Mtr Beth Clarke

Friends in Christ,

There are only two stories about talking animals in the entire Bible. The first is the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The second is from our reading today in the book of Numbers (Numbers 22:21-38). But unlike the serpent, today’s animal, a donkey, does not tempt its human companion into sin; instead, it tells the truth.

For some context, Numbers, the fourth book of the Bible, details the Israelites’ 40-year journey from Mount Sinai to the borders of the Promised Land. As the Israelites near Moab on their final stage, Moab’s King, Balak, fears the blessed nation and hires a pagan sorcerer, Balaam the Seer, to curse them.

As Balaam rides on his donkey to encounter the Israelites, an angel blocks their way with a drawn sword. But, ironically, (and this story is full of irony), Balaam the Seer cannot see the angel, but his donkey can. Protecting Balaam, the donkey turns off the road, crushes Balaam’s foot, and then simply lies down. Retributively, Balaam beats the donkey, and then God gives the donkey speech.

Sensibly, the donkey asks Balaam why he keeps beating her, and Balaam responds that it’s because she has made a fool out of him. The donkey reminds Balaam that she has served him faithfully for years and has never behaved this way before. This is when Balaam’s eyes are opened, and he realizes that the donkey has actually saved his life. Later, when Balaam tries to curse Israel, he finds he can only bless God’s people. The Seer who could not see sees the truth and comes to be guided by God alone.  

The upside-down-ness of this story points to a couple of insights. First, we should look for “seers” in unlikely places. Balaam is an unexpected prophet. And yet, God speaks through him, an outsider, reminding us that truth is not confined to those with whom we already know and agree. Second, donkeys are not known for their sensibilities, but this one knew the truth.

Who do we dismiss when we should be listening?

What may fear and echo chambers be keeping us from learning about God and one another?

The miracle in today’s story may not be that the donkey talks; it may be that even in the most upside-down situations, God can open our eyes. May we, too, be blessed with true sight.

Yours in Christ,

—Mtr Beth