upheld.
Balaam couldn’t change God’s plan, and neither can we. God’s purposes stand firm, no matter what.
When we embrace God’s will, we can stop striving for control.
We can trust that God’s purposes will prevail, and that gives us freedom. Instead of bending God to fit our plans, we can surrender to His wisdom and allow Him to shape our paths.
This lesson humbles us and gives us hope—God’s way is always the best way.
The Talking Donkey: The Call to Surrender
At the end of the day, the story of Balaam’s donkey isn’t just about a strange conversation between a prophet and an animal.
It’s a reminder that God’s love is relentless. He will go to any length—even something as radical as making a donkey talk—to get our attention.
He cares too much to let us wander down paths that lead to harm.
So, my friend, if you’re at a crossroads, facing closed doors, or sensing that maybe your path isn’t aligning with God’s will—pause.
Reflect.
Pray.
Ask God to show you His way.
Let this story remind you that God’s way may not always make sense to us, but it is always full of purpose, protection, and love.
Embrace the interruptions.
Trust the detours.
And remember: if God could use a donkey to speak to Balaam, He can use anything to reach you.
Don’t miss His voice.
